As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, three former Missouri football players took the field at the East-West Shrine Bowl, hoping to make a lasting impression on NFL scouts. Quarterback Brady Cook, defensive end Johnny Walker Jr., and wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. were all in Arlington, Texas, for the pre-draft showcase, with Cook and Walker taking the spotlight during the game, while Wease, still recovering from an injury, attended the event in support.
Walker, who played for the East team, was a standout performer in Thursday night’s matchup, helping his team dominate the West 25-0. His most notable moment came late in the first half, when he sacked his former teammate, Cook, forcing a fumble that the East team recovered. Throughout the game, Walker showcased his pass-rushing skills, consistently pressuring the West quarterbacks and even earning a sack in the fourth quarter. His strong performance has only boosted his draft stock, with Walker projected as a Day 3 pick.
Cook, who started for the West team, showed flashes of his talent despite the tough loss. He delivered a sharp back-shoulder throw to Will Sheppard for a 20-yard gain and completed back-to-back passes of over 15 yards in the second quarter. While his team struggled, Cook’s poise and playmaking ability remain appealing to scouts, with many projecting him as a late-round selection or a priority undrafted free agent.
Wease, who was unable to play due to a hand injury sustained during Missouri’s Music City Bowl victory, was still a part of the event and is expected to be a Day 3 draft pick. Despite his absence from the field, his presence at the Shrine Bowl kept him on scouts’ radars as he continues his recovery.
With five Missouri players—including Cook, Walker, and potential first-round picks Luther Burden III and Armand Membou—projected for the 2025 NFL Draft, Missouri’s football program is well-represented in the draft conversation. The draft will take place April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and all eyes will be on these Tigers as they look to make their mark on the next level.
