COLUMBIA, MO - SEPTEMBER 2: Damarea Crockett #16 of the Missouri Tigers celebrates his touchdown with Tyler Howell #76 and Paul Adams #77 in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

Three Missouri football players have officially entered the NFL ranks. Darius Robinson marked a milestone by becoming the first Missouri player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft since 2017, chosen by the Arizona Cardinals as the 27th overall pick on Day 1. Ennis Rakestraw Jr. followed suit, heading to the Detroit Lions in the second round at the 61st overall pick, with NFL legends Barry Sanders and Detroit mayor Mike Duggan announcing his selection. Additionally, linebacker Ty’Ron Hopper surprised many by being chosen in the third round by the Green Bay Packers as the 91st pick.

Looking ahead, four more Missouri players remain hopeful for a draft call on Saturday, which could potentially tie the Tigers’ program record with seven picks in a single draft. Among these prospects is cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine, who despite not being selected in Day 2, stands as a promising candidate for Day 3. With his impressive record of 16 passes defended and four interceptions in the previous season, Abrams-Draine is anticipated to be picked in the upcoming rounds.

Offensive lineman Foster, with his notable contribution to Missouri’s offensive line, is also on the radar for NFL teams. Despite not securing a pick in the initial rounds, he remains a strong contender, with potential landing spots including the Ravens, Patriots, and 49ers in the later rounds.

Running back Cody Schrader, who achieved a single-season record at Missouri in 2023, presents a compelling story for NFL scouts. Despite concerns about wear and tear due to his journey from Division-II Truman State to Mizzou, Schrader’s impressive performance and unique narrative make him a viable option for teams in the later rounds, with the Kansas City Chiefs being a possible destination.

Lastly, safety JC Carlies and kicker Harrison Mevis round out Missouri’s prospects, with both having outside chances of being drafted on Day 3. Carlies, known for his versatility, may transition to linebacker to enhance his draft prospects, while Mevis, recognized for his long-distance kicks, remains a hopeful candidate despite the slim odds of a draft selection.

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Here’s your rephrased and expanded blog post version, over 456 words: — Boston Celtics Legend Weighs in on Caitlin Clark and WNBA Pay Debate The conversation around pay equity in professional sports has once again taken center stage, with WNBA star Caitlin Clark becoming one of the most prominent voices in the discussion. The rookie sensation has been outspoken about the significant pay gap between male and female basketball players, sparking debates across sports media, fan communities, and now even among NBA legends. Clark’s stance on the issue has been clear and unapologetic. Last month, she made headlines when she arrived to warm-ups wearing a shirt emblazoned with the message, “Pay Us What You Owe Us.” The statement wasn’t just about her own salary—it was a call to action for the league and its stakeholders to recognize the value, talent, and growing marketability of women’s basketball. Her boldness has not gone unnoticed. A Boston Celtics legend—whose own career was defined by leadership both on and off the court—has now voiced support for Clark’s perspective. While not delving into the specifics of WNBA contracts or league finances, the Celtics great made it clear that the conversation Clark is pushing forward is both necessary and overdue. The issue of WNBA compensation has been a long-standing point of contention. While NBA players often sign multi-million-dollar contracts bolstered by massive television deals, WNBA players operate under a much smaller revenue pool. The average WNBA salary is a fraction of its NBA equivalent, and even the league’s top earners fall short of the baseline salary of NBA rookies. Critics often argue that pay should be tied to league revenue, while advocates point out that the WNBA has been historically underpromoted and underfunded, creating a self-fulfilling cycle that keeps salaries low. Clark is far from the first WNBA player to use her platform for advocacy. In 2020, players made a united stand in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, wearing shirts and using media appearances to amplify the message. Then in 2022, during the second half of the All-Star Game, every player took the court wearing Brittney Griner jerseys while the Phoenix Mercury star was detained in Russia—a powerful gesture of solidarity that resonated worldwide. What sets Clark apart is her combination of star power and timing. Entering the league with massive attention from her historic college career, she has quickly become one of the most marketable athletes in women’s basketball. Her willingness to speak openly about pay equity not only draws attention from fans but also places additional pressure on league executives, sponsors, and media partners to reexamine how the WNBA is valued. With NBA legends like this former Celtics star voicing support, the conversation gains an added layer of credibility and visibility. While solutions to the pay gap are complex and will require structural changes, the public momentum Clark is generating suggests that the discussion is far from fading. In fact, it may be entering its most crucial stage yet—one that could shape the future of women’s basketball for generations to come. — If you’d like, I can also prepare a more debate-focused version that contrasts opposing viewpoints on the WNBA pay gap for a more argumentative blog style.