Missouri star RB Cody Schrader just capped off one of the most impressive seasons in Tigers program history, finishing eighth in the Heisman voting as perhaps the best running back in the entire country.
The former walk-on finished the year with 1,627 rushing yards and 14 TDs while adding 191 yards through the air. He'll now go to the NFL Draft expecting to be selected in the later rounds.
We've seen running backs similar to Schrader enjoy long, successful NFL careers and I'm optimistic that the 5'9", 214 lb back can find a home in the league. With the news that he'll attend the Senior Bowl, he's got a great chance to bolster his stock over the next few months.
Let's go through some of the best fits for Schrader in the 2024 NFL Draft.
3 Perfect NFL Draft Fits for RB Cody Schrader
1. Kansas City Chiefs
No, this is not just a homer joke. Schrader would be an ideal target for the Chiefs late in the draft and I'd be thrilled if Kansas City added the standout back.
A player that can run between the tackles with power and grace while simultaneously catching passes effectively sort of sounds like the ideal Chiefs' runner, doesn't it?
Clyde Edwards-Helaire feels unlikely to be on the roster next year and Jerick McKinnon isn't getting any younger, so it makes sense to target a back-up for Isiah Pacheco this year.
Cody Schrader gets Mizzou on the board‼️ pic.twitter.com/7L4v2ovaIU
— ESPN (@espn) December 30, 2023
It's easy to imagine Schrader coming in to spell Pacheco while running with the same madman physicality that the former seventh-round pick does. Should the Chiefs decide to move on from Pacheco in a couple of years instead of offer an extension, Schrader could slide right in.
Perhaps he'll be a Kansas City favorite for years to come. I'm sure hoping so.
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2. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chiefs are my favorite fit for Schrader, yet he could honestly fit on any AFC West team. Of the other three, the Chargers make the most sense as the organization starts a rebuild with a new coach to support QB Justin Herbert.
Los Angeles appears likely to move on from long-time star Austin Ekeler, paving the way to develop a new No. 1 guy. Ekeler was a late draft pick that became one of the best in the league, why can't Schrader?
One of the greatest RBs in @MizzouFootball history 😤
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) December 30, 2023
Cody Schrader 🐯 pic.twitter.com/sJd0qS37kj
Barring a dramatic turnaround, the Chargers are likely a couple of years away from real contention, at the least. With underwhelming running backs behind Austin Ekeler, there's no true successor on the roster yet.
The timeline allows Schrader time to develop. Late-round running backs are all the rage these days, so the Chargers would be wise to spend their early picks on premium positions then find someone like Schrader late.
Unfortunately for Chiefs fans, a potential Schrader-Chargers marriage is certainly in the cards.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are struggling offensively right now, but we know how effective their running game is. D'Andre Swift is enjoying a fantastic season and Kenneth Gainwell is a strong back-up, but the organization will likely pick up at least one back in the offseason following Rashaad Penny's underwhelming season.
Schrader's versatility would make him a strong choice for Philadelphia. We know he can handle a large workload, and it's easy to imagine a devastating attack led by Jalen Hurts and Schrader in a few years.
(Game Report)
— TD-Tyler (@Touchdown_Ty) December 30, 2023
Mizzou has a bright future going into the next season and a great win vs OSU brings that momentum.
(9)#Mizzou 14
(7)#OhioState 3
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Cody Schrader
29 ATT | 128 Yards | 4.4 YPA | 1 TD pic.twitter.com/KKm3UH6z3U
He'll leave as one of the best offensive players in Missouri history. I don't care if he's a late draft pick - he looks like he'll be on a roster for quite a while.
Schrader makes sense for several NFC teams like the Minnesota Vikings or even Dallas Cowboys as well. Essentially, any team that could use a reliable, productive running back would enjoy having Schrader on the roster.
No matter where he winds up, you can be sure Tigers faithful will cheer him on at every moment. Fingers crossed he's with the Chiefs, though.
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