Missouri Tigers' 2025 NFL Draft Preview: Insider reports on Luther Burden III, Armand Membou and more
The Tigers come off a sensational season in which they pummeled Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl then went on to place a player into the first round of the draft, something that hadn’t happened since 2017. Once again, the Missouri roster contains a first-round prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Missouri Tigers' 2025 NFL Draft Preview
#1 Luther Burden III
If the draft were held today, Luther Burden III would be the highest-rated prospect available. That doesn’t mean he would necessarily be the first player drafted; rather, moving towards the 2024 campaign, scouts have Burden ranked as the top next-level prospect in the nation—by a lot.
Burden is a strong, well-built receiver with terrific speed. Though he lacks a true second gear, he’s quick with a great initial burst that helps him beat opponents off the snap, and Burden catches the ball incredibly well.
He easily tracks passes in the air, times receptions, and makes the difficult over-the-shoulder reception at full speed. Burden also brings return potential.
I don’t grade Burden in the category of Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze; rather, I feel a Jaxon Smith-Njigba comparison is fair.
#2 Armand Membou
Missouri offensive tackle Javon Foster was selected in the fourth round last year, and right tackle Armand Membou could end up being drafted a little earlier.
Membou is woefully underrated in my opinion, as he’s a fundamentally sound run blocker who is also fluid, explosive, and effective on the move.
He’ll end up at guard in the NFL, and I feel Membou can line up in either a zone-blocking scheme or a power gap offense.
Mizzou football's 2025 NFL Draft projections by Tony Pauline
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