The National Football League has announced the 321 prospects that will attend the 2024 NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana at the end of February and it will feature plenty of Missouri and Illinois players.
14 Mizzou and Illinois players -- 8 from Mizzou, 6 from Illinois-- will head to the NFL combine in Indianapolis at the end of the month.
Running back Cody Schrader, defensive backs Jaylan Carlies, Kris-Abrams-Draine and Ennis Rakestraw, defensive lineman Darius Robinson, offensive lineman Javon Foster, linebacker Tyron Hopper and kicker Harrison Mevis will represent the Tigers at the combine.
The Fighting Illini will be represented by wide receiver Isiah Williams, tight end Tip Reiman, offensive lineman Isaiah Adams and Julien Pearl and defensive lineman Jer'Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph Jr.
Along the 14 Mizzou and Illinois products, Rakestraw Jr., Robinson and Newton will likely draw the most attention among the local products, with all three players having generated first-round draft buzz.
Newton has been seen as one of the best defensive lineman products throughout the year, with CBS Sports currently ranking Newton as the second best defensive lineman in the draft, only behind Texas's Byron Murphy and the 17th best prospect in the 2024 Draft. Newton was a consensus All-American in 2023, after a junior season in which he racked up 7.5 sacks, forced and recovered a fumble and deflected two passes.
Robinson saw his draft stock skyrocket following a tremendous showing at the 2024 Senior Bowl. Robinson is currently ranked as the 19th best prospect in the draft by CBS Sports and the third-best defensive lineman, only behind Newton and Murphy. Robinson was excellent in his final season at Mizzou, racking up 8.5 sacks and 43 total tackles for the Tigers.
Rakestraw Jr. also garnished some first-round draft buzz over the past year, with ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller and CBS Sports both ranking him a top 32 player in the draft. Despite only playing nine games due to a season-ending injury, Rakestraw's tape impressed many.
The NFL Draft Combine is set take place from Feb. 26 to March 4. NFL Network will have live coverage of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine beginning Thursday, Feb. 29.