Mizzou has a small but notable presence at this year’s NFL Combine in Indianapolis, with quarterback Brady Cook, wide receivers Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr., and offensive lineman Armand Membou representing the Tigers. However, one key player missing from the event is defensive end Johnny Walker Jr., a snub that both Membou and Cook believe was a mistake.
“Johnny used to kill me,” Membou told reporters on Saturday. “He’s very slept on. Really good pass-rusher, has a great cross-chop, long arms.” Cook echoed those sentiments, saying, “I wish he was here. (Walker) had an unbelievable year.”
Despite not being invited to the Combine or appearing in Mel Kiper Jr.’s rankings of the top 10 defensive ends in the 2025 NFL Draft class, Walker had a standout 2024 season. The 6-foot-3 Tampa native started all 13 games, recording 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 pass breakup. He ranked 13th in the SEC in tackles for loss, fourth in sacks, and fifth in total quarterback pressures (50) according to Pro Football Focus.
Walker’s toughness was on full display during Mizzou’s Music City Bowl win over Iowa, where he played through an injury to record two sacks. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz praised Walker’s dedication, saying, “He’s got an injury. And I thought he wouldn’t play. In fact, I told him if he was my son I wouldn’t let him play. But he said, ‘No, I want to play.’ For him to play four quarters tonight, on an injury, when he could have said, ‘Nah, I’m going to tap out,’ man, you just don’t have that as much anymore.”
Walker wrapped up his four-year Mizzou career with 26 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles. After spending his first two seasons in a reserve role, he became a key contributor during Mizzou’s back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2023 and 2024—a historic feat for the program. Walker also impressed at the East-West Shrine Bowl, earning recognition from NFL Network’s Chad Reuter. He’ll have another chance to showcase his skills at Mizzou’s Pro Day on March 21, where he’ll aim to prove he belongs in the NFL.
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