3 Mizzou Tigers Crack Top 100 of The Athletic NFL Draft Big Board

Defensive end Zion Young, linebacker Josiah Trotter, and defensive tackle Chris McClellan have boosted their draft stocks ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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As the NFL draft approaches, multiple Missouri Tigers are rising up NFL draft boards. Defensive end Zion Young, linebacker Josiah Trotter, and defensive tackle Chris McClellan have all cracked the top 100 of The Athletic's NFL Draft Big Board, with Young ranked the highest at No. 39 overall.

Why it matters

The strong draft prospects of these three Tigers players highlights the continued growth and development of the Missouri football program. Having multiple players selected in the NFL Draft is a sign of the program's talent and competitiveness at the highest level of college football.

The details

Young, Trotter, and McClellan all had excellent senior seasons for the Tigers. Young recorded 42 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, while Trotter had 84 tackles and two sacks. McClellan finished with 48 total tackles and six sacks. The trio boosted their draft stocks with strong performances in postseason all-star games like the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl.

  • The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching in 2026.
  • The Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl took place earlier this year, providing prospects like the Mizzou players a chance to showcase their skills.

The players

Zion Young

A defensive end for the Missouri Tigers, Young is viewed as the team's best 2026 NFL Draft prospect. He recorded 42 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in his senior season.

Josiah Trotter

A linebacker for the Missouri Tigers, Trotter declared for the NFL Draft as a redshirt sophomore. He recorded 84 tackles and two sacks in his lone season with the Tigers.

Chris McClellan

A defensive tackle for the Missouri Tigers, McClellan finished his senior season with 48 total tackles and six sacks. He is described as having an NFL-caliber build and athleticism.

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What they’re saying

“Young is a tad rigid as a pass rusher and doesn't have ideal cornering speed, but he is long, strong and determined with the hand usage to force his way through blockers. His play recognition and full-extension physicality as a run defender blossomed during his senior season.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Analyst (The Athletic)

“Trotter is an absolute hammer downhill. He has above-average run instincts and plays with the toughness that would make his dad, former NFL linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, proud. His struggles to make plays in coverage kept him from being ranked higher, but he is an easy player to like because of the way he closes on the ball and attacks contact.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Analyst (The Athletic)

“McClellan looks like an NFL player (6-3, 315, 34-inch arms, 11-inch hands) and plays with functional strength both to command the point of attack and shrink the pocket as a rusher. He is an underrated player who will be part of a rotation for a long time.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Analyst (The Athletic)

What’s next

The NFL Combine and NFL Draft are the next major events for these Mizzou players to showcase their skills to NFL teams.

The takeaway

The strong draft prospects of these three Missouri Tigers players is a testament to the continued growth and development of the program. Having multiple players selected in the NFL Draft is a sign that Mizzou is producing talent that can compete at the highest level.