Where will Missouri players land on Day 2 of the NFL Draft?
On Thursday night, former Missouri Tiger defensive end Charles Harris was selected by the Miami Dolphins at No. 22. How will Missouri’s remaining draftees fare?
The NFL Draft continues this evening, with rounds two and three. Last night, the Miami Dolphins selected defensive end Charles Harris at No. 22 to bolster their depth on defense.
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Looking at the second and third rounds, there is a chance that two or three more Tigers could be taken of the board by the night’s end.
Missouri’s notable remaining draftees are Aarion Penton (DB), Jush Augusta (DT), Sean Culkin (TE), Michael Scherer (LB), Donavin Newsome (LB), and Chris Black (WR).
Of the remaining prospects, five are ranked in the top-100. Let’s take a closer look, by rank, at who could be of the word by the end of the third round.
No. 27 Aarion Penton (DB)
Aarion Penton was one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC. He finished his career at Missouri with 10 interceptions. At 5′ 10″, he doesn’t quite fit into the physical mold of an NFL corner, but his drive made-up for where he fell short, physically.
While Penton did not receive an invitation to the NFL Combine, he participated in the East-West Shrine Game, and the Senior Bowl. He’s also been scouted by the NFL since high school.
While his size undermines him at the next level, Penton would fit nicely on a team that is looking for a skilled nickel corner.
If he draws comparisons to Captain Munnerlyn, then that means Penon will likely remain on the board until later in the draft. He would also make a solid undrafted free agent signing.
Penton is not without off-field issues, unfortunately. He was arrested twice on marijuana charges in 2014, which could be a turnoff for some teams, but there’s bound to be a few who will provide Penton with a second chance. If anything, his size might be what limits his draft stock.
No. 34 Michael Scherer (LB)
Michael Scherer was a force to be reckoned with a Mizzou. In his first season alone, he collected 114 tackles (3.5 for a loss), and half-a-sack. In 2015, he neared the same total, adding 93 tackles (9 for loss).
In 2016. Scherer was hit with an injury, when he tore his ACL in late October. Fortunately, the injury hasn’t phased his spirit, as he has rehabilitated himself to a point where he is ready to go, should a team want his playmaking abilities.
Considering his recent plight, Scherer may have slid out of the later rounds and is more likely to be taken as an underrated free agent. Considering his size though, a team could take a flyer on him in the later rounds of the draft.
No. 36 Sean Culkin (TE)
Culkin is about as unlikely to be selected in this year’s draft as Scherer is, but one never knows for certain, as he drew some interest from the Kansas City Chiefs during his pro day in early April.
In his two seasons with the Tigers, Culkin amassed 36 catches for 313 yards. He also performed well at his pro day, with a 4.7 – 40 time, 21 bench press, 10 foot broad jump, and 35.5 inch broad jump.
While his performance wasn’t enough to gain the attention of most NFL teams, there are always a handful who are looking for the next diamond in the rough type of player, and Culkin fits that billing.
More likely than not, Culkin will become an underrated free agent and will then have the chance to prove his value to the team that signs him. How great would it be to see him stay in-state and play for the Chiefs?