Missouri Tigers' NFL Draft Prospects Aim to Impress with Desired Traits

Zion Young, Kevin Coleman Jr., and Toriano Pride Jr. look to showcase their skills for NFL teams

Feb. 24, 2026 at 10:11pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Missouri Tigers have six players entering the 2026 NFL Draft, each with different strengths and traits that NFL teams are seeking. Defensive end Zion Young has the length, power, and explosiveness that scouts covet, while wide receiver Kevin Coleman Jr. excels at route running and catching the ball. Cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. brings toughness and motor, though his size and arm length may be a concern for some teams.

Why it matters

The diverse skill sets of these Missouri prospects give them a chance to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, providing an opportunity to showcase their talents at the professional level. Their performances could impact their draft positioning and ultimately their chances of making an NFL roster.

The details

Zion Young has risen up draft boards due to his physical traits, including his length, power, and explosiveness. While his sack numbers may not be the highest, his ability to pressure the quarterback is evident on film. NFL teams are looking for EDGE rushers who can win with speed-to-power moves and potentially kick inside in passing situations. Kevin Coleman Jr. is projected as a potential slot receiver at the next level, with his consistency in route running and reliable hands being highly valued. His blend of speed, creativity, and physicality make him an intriguing option for teams seeking a versatile receiver. Toriano Pride Jr.'s toughness and motor are appealing, but his size and arm length may be concerns for some teams. The ability to play physically and maintain focus over the course of a game are crucial for cornerbacks in the NFL.

  • Young recorded 11.5 sacks and 58 quarterback pressures over his four-year career at Missouri.
  • Coleman had a strong senior season in 2025, emerging as one of the top receivers in the SEC.
  • Pride started 38 games for the Tigers over his four-year career, showcasing his playmaking ability.

The players

Zion Young

A defensive end who has the length, power, and explosiveness that NFL teams covet in EDGE rushers.

Kevin Coleman Jr.

A wide receiver who excels at route running and catching the ball, projecting as a potential slot receiver at the next level.

Toriano Pride Jr.

A cornerback known for his toughness and motor, though his size and arm length may be a concern for some teams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ideally, you want Myles Garrett. That's who you want. There's only one of those guys walking on the face of the earth, but a lot of those same traits, right? Long, fast, explosive, can turn the corner, can finish, all those things.”

— Adam Peters, Washington Commanders General Manager

“Get open, catch the ball, make plays with the ball in your hands. (I) don't really necessarily care how a guy does it. But look, we all want receivers who can get open.”

— Andrew Berry, Cleveland Browns General Manager

“If you have a 5-foot-9 corner with 33-inch arms and all sudden, he's beat, but he can reach it, makes him a lot taller than if he is a 5-foot-9 corner with 28-inch arms. If you get a 6-foot-1 corner with short arms, the analytics of it all add up.”

— Jeff Hafley, Green Bay Packers Head Coach

What’s next

The NFL Combine in Indianapolis will be a crucial event for these Missouri prospects, as they look to showcase their physical traits and skills in front of NFL scouts and decision-makers.

The takeaway

The diverse skill sets of the Missouri Tigers' NFL Draft prospects highlight the importance of finding the right fit for each player's unique abilities. Teams will be looking to identify how these players can contribute to their specific schemes and positional needs, making the pre-draft process crucial for these prospects to demonstrate their value.