The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here, and for Mizzou Football, the question isn't *if* players will be selected, but *when* the first Tiger will come off the board. With a talented group featuring names like Zion Young, Josiah Trotter, and Chris McClellan, Missouri is poised for another strong showing in Pittsburgh.

The spotlight shines brightest on edge defender Zion Young. At 6'5" and 255 pounds, Young combines impressive length with powerful hands, making him a consistent disruptor. His standout final season has positioned him squarely on the NFL radar, with projections placing him anywhere from the late first round to the early second.

This draft carries extra significance for the program. Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has already produced back-to-back first-round picks in Darius Robinson (2024) and Armand Membou (2025). Now, the Tigers are chasing history, aiming for their first three-year streak of first-round selections since the 2009-2011 run.

So, will Zion Young or another Tiger extend that elite streak? Or will the first Mizzou selection come on Day 2? The answer will define Missouri's continued ascent as an NFL talent pipeline and set the tone for the next generation of Tigers dreaming of their own draft day moment.