Tag: Cody Schrader

Previewing Rams’ RB room for 2024 season

With less than a week to go before their game in Detroit, here’s a look into the players toting the rock for the Rams this season.

The Rams made several offseason moves that reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a consistent rushing attack. Kyren Williams returns as the team’s RB1 but the lack of preseason playtime from Blake Corum, combined with Williams’ new responsibilities on special teams, paint a clear picture that the discrepancy of carries between the two may be virtually non-existent.

Backing up Williams and Corum are Ronnie Rivers, a 2022 UDFA from Fresno State who enters his third year with the team, and recently acquired Cody Schrader, a 2024 UDFA from Missouri who spent this preseason with the 49ers.

Williams enters his third year with the Rams following a phenomenal sophomore campaign in the NFL. The Notre Dame graduate ran for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, finishing as the third-best rusher in the NFL. He also played in only 12 games. Williams ran for over 100 yards on six occasions, including a combined 301 yards in his two games against Arizona and a 152-yard performance against Washington.

Corum, a third-round pick out of the University of Michigan, ran his team to a National Championship last season. A shifty running back who is an excellent north-south runner, Corum rushed for 2,708 yards during his final two years in college. Corum has also been listed as the team’s kickoff returner.

Rivers suffered from a lack of opportunities and a subsequent knee sprain last season that really derailed his 2023 season. However, Rivers did enough to stave off Zach Evans and Boston Scott from taking a roster spot away from him. Do not let his 2023 numbers fool you; Rivers has legit abilities and a fearlessness about him with the ball in his hands. He did average 4 yards on 32 carries so do not be surprised to see Rivers involved more this season.

Schrader is another downhill runner, hitting home the fact that the Rams want to run the ball inside. One of the pillars of a legendary season for the Missouri Tigers last season, Schrader ran for 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns. Schrader then led the Tigers to an upset win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl with 128 yards and one touchdown. Expect Schrader to be seldom used but if an injury occurs, he will be a reliable option for the team.

The Rams’ running backs are built to play a certain style of football. Zone blocking, inside runs that set up third and manageable. With these four players, expect a high amount of carries to start the season.

49ers lose 4 players, including 2 promising rookies, to other teams

After spending camp in Santa Clara, a pack of four former 49ers were claimed through waivers on Wednesday.

Following the final wave of cuts on deadline day, players went through the waiver process on Wednesday before becoming free agents. After the 53-player cutdown day on Tuesday, four former members of the San Francisco 49ers landed with new teams, including three players being claimed on Wednesday.

Rookies Jarret Kingston and Cody Schrader were claimed, along with former starting defensive back Samuel Womack. Kingston and Schrader each flashed in the preseason. Kingston was claimed by the Carolina Panthers and former Missouri All-American running back Schrader landed with the division rival Los Angeles Rams. Womack was claimed by the Colts.

Via @MaioccoNBCS on Twitter:

 

Along with losing Kingston, Womack and Schrader, the 49ers will also be without linebacker Jalen Graham. According to Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle, the Washington Commanders have claimed Graham. Graham was drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft out of Purdue.

Via @Eric_Branch on Twitter:

As final rosters are still being finalized with different moves, the 49ers were awarded no waiver claims on Wednesday.

 

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Rams claim rookie RB Cody Schrader off waivers from 49ers

The Rams claimed rookie RB Cody Schrader off waivers from the 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams kept only three running backs on their 53-man roster Tuesday but they’re adding a fourth through waivers. On Wednesday, the Rams claimed rookie running back Cody Schrader off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers.

He now goes onto the 53-man roster, which means the Rams will need to cut someone to make room for him. Schrader was cut by the 49ers this week but quickly lands back on his feet in the NFC West, staying in the state of California with the Rams.

Schrader played his college ball at Missouri but went undrafted this year. The 49ers signed the former Tigers star, who rushed for 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns at Missouri last season. He also caught 22 passes for 191 yards in 2023.

In the preseason this summer, Schrader rushed for 48 yards on 18 carries and caught two passes for 8 yards. He returned four kickoffs for a total of 120 yards, though, which could be the role the Rams envision for him.

49ers most interesting rookie to watch in preseason opener wasn’t even drafted

In his final season in the SEC, the undrafted rookie free agent running back set the Missouri single season rushing record with 1.627 yards on the ground.

Do you remember what the running back position looked like for the San Francisco 49ers prior to the arrival of Christian McCaffrey? Things were different, but by no means were they negative.

With the help of then run-game coordinator Mike McDaniel, Kyle Shanahan’s offense was quickly known for developing top-end talent without the star power. With the help of their running back-friendly scheme, Shanahan and the 49ers seemed to often find hidden gems who could carry the rock and get instant production. Players like Raheem Mostert, Elijah Mitchell and Matt Brieda all broke out and thrived in Shanahan’s offense.

While all eyes will be on McCaffrey again when the regular season starts in September, before we get there, Saturday’s preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans might provide a glimpse of yet another hidden gem in the San Francisco backfield.

Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell will likely battle for the No. 2 running back position, while rookie Isaac Guerendo and newly signed veteran Breida will also demand carries. However, with McCaffrey already ruled out of the preseason, and both Mitchell and Guerendo dealing with hamstring injuries, another back — possibly another hidden gem —  could be in line to make an impact on Saturday in Tennessee. Enter undrafted rookie free agent Cody Schrader.

After leading all of Division II in rushing with 2,074 yards at Truman in 2021, Schrader entered the transfer portal and walked on at Missouri. In his senior season, Schrader helped lead the Tigers to an 11-2 record with a No, 8 ranking and a win against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

On the way to the Cotton Bowl, Schrader broke the Missouri single-season rushing record with 1.627 yards. Schrader also punched in 14 touchdowns for the Tigers. Schrader finished his last six games with over 112 yards rushing in each game. Schrader helped torch Tennesse with 205 yards on the ground and 116 yards receiving.

Following a stellar campaign with Mizzou, Schrader was named First-Team AP All-American, First-Team All-SEC, a Doak Walker award finalist and he finished eighth in Heisman voting.

Despite his production in the most talented conference in college football, Schrader went undrafted. The undrafted free agent running back quickly landed with the 49ers — arguably one of the top destinations for a running back trying to prove themselves.

Schrader has thrived in Missouri’s zone scheme with coach Eliah Drinkwitz, while showing impressive vision, toughness, instinct and the contact balance to consistently break tackles at the SEC level. All things that could play in Shanahan’s system.

Schrader seems to already be generating some buzz from his time at training camp and now an impressive debut in the preseason could be what he needs to catapult himself into a position to lock up a roster spot in Santa Clara.

Via @Coach_Yac on Twitter:

While there will be questions about Schrader’s speed and athleticism, this is what the preseason, especially week one, is all about, giving players like him a chance to compete at the NFL and prove themselves another day.

Schrader will be a name to highlight on Saturday in the preseason. The 49ers will kick off against the Titans on Saturday at 4 p.m. PT.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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49ers could lose rookies to another league

Four rookies were selected in the 2024 edition of the UFL draft.

On Wednesday, the Memphis Showboats kicked off the 2024 USFL draft by selecting quarterback Jason Bean with the No. 1 overall pick. While no members of the San Francisco 49ers were selected in the first round of the UFL draft, four rookies came off the board in the spring football league draft.

Undrafted rookie free agents Cody Schrader, Evan Anderson, Briason Mays and Tanner Mordecai were all selected in the first nine rounds of the UFL draft.

Schrader’s was drafted in the second round by the St. Louis Battlehawks. After a decorated season at Missouri that included All-American honors, Schrader signed with the 49ers as an undrafted free agent. Schrader ran for 1627 yards to go along with 14 touchdowns last season for the Tigers.

Schrader will have the chance to compete for a place on the roster or a spot on the practice squad at training camp.

Via @XFLBattlehawks on Twitter:

Undrafted rookie free agent quarterback Tanner Mordecai came off the board in the ninth round to the D.C. Defenders. Mordecai played three seasons at Oklahoma before transferring to SMU. Mordecai then spent his final season of college football at Wisconsin.

Via @XFLDefenders on Twitter:

The Memphis Showboats drafted defensive tackle Evan Anderson in the fourth round, Reigning XFL champions, the Arlington Rengades selected center Briason Mays in the ninth round.

Via @USFLShowboats on Twitter:

Via @XFLRenegades on Twitter:

The UFL could be a potential option for the undrafted rookies if they don’t stick with the 49ers or make a practice squad in the NFL.

The UFL season is slated to kick off after the NFL season has come to a close. The 2024 season began in late March and came to an end in mid-June.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Unpacking Future Packers: No. 69, Missouri RB Cody Schrader

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Missouri running back Cody Schrader.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

If the Green Bay Packers don’t re-sign AJ Dillon, they’ll have to find a new running mate for Aaron Jones.

A running back that Brian Gutekunst could target during the 2024 NFL Draft is Cody Schrader. The Missouri running back checks in at No. 69 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A transfer from Truman State University, Schrader rushed for 744 yards and nine touchdowns during his first season as a Missouri Tiger. This past season, Schrader rushed for an SEC-leading 1,627 yards and 14 touchdowns. 

“He may not be burning by SEC defensive backs, but when Schrader saw a hole this season, he hit it with purpose and explosiveness,” Parker Gillam, the Missouri beat writer for RockMNation.com said. “The man that always falls forward utilized his great vision and ability to run through arm tackles and became the SEC’s leading rusher in 2023, highlighted by dominant performances against Tennessee and Arkansas. As the game went on, Schrader only appeared to get stronger while the opposing defense grew tired of hitting him. Thus, he would generally take the will out of the opposition by the time the final whistle blew.”

Schrader has good vision and is a patient runner. He can get skinny and explode through the hole.  He has quick feet and the lateral agility to hit cutback lanes without throttling down. He runs low to the ground and runs with toughness. This past season he picked up 851 yards after contact and forced 51 missed tackles. 

The Missouri native has some home run ability and can hit his top speed quickly. According to Pro Football Focus, Schrader ripped off 39 runs of 10-plus yards.

“His physical tools, such as a low center of gravity, elite leg drive and ability to shake off arm tackles stand out, but this comes down to mindset,” Gillam said. “Schrader’s sheer determination is rivaled by few, and it takes someone with equal strength and willpower to bring him down in a one-on-one scenario.”

Schrader finished his two-year stint as a Tiger with 41 receptions for 328 yards. He has reliable hands out of the backfield (one drop this past season). 

“He certainly developed in that regard in 2023, as he was not much of a factor in the passing game prior,” Gillam said. “He lined up at slot a decent amount, and Kirby Moore made a point to get him some touches out of the backfield. I can’t see him becoming an Austin Ekeler-type in this regard, but he’s serviceable enough to keep on the field in pass-down scenarios. He’s deadly on screen passes given his open-field ability.”

Schrader went from a walk-on at Missouri to a team captain. He’s a leader and a player that will impress during the interview process. The Missouri product is a player that the running backs coach will be pounding the table for when Day 3 of the draft rolls around. 

“He’s one of the most genuinely determined, team-oriented and nicest individuals I’ve ever come across,” Gillam said. “His story from the D-II ranks is well-documented, and his off-field character is top-notch. As Jaylon Carlies, a Missouri safety put it, “When he talks, everybody listens.” The most impressive thing about Cody Schrader in my eyes? The way he carries himself off the field is completely evident in the way he plays on the field.”

Fit with the Packers

Dillon is set to hit free agency. Jones is going to be 30 years old in December and is entering the final year of his contract. Add it all up and Gutekunst will likely add a pair of running backs in the upcoming draft.

Schrader runs with good tempo and is capable of ripping off chunk plays. He showcased this past season that he’s capable of handling a full workload and would be an excellent addition to any running back room.

“I’d take a chance on him because Eliah Drinkwitz did the same thing and was well-rewarded,” Gillam said. “A major headline revolving around running backs nowadays is health and longevity. Schrader played nearly all of the 2023 season with a variety of injuries yet didn’t miss a single game and played at a high-level regardless. He’s proven that he’s able to hold up against the weekly grind of SEC football, which is the closest thing to the NFL that you can find.

On top of that, his versatility means that, even if he doesn’t become an every-down back, he can provide a spark for a team that will also bring a great locker-room presence along with him. There are zero character concerns, plenty of upside and a track record of being productive in a high-caliber league. Schrader will never be the flashiest player, but he’s overcome every challenge set before him thus far, so what’s the NFL going to throw at him that he can’t handle?”

Missouri RB Cody Schrader continues his incredible ascension with a strong Senior Bowl week

Missouri RB Cody Schrader continues his incredible ascension with a strong Senior Bowl week

There isn’t a much more undervalued group over the years than the running back position. Though, with two going in the first round last year, that could perhaps change in the coming years. While it’s unlikely we will see a first-round back in the 2024 draft, a few names have impressed early on in the pre-draft process. One of those names is former Missouri running back Cody Schrader.

Having an extremely productive year at Missouri, Schrader looked to follow that up with an impressive performance against top talent across the country. Not only did he succeed in impressing during practices leading up to the main event, Schrader showed off during the all-star game itself. While he was limited in his rushing, given he only had 12 yards on seven carries, Schrader really showed off his shiftiness in the passing attack, hauling in 54 yards on just five catches.

This is just another major step forward for Schrader’s quite frankly inspiring story. From a starter at division II Truman state to a walk on to Missouri where he became their top offensive weapon. It’s clear Schrader has a massive chip on his shoulder and the grit to make it to the next level. It’s early on but if Schrader continues his impressive rise he could find himself going within the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.

List of running backs at 2024 Senior Bowl

A quick list of the running backs in Mobile this week for the Senior Bowl.

Rolling on with taking a look at who will be in Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl — a game in which Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will be a head coach — here are the running backs that will take part this week.

Coaching the running backs in Mobile will be Cardinals running backs coach Autry Denson and Jamel Mutunga, who spent last season coaching the running backs for the Panthers.

Running back could be a spot the Jets look at late as they look for help behind Breece Hall and Israel Abanikanda. This looks like an interesting group in Mobile, including one of the stars of Missouri’s surprise run to a win over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

2024 Senior Bowl preview: Running backs

Ahead of the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl, we are previewing each position group on the roster. Our 2nd preview focuses on the running backs

One of the most important events on the National Football League calendar is the Senior Bowl. Held the week after the conference championship games, it is the true beginning of the NFL draft cycle.

Not only do scouts and analysts like us get to see over 100 draft prospects in one place competing against each other, but it’s also an opportunity for analysts and personnel alike to get together and have discussions about a number of topics.

As we look forward to this year’s Senior Bowl, managing editor Tyler Forness will be there in person to break everything down.

We will be breaking down each position group and what to look for throughout the week. Here is the running back position.

Other previews:

Quarterback

Missouri RB Cody Schrader declares for the 2024 NFL Draft

Expect the see Schrader hear his name called sometime in the second or third round in a deep running back class.

One of the best and most influential stories in college football is taking his talents to the next level as Missouri running back Cody Schrader has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.

A former walk-on at Missouri, Schrader has established himself as one of if not the top backs in all of college football after an incredible season with the Tigers. During the 2023 season, Schrader carried the Missouri offense with 276 carries, 1,627 rushing yards, and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Schrader was a menace when he had the ball in his hands, grinding out hard yardage play after play and becoming the most explosive piece of the Tigers’ offense.

Schrader has the potential to be an every-down back at the next level; while not possessing elite levels of speed, he has shown enough athleticism and burst to play at the next level with elite-level instincts and vision for his position. Schrader is functional as a pass catcher and, given his low center of gravity and insistent running style, could be a short-yardage menace. Expect the see Schrader hear his name called sometime in the second or third round in a deep running back class.