Cody Schrader NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 5’9″
Weight: 214
School: Missouri
Cody Schrader 2024 NFL Draft Profile, Team Fits
Cody Schrader had a long journey for his NFL draft aspirations. He was a standout high school athlete earning all-conference honors for both running back and linebacker, and all-state for the state of Missouri as a senior. After not receiving much recruiting steam, he committed to Truman State University (Division II). Markedly, he litters the Truman State football season records list, where he’s named 14 times.
Schrader entered the transfer portal in 2022 and was given the opportunity to walk on at Missouri. He was used as the 1A back in a split backfield in 2022, rushing for 745 yards on 4.4 yards per attempt and nine touchdowns. Particularly important in his exceptional story was his move from walk-on to entering the 2023 season as a team captain for the Tigers.
In 2023 he set the SEC on fire. For instance, he was first in rushing yards. First in rushing attempts. Unanimous first-team All-SEC running back. To top it all off, he won the Burlsworth Trophy awarded to the nation’s best player who started as a walk-on. Schrader would finish the season with 1818 yards from scrimmage, 14 rushing touchdowns, and improved marks in every efficiency stat. To top off his amazing year, Schrader earned All-American honors before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Watch: Cody Schrader Film Study
Strengths
- Plus vision, will never miss an open hole
- Leg drive after contact
- Soft hands when working as a receiver
- Patience behind the line, won’t run into the back of guards
- One on one winner in space
Weaknesses
- Old prospect (24 already)
- Lacks extreme long speed
- Reasonable chip in pass blocking, but would rather chip than block
- Not used as a pass catcher outside of flats and angle routes
- Sturdy, but not exceptionally powerful
NFL Comparison: Brian Robinson
Projected Draft Capital: Day Three Pick
Teams Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers
Bottom Line on Cody Schrader
The state of the running back position isn’t a pretty one. This is a particularly sub par class, but Schrader offers a serviceable backup or a two down option in a split backfield. He will likely never lead the league in touchdowns, touches or exciting metrics, but will stick around the league for a minute for his ability to take what is blocked and hold onto the ball (one fumble in 2023). For teams that are in need of a steady presence who is NFL ready, Schrader will be at the top of their list. He offers the ability to move an offense, and between his time as a team captain or from working his way up as a walk on, he has the work ethic that coaches will latch onto and love.
Cody Schrader Dynasty Fantasy Football Value
Landing spot is going to drive a lot of Schrader’s hype. He won’t overtake proven veterans, but if he finds his way to Los Angeles or Carolina, he could find himself in a valuable role early. Worth a swing in the late third depending on draft capital and team fit.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
