Mizzou Offensive Lineman Could be Sleeper Pick in 2026 NFL Draft
With the NFL season still a couple months away — and the 2026 draft even further out — early projections are already surfacing, and scouts believe Mizzou may have another offensive lineman ready to continue the program's growing pipeline to the pros.
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An ESPN article believes that Mizzou offensive lineman Cayden Green has what it takes to be a sleeper in the 2026 NFL draft.
'At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Green — who transferred from Oklahoma after the 2023 season — has ideal size for an NFL guard, but there are some who think he could also play left tackle,' the article said.
Tigers offensive lineman Cayden Green (70) in action during the second half against the Massachusetts Minutemen© Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Mizzou has developed a strong reputation for producing offensive linemen in recent years, with three players drafted over the past two years — including 2025 No. 7 pick Armand Membou — and two more projected to go early in the 2026 draft (Green and center Connor Tollison).
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As a recruit out of Lee Summit, Green was a four-star talent, a top three Missouri prospect and a top 15 offensive tackle in the country. Green had offers from Missouri, Oklahoma, LSU, Nebraska and Arkansas but ultimately committed to be a Sooner in 2022. After one season with OU, Green entered the portal. On Dec. 19, 2023, just seven days after the OL entered the portal, he committed to Mizzou.
During Green's first season at Mizzou, he started in all 13 games at left guard and helped the offense accumulate 2,138 rushing and 2,926 passing yards as well as 26 rushing touchdowns. With the help of Membou and other pieces, the offensive line led the SEC and ranked seventh nationally in time of possession while being ranked fourth and seventh in the conference in TFLs allowed (4.62) and sacks allowed (2.00) per game, respectively.
"Watching his feet at left guard, I think he could play tackle. He's a lot like Membou in that way. He's really versatile athletically," said an NFC offensive line coach who studied his tape.'
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While his chances look high, ESPN believes he still has proving to do before he can be seen as one of the top talents.
'Green's run-blocking dominance stands out on tape, but he must improve his balance in pass blocking. If that improvement happens, he has All-American ability and first-round potential,' the article said.
With Mizzou's recent success developing NFL-ready linemen, Cayden Green appears poised to be the next in line. While there's still room for growth, particularly in pass protection, his size, athleticism, and versatility have already caught the attention of NFL scouts.
Related: Mizzou WR Cracks Prominent List After Luther Burden III's Departure
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
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