ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Matrix Midwest) - The next step in Cody Schrader’s NFL journey will lead him to an unlikely place.
The Los Angeles Rams submitted a waiver claim on the former standout of the University of Missouri, Truman State and Lutheran South High School. The team that infamously vacated the city of St. Louis in 2016 was set to carry only three running backs on its 53-man roster before successfully claiming Schrader off waivers from the San Francisco 49ers. Schrader signed as an undrafted free-agent with the Niners following the NFL Draft this past spring.
After reports circulated regarding Schrader’s work ethic and strong training camp, the 24-year-old appeared in preseason action for the 49ers, tallying 48 rushing yards on 18 carries. The output evidently wasn’t enough for San Francisco to hold a roster spot for Schrader, but he likely would have been a priority selection for the Niners’ practice squad once he passed through waivers.
Seeing the value in Schrader, the Rams claimed the 2023 Burlsworth Trophy recipient and Consensus All-American to add him to a running back room that features another St. Louis kid, Kyren Williams (Vianney). Rookie Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers will round out the running back room for Los Angeles.
Though one could choose to focus on the bittersweet aspect of Schrader’s NFL chance coming with the team that should still be his hometown team, the reality is that only positive emotions should be associated with Schrader’s remarkable story of perseverance.
His chance may be coming with the last organization anyone in the 314 would have wanted to see provide it to him, but Cody Schrader is an NFL-caliber player. Wednesday’s news helps solidify that for the upcoming season.
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