PHILADELPHIA, PA. – Mizzou junior defensive end Charles Harris (Kansas City, Mo.) was selected tonight with the No. 22 overall pick in the first round of the 2017 National Football League Draft by the Miami Dolphins.

Harris becomes the eighth Mizzou standout since 2009 to be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, with five of those being defensive linemen – joining Harris were Shane Ray (No. 23 to Denver in 2015), Sheldon Richardson (No. 13 to New York Jets in 2013), Aldon Smith (No. 7 to San Francisco in 2011) and Ziggy Hood (No. 32 to Pittsburgh in 2009). Mizzou’s other first-rounders since 2009 include QB Blaine Gabbert (No. 10 to Jacksonville in 2011), LB Sean Weatherspoon (No. 19 to Atlanta in 2010) and WR Jeremy Maclin (No. 19 to Philadelphia in 2009).

Overall, Harris is the 20th Tiger in history to be taken in the NFL Draft’s first round.

Harris chose to bypass his final year of eligibility and enter the Draft, after turning in an outstanding junior season that saw him lead Mizzou in quarterback sacks (9.0), tackles for loss (12.0) and quarterback hurries (10), while also finishing second on the team with 61 total tackles. Despite playing just three years for the Tiger defense, Harris ended his career ranked seventh all-time at Mizzou in sacks, with 18.0.

Several other Tigers hope to hear their name called during the remainder of the 2017 NFL Draft. The second and third rounds take place Friday, beginning at 6 p.m. central time, while rounds four through seven will be held Saturday with an 11 a.m. start time.

— Mizzou Athletics —