As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, anticipation is building around the potential selections from the Illinois Fighting Illini and Missouri Tigers, with players like Pat Bryant and Armand Membou drawing significant attention. The draft kicks off on April 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. CT/8:00 p.m. ET, and while Illinois may not have a first-round pick this year, their streak of having at least one player selected is expected to continue.
Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant is projected to be the Illini's representative in this year's draft. After a standout season where he recorded 54 receptions for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns, Bryant's performance was crucial in leading Illinois to its first 10-win season since 2001. His impressive stats have kept him on the radar of NFL scouts, especially after he participated in the Senior Bowl in February 2025, where he was initially ranked as the No. 15 wide receiver by ESPN.
However, Bryant's fortunes took a turn at the NFL Combine, where he ran a disappointing 4.61 40-yard dash, causing his draft stock to drop significantly. He fell to the No. 199 player overall on ESPN's Best Available list and is now ranked as the No. 24 wide receiver. Despite this setback, he remains a player to watch, with many believing that a team could land a sleeper pick by selecting him in the late fifth or early sixth round. "Some NFL team is going to get a sleeper with Pat Bryant deep in the 2025 NFL Draft," said one NFL analyst, highlighting Bryant's potential despite the recent decline in his ranking.
Bryant's physical attributes are still impressive; standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 204 pounds, he possesses great hands and an unmatched leadership quality. Throughout the season, he demonstrated his reliability by catching 69.2% of his targets, including multiple games with over 70 receiving yards. His ability to perform consistently against top competition raises the question: could he surprise everyone and outperform expectations in the NFL?
Meanwhile, Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou is making waves in the lead-up to the draft. The 6-foot-4, 332-pound prospect has been a dominant force on the offensive line, not allowing a single sack in 827 blocking snaps during the 2024-25 season. His performance earned him a spot on the 2024 All-SEC Second Team and recognition as a semifinalist for the prestigious Joe Moore Award, given to the best offensive line unit in the country. "I just want to show them my athletic ability," Membou said at the NFL Combine, where he showcased his agility and strength with a 4.91-second 40-yard dash and a vertical jump of 34 inches.
Membou's journey has been remarkable, especially considering he was initially projected as a guard by many analysts. However, his combine performance has solidified his status as a tackle, and he has rapidly climbed draft boards. In Eric Edholm's recent mock draft, Membou is projected to be selected by the New England Patriots with the fourth overall pick. "There's a scenario where the Patriots could get Hunter, but I think they'd be comfortable settling for a promising tackle such as Membou," Edholm noted, emphasizing the potential fit for Membou in New England.
With the NFL Draft just days away, teams are preparing to make crucial decisions that could shape their futures. The depth of this draft class is notable, particularly at key positions like EDGE, running back, and tight end. As teams finalize their boards, the uncertainty surrounding players like Bryant and Membou adds an extra layer of excitement. Will Bryant defy the odds and be selected earlier than anticipated? Can Membou prove his worth as a tackle in the NFL? Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the draft unfolds.
As the clock ticks down to draft day, the anticipation builds not just for the teams but for the players who have dedicated their lives to this moment. With their futures hanging in the balance, both Bryant and Membou are poised to make their mark in the NFL, regardless of where they land.
