NFL Draft: Former Tigers find homes
While only two Missouri Tigers were drafted this past weekend, many more found their way on a team after the draft. While their spot for next season isn’t guaranteed, the Mizzou alums at least have a place to start.
This year’s draft was very different to say the least. While the virtual aspect drastically changed how the draft worked, it also made the picks very hard to predict.
Only two Tigers heard their name called, but many more were signed shortly after the event concluded.
Here is what to expect from those who earned contracts
Jordan Elliott- Cleveland Browns (Round 3, pick 88)
Elliott may have the most production next season for any Mizzou rookie. He joins former Tiger Sheldon Richardson on Cleveland’s stout defensive line.
He will likely be backing up Richardson and free agent signee Andrew Billings. Elliott was the highest graded defensive tackle in the country last season according to profootballfocus. He should make the most out of the snaps he gets in his first season.
Albert Okwuegbunam- Denver Broncos (Round 4, pick 118)
Thirty picks after the first Missouri Tiger came of the board, Mizzou tight end Albert Okwuegbunam joined his former quarterback Drew Lock on the Denver Broncos.
If anyone on this list produces more than Elliot next season, I expect it to be Okwuegbunam. While he will likely be a TE2 behind Noah Fant, Albert O can still shred a defense down the seam.
Lock received a bunch of new weapons in this draft, but the only one he has any history with is his former teammate.
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Trystan Colon-Castillo- Baltimore Ravens (UDFA)
Shortly after the draft concluded, Colon-Castillo signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent.
Due to Matt Skura’s injury last year, the Ravens struggled to find consistency at center. Skura tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL in week 12 last season. It isn’t certain that he will return fully healthy, so the center spot could be up for grabs next season.
Even if Colon-Castillo doesn’t earn the role as a rookie, Skura will be free agent following the season. If the Missouri alum can impress the Ravens staff, he could find his spot in the league.
Yasir Durant- Kansas City Chiefs (UDFA)
Durant will stay close to Columbia as he was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs don’t have a strong need for tackles, but they still signed Durant and drafted Lucas Niang out of TCU in the third round.
Durant will most likely just add depth for Kansas City if he were to make the team next season.
In the NFL, Durant’s value may come as a backup tackle that can play on either side. He has great size for the position and will look to grow next season.
Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms- Jacksonville Jaguars (UDFA)
The Jaguars drafted 12 players including offensive lineman Ben Bartch. Wallace-Simms, like Durant, will most likely provide depth at guard for the Jaguars.
Wallace-Simms was a quality three-year starter for Mizzou, and he will look to further develop with NFL coaching.
DeMarkus Acy- San Franciso 49ers (UDFA)
Acy is a great signing for the 49ers, whose secondary was shredded in the Super Bowl just a few months ago. Acy was on track to be a Day 2 draftee before his injury this past season.
The cornerback has every chance to make the roster as San Francisco needs corners who can cover man-to-man.
He was on NFL scouts’ radars before his injury, and I fully expect to see him playing next season.
Ronnell Perkins- San Francisco 49ers (UDFA)
Perkins joins Acy in San Francisco. While he doesn’t have the ceiling Acy does, he has the potential to develop into a solid safety in the NFL. He may never end up a starter, but the 49ers have the staff to develop him into a contributor in the secondary.
At 205 pounds, it isn’t out of the question that San Francisco tries to bulk him up and turn him into a hybrid safety/linebacker.
Whatever it may be, hopefully Perk can make a roster for next season.
Cale Garrett- Tennessee Titans (UDFA)
In the midst of a stellar season, Cale Garrett lost his year to a torn pec. He will still get a chance in the league, however, as Mike Vrabel added the tackling machine to his defense.
While Garrett’s athleticism isn’t elite, his tackling instincts and nose for the ball are. His mind for the game and his work ethic should land him a roster spot and possibly some playing time next season.
Jonathon Johnson- Washington Redskins (UDFA)
Johnson joins a somewhat weak receiving core in D.C., but it was a position they addressed in the draft with the selection of Antonio Gandy-Golden.
While Gandy-Golden is a large receiver with great YAC abilities, Johnson may provide the opposite. The speedster could find his way on the roster as a deep-threat or as a special teamer. I like his chances to play next season due to Dwyane Haskins’ need of weapons.
Tucker McCann- Tennesse Titans (UDFA)
McCann joins Garrett in Tennessee and his father stated that McCann was told the spot was wide open to kick for them next year.
McCann had an up-and-down career at Mizzou, but hopefully he can win the job in Tennessee.