Missouri once again has several NFL prospects, befitting one of the most underrated programs in college football. The Tigers won the SEC East and finished 11-3, capping off the season with a bowl win over Minnesota.

Shane Ray--Ray is the latest in a line of edge rushers from Missouri that includes Kony Ealy, Michael Sam, Aldon Smith and Brian Smith. He’s a twitchy bundle of energy with a dynamic first step off the snap. He exploded for 22.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks as a senior after just 11.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks in his first two seasons in Columbia. Pair that dramatic spike in production with the historical precedence of how well Mizzou’s scheme fosters gaudy edge rushing numbers, and there are real questions about Ray and his ability to translate his game to the next level.

One of the things that stood out about Ray is how Mizzou moved him around to create favorable matchups. Take the South Carolina game. The Gamecocks had a good left side of the offensive line with Corey Robinson and A.J. Cann, both of whom will be drafted this year. Ray did nothing when attacking on that side. But when he flopped to the other side, or stood up and off the line, he bagged two sacks and instigated chaos in the backfield several times.

That’s great in college, but NFL teams do far less of that kind of positional alignment. Ray will spend the vast majority of his NFL reps at one set spot, likely weakside outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment. Being 6’2” and 245 pounds means he lacks the bulk necessary to play 4-3 end other than as a situational pass rusher. Playing that spot means Ray will have to thrive in space, but that’s not exactly his strong suit either. Take this play from the Kentucky game (thanks Draft Breakdown!):

What you see on that play is the best and worst of Ray. He’s stiff in the short area, unable to quickly change direction when he fails to diagnose the play quickly and oversets inside. Yet you can also see his fantastic speed and chase gear; he sprints after the ball and eventually gets involved in the play down the field. Now imagine that chase speed on a quarterback. That’s the big selling point for Ray, and it’s a powerful one. Ray doesn’t lack force when he engages after the chase, either.

Ray is fortunate that what he does best is in high demand. Speedy disruption of the quarterback, as well as the ability to snuff out screens and chase down ball carriers from the back side, is coveted to counter today’s quick-hit passing games. Because of that, teams will overlook Ray’s deficiencies and give him the chance to be a premier pass rusher. I wouldn’t take him before the top of the third round, but he will go at least 45 picks earlier.

Current projection: Top 20 pick 

Dorial Green-Beckham (ex-Mizzou)--one of the most divisive players in this draft, talented but troubled wideout Dorial Green-Beckham is a difficult projection.

On the one hand, he’s built like Calvin Johnson (6’5”, 237 pounds) and showed legit top-10 overall ability as a wideout while shining for Mizzou in 2013. DGB has the speed and route savvy to separate down the field, while also possessing the strength and body control to make the difficult catches in traffic or the red zone. Strictly based on on-field prowess, he’s the top receiver in this deep class.

The other hand is waving flags. Lots of red flags. He was kicked out of Missouri after multiple drug and domestic violence incidents (for more detail check out Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting’s report here). He tried to catch on at Oklahoma but never played. So now you’re looking at a guy who will have not even practiced with a team in 18 months, has several off-field character issues the likes of which echo Lawrence Phillips at the same stage. Yes, it’s that serious.

Personally, I’m not letting this guy anywhere near my team.  The time off from football worries me more than it does most folks. But that’s just me. Some NFL team is going to take him in the 30-50 overall range and roll the dice its coaching staff can rein him in. The reward could be outstanding.

Current projection: Late first/mid-second round pick

Markus Golden--versatility and solid all-around skills are Golden’s hallmark as a defensive end. Golden is 6’2”, 260 pounds and brings maximum effort on every snap. He can set the edge versus the run as either a stand-up player or with a hand in the dirt, functionally strong and blessed with an innate sense of pad level and hand placement. That allows him to do a lot of dirty work inside, too. In fact, much of his productivity in the opposing backfield came as a result of working from the outside in, using his strong hands and quickness advantage against opposing guards to create space for himself.

Much of what Ray accomplished came as a result of having Golden facilitate matchups. Golden does a lot of the dirty work, but he has just enough athleticism to make plays in his own right. Ideally he is a 5-technique in the NFL, but he’s about 20 pounds lighter than what most teams consider the minimum requisite at that spot. As a result, he’ll likely play strongside defensive end in a 4-3 alignment, perhaps kicking inside to provide more juice to the pass rush in nickel packages. He’s going to be a solid, yeoman player for years. Golden might never top 5 sacks in a season, but because he plays the run well and understands the game so thoroughly he will be a coach’s favorite.

His draft projection is tough. Golden lacks the length teams covet on the edge, and he’s not a dynamic athlete or very adept playing in space. Because of that it’s hard to see Golden coming off the board before about the 4th round even though he offers a lot to teams. Look for Golden to be a solid rotational piece who also contributes positively on special teams.

Current projection: 5th round pick

Mitch Morse--Missouri’s left tackle is not going to be drafted as highly as predecessor Justin Britt, who wound up starting at right tackle as a 2nd-round rookie for Seattle. He could take a similar NFL path, however.

Morse is not a left tackle in the NFL. He might not even be a right tackle, as he lacks the length and anchor strength to handle the increased size and speed of premium NFL pass rushers. Fortunately, Morse played right tackle and even center during his time in Columbia, and that versatility gives him a strong chance to contribute at the next level.

Light on his feet, Morse moves quite well for a 6’5”, 305-pound human. He has a quick punch and good coordination between his feet, hips and shoulders. Much of his edge responsibility for the Tigers consisted of quick-setting and forcing the rusher wide around the edge, and he does that well. But when guys bulled into him, Morse struggled because he doesn’t use his lower body well. It’s not that he lacks it, but rather the function of playing outside negated it for him. Many believe playing inside and not having to focus so much on opposing speed and steering the action wide will help Morse, and I raise my hand as part of that group.

As such, I rate Morse higher at guard than tackle. Ideally, I like him as the sixth lineman on a team, a versatile substitute capable of playing any spot as needed. He could start at right tackle or left guard for extended stretches, and he moves well enough he can certainly contribute on special teams. That’s worth a third-round pick to me, though I suspect Morse will wait another day to hear his name called on draft weekend.

Current projection: 5th round

Marcus Murphy--the diminutive running back (5’9”, 191 pounds) showed decisive cuts and decent vision during his Tigers tenure. He’s quick to get to top speed and has decent footwork on the fly. Murphy has good hands out of the backfield, proving adept on screens and wheels. He offers real value as a return man, where he ran back two kickoffs and a punt for TDs in 2014.

Unfortunately his athletic metrics are lousy. He was at or near the bottom in every workout at the Combine:

 

The 4.61 40-yard dash time is tolerable, but the lack of explosion in the other drills (broad jump, vertical, 10-yard split) indicates a limited athlete. Given his lack of size, that’s a real issue heading into the NFL. He’ll get a chance in camp to prove himself as a return man and 4th RB, and his efficient running style will give him a shot.

Current projection: Priority free agent, as much as a return specialist as RB

Bud Sasser--I’ll say it right off the top on Sasser: the productive wideout is not going to get drafted even though he earned 1st team All-SEC honors as a senior. He was a notable Combine snub, and most national “experts” barely mention him.

That’s too bad, because I firmly believe Sasser can find a home in the NFL. He’s a well-built 6’2” and 210 pounds, functionally strong and consistently productive. He’s not fast, but speed is not his game. Sasser runs good-not-great routes, possesses excellent hands and is very tough in competing for contested throws. He made several difficult catches on poorly thrown balls from erratic QB Matty Mauk. I also positively noted his blocking down the field, showing good effort and technique. He has played several different WR roles in Mizzou’s passing attack.

It’s doing all those little things which gives Sasser a chance. He is well-prepared, smart and carries himself like a pro. There are worse players occupying the fourth and fifth wideout spots on several NFL rosters right now. He will have to make a mark on special teams to convince the team which signs him to keep him, but I wouldn’t bet against Sasser sticking.

Current projection: Priority free agent and valuable draft sleeper 

Others who could wind up in camps include guard Anthony Gatti, wideout Darius White, plucky defensive tackle Matt Hoch and safety Braylon Webb.