It’s easy to get lost in the noise of the SEC. Everyone wants to talk about Alabama's depth chart or Georgia’s latest defensive monsters. But if you’re actually paying attention to the Sunday rosters, you’ve probably noticed something. The gold and black is everywhere. Honestly, the surge of mizzou players in the nfl over the last few years hasn't just been a fluke; it's a fundamental shift in how NFL scouts view Columbia, Missouri.
Gone are the days when Missouri was just a "nice" developmental program. We are currently looking at a reality where Missouri produces legitimate, high-impact starters at premium positions. Whether it’s a shutdown linebacker in Kansas City or a first-round offensive tackle in New York, the Tigers are no longer an afterthought.
The Anchor in Kansas City: Nick Bolton
You can’t talk about Tigers in the pros without starting with Nick Bolton. He basically owns the middle of the field for the Kansas City Chiefs. If you watched the 2025 season, you saw him rack up 139 total tackles. That’s not a typo.
Bolton has this weird, instinctive ability to be exactly where the ball is two seconds before it gets there. He isn't the biggest guy on the field—he’s listed at 5-11—but he plays like he's 6-4. Chiefs fans were a bit stressed about his contract situation, but when he re-signed in March 2025, it solidified him as the defensive soul of that franchise.
He’s already a three-time Super Bowl champion. Think about that for a second. In Super Bowl LVII, he became the first Missouri Tiger to ever score in a Super Bowl after that scoop-and-score touchdown. He’s essentially the blueprint for what Mizzou linebackers are supposed to look like: high IQ, violent at the point of attack, and zero ego.
The 2025 Draft Explosion: Membou and Burden
If you thought the program was slowing down, the 2025 NFL Draft was a massive reality check. Armand Membou went No. 7 overall to the New York Jets.
Seven!
That made him the highest-drafted Tiger since Aldon Smith back in 2011. Membou is a mountain of a man at 330 pounds, but he moves like a guy fifty pounds lighter. The Jets needed a cornerstone for their offensive line, and they bet the house on a kid from Lee’s Summit.
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Then you’ve got Luther Burden III. Every Mizzou fan knew he was special from the moment he stepped on campus. The Chicago Bears grabbed him at pick No. 39, and it’s already looking like a steal. Burden isn't just a wide receiver; he’s a "yards-after-catch" machine. He finished his college career with a 34-game reception streak. That kind of consistency is exactly what translates to the league.
The Defensive Front: Robinson and the Edge
Darius Robinson’s rookie year with the Arizona Cardinals was... complicated.
He was the 27th overall pick in 2024, and expectations were through the roof. But then life happened. A severe calf injury in training camp sidelined him for most of the season, and he dealt with significant personal loss off the field. It was a "redshirt" rookie year in everything but name.
However, heading into 2026, the narrative is changing. Robinson has the physical tools that make defensive coordinators drool. He can play inside at the 3-technique or kick out to the edge. While some critics on Reddit were calling him "invisible" during his limited 2025 snaps, those who actually watch the tape see the raw power. He just needs the reps.
Alongside him in the league, you have guys like Isaiah McGuire with the Browns and Jordan Elliott, who has carved out a very respectable career as a rotational interior defender. It’s a blue-collar group. They don't always get the flashy headlines, but they stay on rosters.
The Specialists: Butker and Mevis
Okay, technically Harrison Butker went to Georgia Tech. We know. But he’s lived in the Missouri spotlight for so long with the Chiefs that he’s become part of the local football fabric. He’s arguably the most accurate kicker in the history of the game not named Justin Tucker.
But if we’re talking true-blue Mizzou kickers, we have to talk about the "Thicc Kicker" himself, Harrison Mevis.
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Mevis signed as a college free agent (CFA) and has been battling to prove that his leg strength—which we saw on that legendary 61-yarder against Kansas State—belongs on an NFL Sunday. The NFL is brutal for kickers. One bad Sunday and you're out. But Mevis has that "nothing rattles me" energy that usually leads to a ten-year career.
The "Underdog" Success Stories
There is something about Missouri that produces players who refuse to go away. Look at Cody Schrader.
The guy was a walk-on at Mizzou after playing at Division II Truman State. He led the SEC in rushing. Then he went undrafted. Most people thought he’d be a practice squad body for the 49ers or Rams. Instead, he’s been grinding out carries, showing up in 2025 stats with 120 yards and a 4.4 yards-per-carry average in a backup role. He’s the personification of the "Mizzou Made" mantra.
And don't forget the quarterbacks.
- Drew Lock: Still hanging around, currently a high-end backup who can win you a game in a pinch.
- Brady Cook: Signed as a CFA after the 2025 draft. He’s currently fighting for a roster spot, using that same grit that won him 26 games as a starter in Columbia.
Why the "Mizzou Made" Label Actually Matters
When you look at the current list of mizzou players in the nfl, you see a pattern. They aren't all five-star recruits who were told they were the greatest thing since sliced bread at age 15.
Missouri thrives on the "three-star with a chip on his shoulder."
Coach Eliah Drinkwitz has leaned into this. The program focuses on "pro-style" schemes that make the transition to the NFL much easier. When a scout watches Mizzou film, they aren't seeing a gimmicky offense; they’re seeing concepts that the Jets, Bears, and Chiefs actually run.
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Current Roster Snapshot (2025-2026)
| Player | Position | NFL Team | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armand Membou | OT | NY Jets | 1st Round Starter |
| Nick Bolton | LB | KC Chiefs | Defensive Captain |
| Luther Burden III | WR | Chicago Bears | Starting Slot |
| Darius Robinson | DE | Arizona Cardinals | Year 2 Breakout Candidate |
| Ennis Rakestraw Jr. | CB | Detroit Lions | Active |
| Ty'Ron Hopper | LB | Green Bay Packers | Active |
| Jaylon Carlies | LB | Indianapolis Colts | Active |
| Kris Abrams-Draine | CB | Denver Broncos | Active |
| Cody Schrader | RB | Denver Broncos | Active / Backup |
It’s a long list. It’s also a diverse list. You’ve got corners like Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and Kris Abrams-Draine who are part of that new-age, "sticky" coverage trend in the NFL.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Mizzou is just a "defensive" school. While the "D-Line Zion" era was real, the 2025 draft proved they can produce elite offensive talent too. To have two offensive players (Membou and Burden) go in the top 40 picks is a massive statement.
The other thing people miss? Longevity.
Mizzou players tend to stay in the league. Trystan Colon has been a reliable interior lineman since 2020 despite being an undrafted free agent. Larry Borom has been a swing tackle for years. These guys aren't just "cup of coffee" players; they are the "glue guys" that every championship roster needs.
If you’re looking to track the next wave, keep an eye on the 2026 draft class. The pipeline isn't dry. With the way recruiting is going in Columbia, we might see Missouri move from "top 20 provider" to a perennial top 10 NFL talent factory.
The best way to stay updated on these players is to follow the weekly NFL transaction wire or check the official Mizzou Athletics "Pro Day" trackers. Whether you're a fantasy football manager or just a die-hard Tigers fan, the impact of mizzou players in the nfl is only getting louder.
Check the active rosters this Sunday; you'll see a lot of Tigers out there.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on Darius Robinson’s snap counts in Arizona as he moves further away from his rookie-year calf issues.
- Fantasy Value: If you’re in a dynasty league, Luther Burden III is a "buy-low" candidate before he fully breaks out in the Bears' offense.
- Alumni Tracking: Follow the "Mizzou Made" social media tags for weekly updates on stats and big plays from former Tigers across the league.