After rushing for over 2,000 yards in a single season at Truman State, running back Cody Schrader decided to walk on to the Missouri football program.
The end result of this decision gives us an exceptional success story for an undersized running back entering the NFL.
Here is everything you need to know about Schrader and his evaluation as a prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
How Tall Is Cody Schrader?
Again, the word “undersized” is often used to describe Schrader? That’s because his listed height of 5’8” puts him in the eighth percentile at the position.
His arm length is equally limited at 28 1/8”, which falls in the fourth percentile among his running-back peers.
How Much Does Schrader Weigh?
Schrader’s weight actually paints a slightly better picture when you consider his height and arm length. He’s carrying 202 pounds on his frame, which gives him a sturdier build than his 20th-percentile weight rating would suggest.
How Old Is Schrader?
In addition to his size not working in his favor, Schrader is also among the oldest running back prospects in this class at 24 years old heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. He will turn 25 shortly before the start of the upcoming NFL season.
What School Did Schrader Go To?
Schrader’s journey to the NFL is one of the best success stories in the class.
After spending four years playing Division-II college football at Truman State, he transferred to Missouri ahead of the 2022 season. Schrader went on to play his final two years of college ball as a member of the Tigers.
Revisiting Schrader’s College Career
Scharder’s résumé of collegiate production is among the most impressive in the entire 2024 NFL Draft class.
After not seeing a single carry during his true freshman season at Truman State, he produced 836 total yards and eight TDs in his first real action on the field in 2019.
Unfortunately, his production dipped a bit due to the COVID-19-shortened 2020 campaign. He saw 83 carries for 405 yards and seven TDs to go with eight receptions for 52 yards over four games of the abbreviated season.
In Schrader’s final year at Truman State in 2021, his production skyrocketed. He rushed for 2,074 yards and 25 rushing TDs on 300 carries.
In addition to shouldering the majority of the offensive workload on the ground, Schrader added another 214 yards and a score on 22 receptions to complete his outstanding tenure at Truman State on the highest of notes.
After excelling at the Division II level, Schrader took a chance and decided to walk on to the Missouri football program ahead of the 2022 season. The gamble paid off, with Schrader rushing for 745 yards and nine TDs in his first year with the Tigers.
He completed his fairy tale story by leading the SEC in rushing yards during his final year in college with an outstanding 1,627 yards and 14 TDs on the ground and an additional 22 receptions for 191 yards in 2023.
Schrader’s Potential in the NFL
Schrader’s game is appropriately unique for such a productive player not blessed with exceptional size or speed.
His short-area foot quickness, plus-level lateral agility, and exceptional feel for pressing the hole and sifting through congested traffic in the trenches explain why he was a massive overachiever during his collegiate career. His football character is off the charts and speaks to his quality work as a pass protector.
KEEP READING: Top RBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
The big issue for many NFL evaluators will be trying to convince themselves of his top-shelf rushing production translating to the NFL with a below-average athletic profile across the board.
Do I think he can be a productive runner in the right zone scheme in the NFL? Yes, I do. Do I believe he is going to be able to give you big plays on those outside-zone concepts with his shorter strides and lack of top speed? I have some concerns in that department.
Ultimately, I believe he will hear his name called on Day 3 and will factor into special teams early in his career with his effort and could see a role as a rotational back in the right situation.
Looking for everything you need on the 2024 NFL Draft? Make sure to check out the latest draft results, overall team grades, and updated best remaining players available at every position!