The entire NFL turned up it seemed to see the Missouri Pro Day to catch a glimpse of players like Zion Young, Josiah Trotter or Kevin Coleman Jr. to name a few. One draft prospect was notably absent from the workouts though, and he reportedly told teams that he is retiring from football.
According to Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports, Mizzou safety Jalen Catalon is retiring. Catalon dealt with some major injuries over the years, and has ultimately decided to hang up the cleats. He had been a late day three projection.
Former Tiger Jalen Catalon calls it a career ahead of the NFL Draft
Catalon came to Mizzou after stints with Arkansas, Texas and UNLV. After an All-SEC selection as a redshirt freshman in 2020 at Arkansas, he suffered season ending injuries in both 2021 and 2022, and was never fully able to get back on track. He finished his career with the Tigers, where he posted 39 tackles this past season.
For Catalon, the question will always be "What could have been?" Had it not been for some bad injury luck, Catalon might have played his way into a first or second-round pick conversation. But unfrequently, he just couldn't stay healthy, and not it seems he'll pursue another opportunity.
Meanwhile, a few other Tigers were impressing scouts at the Pro Day. Coleman, who figures to be a day three pick thanks to his shiftiness in the slot and abilities on special teams, caught the eye of the New England Patriots. Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf had high praise for the former Tiger. His 40-time clocked in as fast as 4.38 seconds.
Zion Young, a potential first round pick, had beefed up. He weighed in at 267 pounds, five pounds heavier than his combine weight, showing he's ready to anchor the edge in the run game. He ran a 4.77 in the 40-yard dash after skipping it during the combine.