Mizzou sent three guys to the NFL in the latest draft. Which Tigers are next up?
Another NFL Draft has come and gone, and Mizzou Football has once again proven its ability to send guys to the pros.
For the ninth time in the past 20 years, the program saw three or more players taken in the National Football League’s annual draft. And there’s a good chance that number could rise in 2026. Here are 10 guys on Mizzou’s roster that could hear their names called in Pittsburgh next April.
(Yes, we’re doing draft coverage one year in advance. That sweet Search Engine Optimization isn’t going to mine itself!)
Daylan Carnell
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Carnell had a chance to move on after the 2024 season, but his decision to stay in Columbia for a final season could work wonders for his draft stock. The Indianapolis native had his best season in a Mizzou uniform, posting career high PFF grades in all around defensive scores, tackling, and run defense. And while his coverage score wasn’t a career-best, he elevated it back to elite levels after a down year in 2023. Carnell is the heart and soul of Mizzou’s secondary, and his performance will be key to another Mizzou push for a CFP bid. Another year like last’s could see Carnell getting considered for Day One or Two selection.
Early prediction: Rounds 2-3
Connor Tollison
The graduate center undoubtedly had a down season in his junior year, but his talent and trajectory for the pros aren’t in question. He’s a multi-year starter and a highly-graded offensive lineman playing in the country’s most explosive, athletic conference. He’ll lead a remade offensive line this fall and could elevate his stock in his final year of eligibility.
Early projection: Rounds 4-7
Jalen Catalon
The former Razorback and Rebel is returning to the SEC for his final season of eligibility in an effort to prove he can still produce at the highest level. But even if he doesn’t reach the heights of his early career at Arkansas, Catalon has already proven he’s enough of a gamer to get a shot at the next level. He’s a ball-hawk who makes up for his lack of size with great vision in the secondary and an ability to read plays at a high level. A return to form in Power Four football could see Catalon earning a nod on Day Two.
Early prediction: Rounds 2-3
Dreyden Norwood
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Dreyden Norwood’s third season in Columbia didn’t go exactly as planned, as Norwood struggled to contain receivers after the catch and was targeted early and often by opposing QBs. But that shouldn’t erase memories of his strong start in a Mizzou uniform. Norwood was one of Mizzou’s most consistently excellent corners in 2022 and 2023, and he’ll be motivated to bounce back in his final year of eligibility. Show that last season’s coverage struggles and missed tackles were a blip, and Norwood could find himself in an NFL camp next summer.
Early projection: Rounds 4-7
Chris McClellan
If anyone on Missouri’s roster screams “NFL player,” it might be Chris McClellan. The senior is a tank of a human being and plays one of the most well-rounded games in the SEC. He’s a run-stuffer, a threat on the pass rush and has a high motor… what sort of NFL team wouldn’t want a guy like that? He’ll need to prove that he can be “great” at one or two things as opposed to being “very good” at everything, but his floor is high. Time to raise that ceiling young man.
Early projection: Rounds 2-3
Kevin Coleman, Jr.
Is Mizzou’s new wideout one of the most underrated in the country? It’s a fair question to ask considering his advanced numbers rival those of the former Mizzou WR1 that just got picked in the second round of the NFL Draft. Coleman has proven he can produce at the SEC level, but expectations in Columbia will be higher than they were in Starkville. Improving on his already strong YAC ability and proving he can elevate an unproven QB should give KCJ a good chance to become the second Mizzou WR drafted in as many years.
Early prediction: Rounds 4-7
Zion Young
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Zion Young came to Mizzou in his junior season with a lot to prove after two middling years at Michigan State. All he did was stuff the stat sheet in his first year as a Tiger: 42 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 3 deflected passes, a fumble forced and recovered, as well as a defensive touchdown. At 6’6” and 260-plus pounds, Young has the size and strength needed to be a disruptive end at the next level. He’ll need to show some more explosiveness to elevate into the first few rounds, but his name is on some early draft boards.
Early prediction: Rounds 4-7 in 2026, Rounds 1-3 in 2027
Marquis Johnson
Call this my wild-card pick for 2026, even though I think it’s more likely Johnson will be a prospect in 2027. The junior has the speed to make it at the next level, but injuries in 2024 prevented him from building on a freshman campaign that saw him graded at 87.4 by Pro Football Focus. Now that Luther Burden III and Theo Wease, Jr., are off to the league, Johnson will be the guy for Beau Pribula and Mizzou in 2025. A breakout campaign could see him vault onto some draft boards.
Early prediction: Rounds 4-7 in 2026, Rounds 2-3 in 2027
Cayden Green
Cayden Green came to Missouri with the expectations of the world on his shoulders, and all he did was turn in an incredibly solid sophomore year. Green improved on his already solid pass blocking grades through PFF and transformed a below-average run blocking score into one that was solidly above-average. Offensive lineman don’t usually make the leap before their eligibility expires — unless you’re a monster like Armand Membou — but Green has the ability and the performance trajectory to make that leap in just one year.
Early prediction: Rounds 2-3 in 2026, Round 1 in 2027
Brett Norfleet
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Another wild card pick, Brett Norfleet doesn’t have enough game on tape to be an NFL prospect yet. But anyone who’s watched him play knows he has the talent to make the leap. His junior year will be key to his future hopes as he’ll need to (a) prove that he can stay healthy (b) finally pop as a pass-catcher on a consistent basis and (c) improve his blocking game. That’s a lot of things to work on in just one season, but you can’t teach Norfleet’s size and dynamism. A big year for the junior would put his name on some draft boards.
Early prediction: Rounds 4-7 in 2026, Rounds 2-3 in 2027