Storylines to Watch at Mizzou's NFL Pro Day
The next step in what for some Missouri Tigers players has been a life-long journey will come Friday at the school's NFL Pro Day. The school's prospects will work out at the Stephens Indoor Facility, hoping to impress NFL scouts, general managers and coaches. Here's some of the top storylines to watch for at Missouri's Pro Day.
Ennis Rakestraw's Groin
Rakestraw is one of the top defensive backs in this year's draft but missed a good chunk of the 2023 season with various injuries. He sustained a groin injury early on in the season and then a core muscle injury that prevented him from participating in both the Cotton Bowl and the Senior Bowl. During training for the combine, it seems that the groin is still bothering Rakestraw.
Rakestraw was timed at 4.51 seconds for his 40-yard dash at the combine but is hoping to be healthier and run a faster time at Friday's pro day. His athletic measurements at the combine were less than ideal. It should be interesting to see if Rakestraw's groin seems to bother him at all or if his numbers will improve at the pro day.
Cody Schrader's Hamstring
Cody Schrader unfortunately suffered a hamstring injury while running the 40-yard dash at the Combine, cutting his workout in Indianapolis short. Having injury concerns marked on his draft profile is the last thing the running back needs. He will be 25 by the start of the NFL season which doesn't do him any favors either. As of Wednesday night, there's been no updates on Schrader's injury. NFL scouts will undoubtedly be monitoring and inquiring to see whether or not the hamstring is still effecting Schrader.
Darius Robinson Bench Press
If you thought 21 reps at the bench press at the Combine for Darius Robinson seemed low, you wouldn't be alone. Robinson himself would agree.
After working out in Indianapolis, the 6-foot-5, 285 lb. edge prospect took to twitter to communicate his frustrations with the setup in a now deleted tweet.
"This is not an accurate reflection of my bench press, the set up at the combine is unacceptable! The rack and bar is uneven with the J-Hooks, and the bench moves with the carpet floor! I will be doing this again at my pro day March 22nd!"
Robinson and his agent will undoubtedly be double checking to make sure the bench in Columbia is much better situated for Friday, hoping to improve on the 21 number.
Non-Combine Invites: Xavier Delgado, Chad Bailey, Nyles Gaddy, Jay Jerniggan, Realus George Jr.
This group is not expected to be drafted but a good performance at the Pro Day will be key in order to help their chances of being signed by a team as an undrafted free agent.
The most notable name in this group is linebacker Chad Bailey, who missed all but five games in 2023 due to an abdominal injury. In six-years at Missouri, he started in 22 games, registering 140 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Having eight top-end prospects at the Pro Day will undoubtedly draw more eyes to these lesser-known players, possibly earning them a contract with a NFL team once the draft concludes.
