Mizzou offensive lineman becomes eighth player to declare for NFL Draft
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
On Sunday, Mizzou offensive tackle Marcus Bryant became the eighth member of the 2024 Tiger football team to declare for the NFL Draft.
Bryant spent one season in Columbia, playing at left tackle, after transferring in from SMU. He had a key role in MU's offensive line finishing as one of the best units in the nation this past season, as Bryant was one of the top-rated pass blockers in the land.
In 2024, the Mizzou offensive line did allow 22 sacks on quarterback Brady Cook, but really shined in the ground attack. The offense ran for a total of 2,138 yards and averaged about 164 rushing yards per game this season.
Before coming to Columbia, Bryant played in 42 games over four seasons at SMU and earned All-American Athletic Conference honors in each of his final three seasons in Dallas, Texas. He helped the team to an 11-3 season and an AAC title in 2023, as he anchored an offensive line that racked up 542 points, which was the second-highest point total in program history.
Bryant also grabbed attention earlier in his career. In 2022, he was a First-Team All-AAC selection, just one year after earning Second-Team All-AAC honors.
The offensive tackle ended his collegiate career on a high note, as Music City Bowl champions, with Mizzou's 27-24 win over Iowa in Nashville.
Head coach Eli Drinkwitz will have some bolstering to do on the offensive line, ahead of the 2025 season. Bryant is now the second offensive lineman to declare for the draft, joining junior Armand Membou. Lineman Cam'Ron Johnson is also out of eligibility, following the 2024 campaign, but hasn't made his official NFL Draft announcement yet.
Bryant will now work towards the NFL Draft, which will take place Thursday, April 24 through Saturday, April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
