With the NFL Draft just over two weeks away, the eyes of the nation are fixed upon the top prospects as analysts and fans alike work to predict their soon-to-be new homes. To ring in the approaching date, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. released his latest mock draft Tuesday, featuring some considerable changes in Mizzou players’ draft stocks. Most notably, Kiper places former Mizzou offensive tackle Armand Membou at No. 7, heading northeast and joining the New York Jets. “Membou is powerful and quick, and he started 30 games at right tackle in college,” Kiper said. “It would make a lot of sense for the Jets to pop him into the lineup there, with 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu manning the left side.” The Jets recently signed quarterback Justin Fields, who boasts the league’s second-highest sack rate since being drafted in 2021 (10.5%), so boosting the offensive line is critical.
In Kiper’s previous mock draft, he had Membou at No. 11, heading to the San Francisco 49ers under Brock Purdy’s contingent. Should Membou be drafted at No. 7, he would be the highest drafted Missouri Tiger since Mizzou alum Aldon Smith was drafted at No. 7 by the 49ers in 2011.
In Kiper’s latest draft predictions, he included second round picks. On his Day 2 list is Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III, which might shock many to see the standout slide out of the first round. Kiper predicts Burden as the 38th pick, joining the New England Patriots. “Burden’s stat line wasn’t as impressive in 2024 as it was in 2023,” Kiper said. “He went from 1,212 yards to 676, but he’s explosive and elusive with the ball in his hands. His skill set would be a good complement to new signeeStefon Diggs.”
