COLUMBIA, MO. • Compared to all the defensive linemen to pass through Mizzou and reach the NFL, Marcell Frazier took a circuitous path to the waiting game that ends sometime this week. A second-team All-Southeastern Conference defensive end, Frazier understands there’s no guarantee he’s selected in the NFL draft — he’s projected as a late-round pick in the seven-round, three-day extravaganza — but he’s gotten this far without the security of guarantees.
Frazier didn’t qualify academically out of high school after signing with Nevada-Las Vegas and attended two junior colleges before arriving at Missouri. Then he had to earn playing time at the spot where the program has produced more millionaires than any other position.