It’s no secret the Missouri Tigers had a very impressive 2023 season, and one of the reasons for that was their roster that was (and still is) loaded with talent. Talented enough some of the Mizzou Tigers players like Darius Robinson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr, Kris Abrams-Draine, Javon Foster, Ty’Ron Hopper, and Cody Schrader have declared for the NFL Draft. We’ve gotten to see these players in action on the field and at the 2024 combine, now let’s see where these players project and see what the perfect fit might be for these Mizzou Tigers in the NFL.
Missouri Tigers Defensive Back Ennis Rakestraw Jr Projected First Mizzou Player Off The Board In 2024 NFL Draft
Ennis Rakestraw Jr is from Dallas Texas, and emerged as a standout corner for Mizzou in recent years. Joining the team as a three-star recruit in 2020, Rakestraw quickly made his presence known on the field. Then in 2021, Rakestraw Jr faced an ACL injury that sidelined him for the majority of the season, and in 2022 Rakestraw Jr played 12 games and chalked up 30 tackles, nine assists, and added 15 stops. In 2023 as a senior Rakestraw Jr saw action in nine games, and he logged 26 tackles, seven assists, and made 10 stops.
Rakestraw is a potential first-rounder, but could possibly go early in the second round. The perfect fit for Rakestraw Jr is the Washington Commanders. The Commanders need to improve their defense considering they were one of the worst in the league in 2023. Drafting Ennis Rakestraw Jr with their second pick at 36 overall after drafting Jayden Daniels first with the second pick overall is the best start to the 2024 NFL draft for the Washington Commanders to fill in the missing pieces, and improve their team for 2024.
Missouri Tigers Defensive Captain Darius Robinson Next Mizzou Player Projected Off The Board In 2024 NFL Draft
Darius Robinson was recognized as a three-star recruit before joining the Tigers. Starting with a modest presence in 2019, Robinson’s involvement and impact grew significantly each year, giving him a steady increase in both playing time and productivity. The upward trajectory continued into his senior year in 2022, where he played 12 games, tallying 21 tackles, five assists, and 18 total pressures over 417 snaps.
2023 marked Robinson’s most impressive season yet where he not only maintained his tackle and assist numbers, but also increased his impact as a pass rusher with 36 total pressures including, six QB hits, and an impressive eight sacks. The best place for Darius Robinson to get drafted is to get drafted to the San Francisco 49ers with their first or second pick which is 31st and 63rd, and replace Chase Young since the 49ers lost Young to the Saints. Robinsons development as an edge defender makes him capable of making a significant impact at the next level.
The Next Mizzou Player Projected To Go In The 2024 Draft
Kris Abrams-Draine is projected next off the board for Mizzou and is most likely going to be a day-two selection. Kris Abrams-Draine made a serious impact at Mizzou after starting his career with a minimal role that had dramatically expanded over the years. He really began to grab people’s attention in 2022 as a junior where he had 41 tackles, three assists, and added 12 stops.
In 2023 as a senior, Abrams-Draine saw action in 12 games where he logged 45 tackles, four assists, and made 16 stops with 10 pass breakups, and four interceptions. Not just a defender, his coverage skills earned him Second-team All-American and First-Team All-SEC honors in 2023. The perfect fit for Abrams-Draine is the Detroit Lions with their second or third-round pick a scrappy defensive back with a nose for football, a perfect fit for Dan Campbell’s defense in Detroit.
Day One And Two Complete Now Moving On To Day Three And Beyond
Now, we’re at day three and beyond and the next Mizzou player to go is Javon Foster. After redshirting in 2018, Javon Foster’s trajectory took a sharp upward turn, brewing up until a breakout 2023 season where he started every game at left tackle. His collegiate career starts showcased his durability and adaptability, being a player who lined up on both sides of the line.
Foster’s senior year achievements include first-team All-SEC and third team All-American honors. The best fit for a player like Javon Foster is to get drafted by the Tennessee Titans and help them to protect the quarterback up front. Javon Foster’s accolades, achievements, and upwards trajectory puts him on track to start for the Titans or any NFL team lucky enough to draft this talented offensive lineman.
What NFL Team Could Cody Schrader Be A Perfect Fit For
In 2022, in his first season at Mizzou after spending four years at Truman State (D-II), Cody Schrader saw action in 12 games for Mizzou as he ran for 685 yards on 156 attempts, with 8 touchdowns, and one fumble. he also made 18 receptions for 134 yards, and in 2023, he played another 12 games, and rushed for an outstanding 1483 yards on 248 carries, with 13 touchdowns, and one fumble.
In the passing game Schrader pulled in 21 receptions for 192 yards. Cody Schrader will most likely be a late round selection if he were to get picked up, and one team immediately comes to mind, the Los Angeles Chargers. In the absence of Austin Ekeler, Cody Schrader would be a perfect RB2 behind Gus Edwards in L.A. These Missouri Tigers players are primed, and ready to show what they’ve got in the NFL, and Missouri fans everywhere are excited to see as the 2024 NFL Draft quickly approaches.