Excitement filled the air during the NFL Draft weekend as seven players from the Missouri Tigers made their way to professional football, including three draft picks and four undrafted free agents.

Offensive tackle Armand Membou was the first Tiger drafted, joining the New York Jets as the 7th overall pick. Shortly after, his former teammate, quarterback Brady Cook, also signed with the Jets. Meanwhile, wide receiver Luther Burden III was picked 39th overall by the Chicago Bears, landing a spot on a promising young offense.

Offensive tackle Marcus Bryant followed, selected by the New England Patriots at pick 220. Four players, including WR Theo Wease Jr. and RB Nate Noel, signed as undrafted free agents with the Miami Dolphins, while defensive end Johnny Walker Jr. joined the Denver Broncos to complete the Tigers' impressive NFL weekend.

The New England Patriots have bolstered their offensive line depth by selecting Marcus Bryant, a 6-foot-7, 320-pound tackle from Missouri, with the 220th overall pick in the seventh round. Previously, Bryant showcased his prowess at Southern Methodist University before transferring to Missouri, where he started all 13 games in 2024. His impressive physical attributes include 34⅝ inch arms and an 83⅛ inch wingspan, combined with a surprisingly quick 4.97 second 40-yard dash. This selection, alongside previously drafted Will Campbell and newly signed Morgan Moses, signals the Patriots' commitment to enhancing their tackle positions.

Despite his size, Bryant is noted for his agility, but experts highlight his need for improvement in knee-bending to enhance blocking efficiency. Analysts predict he could excel in pass protection at the NFL level, although his run blocking remains a work in progress. Coach Mike Vrabel seems intent on ensuring that the team has sufficient tackle depth, especially after a challenging 2024 season.