Missouri Tigers NFL Draft Preview
April 25, 2016 | Sports,
By: Joe Laland
In recent years, the Missouri Tiger football program has been a NFL-prospect factory. In the last three NFL drafts, they have supplied 11 draft picks, including two 1st rnd selections. This year the Tigers might not have a player that warrants a 1st round selection. Yet, there will still be multiple Tigers picked throughout the middle rounds. Here is a look at a couple Missouri prospects to keep your eye out for.
- OG Connor McGovern:
D-line Zou is slowly transforming into O-Line Zou. In recent drafts, Missouri offensive linemen have consistently been respected more by NFL GM’s, than media scouts. Just ask 2nd round picks Mitch Morse and Justin Britt, both selected way higher than their projection. McGovern’s main trait: athleticism. At 6’4” and 306 LBS, McGovern tested extremely above average. He posted a 5.11 seconds 40-yard dash time, 33 reps on the bench press, and a 33” vertical. These results tested out very similarly tests Mitch Morse. The NFL is always in high demand for offensive lineman. Expect McGovern to be the first Tiger taken off the board, somewhere in the 2nd -3rd round.
- LB Kentrell Brothers
Brothers, a Senior second-team All-American, was unquestionably the Tigers best player in 2015. He led the nation in 2015 with 12.7 tackles per game. Brothers is an absolute ball hawk. His greatest skill: vision. Brothers naturally takes the quickest route to corral the ball carrier. He hits the gaps hard and is never easy to avoid. Despite the insane production, Brothers draft stock has some flaw. Brothers has always been under-sized for his position. Plus, his 40-yard dash time leaves other concerns. None-the-less Brothers sill will be respected by NFL teams who are trying to improving toughness up the middle of their defense. Plus, he has proven to be a star special teams player; he led the Tigers with three blocked kicks. Special teams versatility is always attractive to NFL teams. Expect some team to pick up Brothers, for a great value, in the 3rd round.
- C Evan Boehm
Evan Boehm was Mr. Reliable for the Tigers. Boehm started a school record 52 straight games for the Tigers. Which displayed his best qualities: durability and leadership. Boehm is undersized at 6’2”, 309 LBS and 31 5/8” arms. But that smaller, stubbier, frame holds a strong anchor. Boehm is both a smart and fast lineman. Mixed in with ideal leadership qualities, Boehm should be one of the first centers selected, in the 4th-5th round.
(Photo: Jordan Kodner, senior staff photographer, The Maneater)