NFL Draft Predictions for the Four Missouri Tigers Invited to the NFL Combine

From Feb. 27 to March 2, the NFL's top prospects will showcase their skills at the combine in Indianapolis.

Following a 10-win season and with multiple NFL-caliber players, the Missouri Tigers will have four representatives at the combine.

Wide receiver Luther Burden, quarterback Brady Cook, offensive tackle Armand Membou, and wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. will all showcase their skills at the combine. But where might they be drafted when the 2025 NFL Draft takes place from April 24-26?

The combine has the potential to impact each player's draft stock, but as it stands now, here’s an evaluation of where each might be selected.

Luther Burden

There’s no better place to start than with Luther Burden, who has established himself as one of the top receivers in this class. His athleticism speaks for itself, as he consistently makes defenders miss every time he touches the ball.

While his numbers dipped slightly from his sophomore campaign, it’s hard to pin that on the East St. Louis native. He dealt with instability at quarterback throughout the season, and even when Brady Cook was healthy, there were plenty of missed opportunities.

This shouldn’t have a significant impact on Burden’s draft stock, but it could lead to a slightly later selection than when he was being considered a potential No. 1 overall pick earlier in the 2024 season.

Multiple sources project Burden as a mid-to-late first-round pick, which seems like a safe assessment. With Travis Hunter entering the combine as a defensive back, Burden ranks among the top two receivers in the class alongside Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan.

Whichever team drafts Burden will be adding a dynamic playmaker capable of making an immediate impact as a rookie. With the right coaching, there’s no reason he can’t develop into an elite NFL wide receiver.

Prediction: Round 1, Pick 21 - Pittsburgh Steelers

Armand Membou

Since announcing his entry into the 2025 NFL Draft, few players have seen their stock rise as much as Armand Membou. When he declared on Dec. 6, he was initially projected as a second- or third-round pick, but his value has continued to climb.

The main concern with Membou was his size, but he put those doubts to rest after measuring well at the Senior Bowl last month.

Membou spent three seasons as a key contributor for Mizzou, improving each year, thanks in large part to offensive line coach Brandon Jones. With the right coaching staff at the next level, he has the potential to develop into a premier NFL offensive lineman.

The Kansas City native has also showcased his versatility, with the ability to play both guard and tackle. It will be interesting to see where he fits best at the next level.

Given Membou's rising stock and skill set, it wouldn’t be surprising if he becomes the first Missouri Tiger selected on draft day—an outcome that seemed unlikely just a month ago.

A team in need of offensive line help could target Membou as early as No. 10 overall, where the Chicago Bears sit with a pressing need at the position.

Prediction: Round 1, Pick 10 - Chicago Bears

Theo Wease Jr.

Wease was one of the top second options in college football this past season. Few teams boast multiple NFL-caliber receivers, especially of the caliber of Burden and Wease.

While Wease may have been the second option, he was a key leader for the Tigers, serving as a team captain in his sixth season of college football. Given his extended college career, he won’t play an NFL snap until he's 24—if he makes the leap this season.

One advantage Wease has is his elite natural size and playmaking ability. He has showcased NFL-caliber body control and delivered several big plays during his time with the Missouri Tigers.

On the contrary, Wease has small hands for his size and he's struggled against physicality at the line of scrimmage when facing press coverage.

Ultimately, he may be the Missouri Tiger with the most to gain—or lose—at the combine. With all eyes on his performance, his showing could be the deciding factor in whether he gets drafted.

While Membou and Burden are easier to project, pinpointing Wease’s draft position is more challenging. That said, I believe he’ll catch the attention of at least one team and earn a late-round selection. He has the potential to make an immediate impact on an NFL roster, but exactly where he lands remains uncertain.

Prediction: Day 3 - TBD

Brady Cook

The final Missouri Tiger to receive an invite to the NFL Combine was none other than Brady Cook, unarguably the grittiest player on the team.

Cook spent three seasons as Mizzou’s starting quarterback, finishing his career with an impressive 26-13 record.

The St. Louis native was one of 15 quarterbacks invited to the combine, and it will be interesting to see how he stacks up against the top prospects at the position.

Cook possesses underrated athleticism, rushing for over 1,000 yards during his time at Mizzou. While he has struggled at times with deep-ball accuracy, he showcased elite leadership throughout his tenure with the Tigers.

It’s unlikely that Cook will be drafted, but the combine will give him a chance to showcase his skills. It will be interesting to see if he can impress scouts and potentially work his way into a UDFA deal.

Prediction: Undrafted