Can the Missouri NFL Draft prospects make a splash in the 2023 event and top the two players selected from the school last year? When it comes to the names to know from the school this year, our Missouri scouting reports have you covered for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Missouri 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
Connor Wood, G
Strengths: Wide-bodied blocker with an underrated game. Strong run blocker who fires off the snap and displays outstanding blocking vision. Correctly places his hands into defenders, steers them from the action, and is explosive at the point. Turns defenders from the line and seals them from plays. Keeps his head on a swivel and remains disciplined with assignments.
Weaknesses: Overextends into blocks and bends at the waist. Lacks agility, which hurts his ability to finish blocks. Lacks balance blocking in motion.
Overall: Wood is an underrated power-gap blocker with next-level size. He must improve his balance, but Woods comes with an upside and should be kept on a practice squad this summer.
Isaiah McGuire, EDGE
Strengths: Explosive pass-rushing DE whose draft stock is rising. Athletic, moves well around the field, and flows down the line of scrimmage in pursuit. Breaks down well, effectively uses his hands to protect himself, and easily alters his angle of attack.
Equally effective standing over tackle or coming out of a three-point stance. Fires off the snap out of a three-point stance, plays with proper pad level, and bends the edge with speed. Possesses a closing burst and plays through the whistle.
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Weaknesses: Possesses a thin build and gets out-positioned by blockers. Struggles against the run coming out of a three-point stance.
Overall: McGuire has shown a lot of pass-rush skill the past two seasons and played well during Senior Bowl practices after a terrific senior campaign. He comes with growth potential as well as good versatility. McGuire is a solid late-round choice with upside.
Want more information on McGuire? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Isaiah McGuire, EDGE, Missouri | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Martez Manuel, S
Strengths: Fierce run-defending safety who is best making plays upfield. Efficient, remains disciplined with assignments, and takes proper angles. Plays faster than his 40 time, quickly gets to the action, and wraps up tackling. Stays with coverage assignments and sells out on the blitz.
Weaknesses: Lacks an explosive burst to the ball out of his plant. Average ball skills.
Overall: Manuel is an intense safety who was consistently flying around the ball on Saturdays. He was used as a hybrid safety/LB and never truly developed ball skills. He lacks next-level speed, yet Manuel comes with a special-teams mentality and could be used as a zone safety.
Want more information on Manuel? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile: Martez Manuel, S, Missouri | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Nathaniel Peat, RB
Strengths: Solid ball carrier with return experience. Patient, waits for blocks to develop, and finds the running lanes. Turns it upfield and consistently runs north and south. Runs hard on the inside and will pick and choose his spots in traffic. Quickly gets into pass routes, adjusts to the errant throw, and extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame.
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Weaknesses: Displays a minimal burst in his game. Not a creative ball carrier who makes defenders miss or avoids piles. Easily knocked off balance by the initial hit.
Overall: Peat was mildly productive on the college level, yet has shown solid pass-catching skills that give him an outside shot to make a roster as a third-down back.
Zeke Powell, OL
Strengths: Tall, athletic line prospect who moves well around the field. Quickly gets into blocks and presents himself as a good athlete. Sets with a wide base, works to bend his knees, and keeps his head on a swivel. Patient in pass protection, shows good footwork off the edge, and keeps his feet moving. Shows the ability to pull across the line of scrimmage and block in motion.
Weaknesses: Must improve his blocking balance. Can be all over the place. Gets tall as the play proceeds. Played in just nine games the past two seasons, which stunted his development.
Overall: Powell is a tall blocker who displays a lot of athleticism and comes with a large upside. Durability is a major issue, however, and will keep him out of the draft.