COLUMBIA, Mo. — Are you ready for some dreams to come true?
A handful of Missouri football players are likely to be selected in this year’s NFL draft, which begins Thursday night in Detroit and continues through Saturday. It’s the byproduct of the Tigers’ best football season in a decade and a testament to the talent that has recently starred in Columbia.
Seven is the record for most Mizzou players taken in a single draft, dating to 1981. Multiple times, six MU products have been selected in a draft, most recently in 2015. And while it might not be likely, there’s a distinct chance of this year’s group of prospects producing at least seven draft picks.
Regardless of whose names are called, quite a few Missouri players are likely to sign with professional teams as undrafted free agents.
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Here’s a breakdown of where things stand for Mizzou’s draft prospects just before the start of the annual event:
Darius Robinson, edge rusher
Robinson, who spent five seasons with the Tigers, is one of just 13 potential draft picks who will take in the event from the green room in Detroit. He’s a potential first-round pick, though he’ll likely go late in that round if not in the second.
Robinson is an interesting positional fit for NFL scouts to evaluate. He spent the bulk of his college career at defensive tackle before spacing out to the edge for his final season. That produced 14 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks — including a run of seven consecutive games with one — but doesn’t give him as clear a fit in a pro-style defense. He doesn’t quite have the lean build or speed to be a modern edge rusher, nor the overwhelming strength of an interior D-lineman. But the versatility in his technique could play into his favor with the right schematic fit.
A spot to watch for Robinson’s name to be called is the 29th overall pick. That pick belongs to the Detroit Lions. Robinson grew up in the Detroit area, the draft is there and his hometown team has a selection in the range Robinson very well could go.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr., cornerback
Injuries robbed Rakestraw of a full final season of college football, but his aggression and man coverage abilities still have him high up on some draft boards. He only secured one interception in a Missouri uniform but emerged as a solid tackler in space.
Speed and health are seen as concerns with Rakestraw, who was limited in some of his offseason workouts following postseason surgery. But his physicality and ability to stick to receivers early in routes could give him a late first-round look.
If Rakestraw falls into the second round, the Houston Texans are a team to watch with the 42nd overall pick. Rakestraw took an official visit there after Mizzou’s March pro day.
Kris Abrams-Draine, cornerback
After initially committing to the Tigers as a wide receiver, Abrams-Draine switched to the other side of the ball and became a productive cornerback through three years as a starter. He wound up with four interceptions and 16 passes defended in 2023, the most in the Southeastern Conference. Draft analysts have some reservations about his smaller frame but like his production and competitive drive.
The Arizona Cardinals, who could use some cornerback help, may look to enlist Abrams-Draine’s services with the 104th overall pick, their fourth-round selection.
Javon Foster, offensive line
Foster spent six years in Columbia, starting 41 games across his Missouri career. He was the offensive line’s stalwart last season, which saw a turnaround and boosted the production of running back Cody Schrader. Foster’s frame and strength will translate immediately to the next level, though smoothing out his technique will likely mean he begins his career as a backup.
Several leading draft analysts have projected Foster to go to the Chicago Bears in the fourth round with the 122nd overall pick. If he goes there, he would reunite with former teammate Larry Borom, another MU product.
Ty’Ron Hopper, linebacker
Hopper transferred to Mizzou ahead of the 2022 season after starting his career with Florida. He settled in at weak-side linebacker but struggled with consistency in 2023 before missing the final three games of the year with a shoulder injury. His speed and blitzing ability appeal to analysts, but his tackling is sometimes lacking. Hopper is a candidate for sticking on a roster for special teams and rotational work.
The Kansas City Chiefs have greatly enjoyed having former Mizzou linebacker Nick Bolton roaming across their defense. Both of their fifth-round picks, at 159 overall and 173 overall, are spots that could see them selecting Hopper.
Cody Schrader, running back
One of the more remarkable stories and players to emerge at Mizzou in recent memory, Schrader led the SEC in rushing while setting a single-season MU record last year. His physical run style and age, which will make him a 25-year-old rookie, are drawbacks, but his competitive streak and work ethic will still appeal to teams.
The Chiefs could also use some depth at running back — could one of their aforementioned fifth-rounders be used on Schrader, too?
Jaylon Carlies, safety
Carlies is on the draft bubble. He played safety at Mizzou but has more of a linebacker build by NFL standards — another case of versatility being both an advantage and a question mark. A team like the Minnesota Vikings, with multiple seventh-round picks and a need for versatile defensive backs, might be interested.
Harrison Mevis, kicker
How many kickers actually go in the draft may be the ultimate indicator of whether the “Thicker Kicker†is picked or signs as a free agent. The Los Angeles Rams are a team that could look to pick a kicker, but Mevis might not be the target.