With the NFL Draft only two weeks away, attention is intensifying on the top prospects, as analysts and fans eagerly try to predict where they will land. In anticipation of the upcoming event, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. unveiled his latest mock draft on Tuesday, which includes significant shifts in the draft positions of several Missouri players.
The most notable change sees former Mizzou offensive tackle Armand Membou rising to No. 7, where he is projected to join the New York Jets. “Membou is powerful and quick, and he started 30 games at right tackle in college,” Kiper said. “It makes perfect sense for the Jets to plug him in there, with 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu holding down the left side.” The Jets recently signed quarterback Justin Fields, who has struggled with a high sack rate since his 2021 draft (10.5%), making the improvement of their offensive line a top priority. In Kiper’s previous mock, Membou was projected to go No. 11 to the San Francisco 49ers. If Membou is indeed drafted at No. 7, it would mark the highest draft selection for a Missouri player since Aldon Smith was taken at No. 7 by the 49ers in 2011.
In his updated mock, Kiper also included second-round projections, with Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III making the cut. This comes as a surprise to many, as Burden had been expected to be a first-round pick. Kiper forecasts Burden going to the New England Patriots at No. 38. “Burden’s stats weren’t as impressive in 2024 compared to 2023,” Kiper explained. “He dropped from 1,212 yards to 676, but he remains explosive and elusive with the ball.
His skill set would complement new Patriots signee Stefon Diggs well.” While Kiper has Burden as a second-round pick, he also mentioned that the Los Angeles Chargers could be hoping for one of the top three receivers or two tight ends to fall to them at their pick, which could potentially include Burden.
The 2025 NFL Draft will take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in the area surrounding Lambeau Field, Titletown, and the Resch Complex.
