FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Missouri running back Cody Schrader.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cody Schrader
Cody Schrader (RB – Missouri)
5’9″ – 214 lbs.
Background:
St. Louis native who originally attended Truman State from 2018-2021, leading Division II in rushing with 2,074 yards and 25 touchdowns in his final season there. Ended up walking on to Missouri and immediately stepped into a major role, with 170-745-9 (4.4) and 29-137-0 receiving. This past season, saw his output jump to 276-1,627-14 (5.8) with 22-191-0 receiving.
Positives:
Team captain who took a huge step forward this season to conclude his collegiate career, showing that he could be an effective SEC bellcow in Missouri’s primarily zone-based offense. Solidly built back with a pretty low center of gravity. Quick feet. Shows impressive burst and acceleration in the hole, and on outside rushing attempts to win the edge; looks like he’s been shot out of a cannon at times. Nice vision and agility to recognize and hit lanes on one-cut concepts. Once he plants his foot and gets upfield, shows a no-nonsense approach and the ability to weave through traffic, making defenders miss with subtle moves. Galloping runner with very good top-end speed. Lowers his shoulder and shows good leg drive after contact to fight for additional yardage. Some ability to spin off of contact. Can make it through some arm tackles. Ball security is a strength; only fumbled on two of his 446 rushing attempts with the Tigers.
Negatives:
Spent six years in school and has over 1,000 touches worth of tread on his tires. A tough, hard runner but probably won’t be breaking a ton of tackles at the next level, either. Power doesn’t really kick in until he has a head of steam going, and can struggle to push the pile in some short-yardage situations. Hasn’t been the most reliable receiver, with four drops against 39 catches at Missouri. Took a little over 15% of his snaps from the slot or split out wide, but functioned essentially as a safety valve on flats, swings, and other such patterns. Results have been somewhat mixed in pass protection as well, although the team retained him more this past season.
Summary:
A very explosive one-cut runner who gets up to speed almost immediately, shows good vision to recognize cutback lanes, and has impressive speed when he finds a crease, with the ability to weave through traffic and finish his runs by falling forward. Has more tread on his tires than usual after spending six years in school and isn’t a huge asset in the passing game yet, but looks like an exciting change-of-pace back who can provide a zone-based rushing attack with a spark.
Projection: Round 4-5
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