Preview: Hawkeyes in the NFL Draft
Riley Reiff
Offensive tackle • 6-6 • 313
NFL.com rank: No. 2 OT.
National Football Post rank: No. 3 OT.
NFLDraftScout.com rank: No. 2 OT.
At Iowa: All-American and All-Big Ten offensive lineman.
Note: The junior left school early and flew up the draft board into many projected Top 10 lists. Some scouts have cooled on Rieff a little bit, and ESPN’s Todd McShay said he was “never going to be elite.” Most pundits still have him among the very best tackles in the draft and a sure-fire Top 15 pick. “Being a former tight end, he’s a good athlete,” NationalFootballPost.com West Bunting said. “But he doesn’t look overly natural right now at 315.”
Prediction: 1st round, pick 13, Arizona Cardinals.
Marvin McNutt
Wide receiver • 6-4 • 215
NFL.com rank: No. 27 WR.
NFP rank: No. 13 WR.
NFLDS rank: No. 20 WR.
At Iowa: Finished his senior season with 82 catches for 1,315 yards, both school records. Is the Iowa leaders in season touchdowns (12) and career (28).
Note: NFL teams seem to like the size and pass-catching ability of Iowa’s all-time leading receiver, but he is downgraded because he doesn’t have elite speed. He ran a 4.54 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. Hee’s only been playing receiver for three years may like his upside.
Prediction: 4th, pick 31, New England Patriots.
Shaun Prater
Cornerback • 5-10 • 190
NFL.com rank: No. 23 CB.
NFP rank: No. 25 CB.
NFLDS rank: No. 20 CB.
At Iowa: An All-Big Ten pick at cornerback. Had 50 tackles, four interceptions and six pass break-ups as a senior.
Notes: At 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds a little small. Ran a 4.50 40-yard dash at the Iowa pro day. Scouts like his burst ability and athleticism.
Prediction: 4th, pick 15, San Diego Chargers.
Tyler Nielsen
Linebacker • 6-3 • 238
NFL.com rank: No. 32 LB.
NFP rank: NR.
NFLDS rank: No. 24 OLB.
At Iowa: Started eight games as a senior after a career spent struggling with injuries. Had 42 tackles as a senior. Honorable mention all-Big Ten.
Notes: Ran a 4.63 40-yard dash. Some NFL scouts like his ability to cover and project him as a talented pass rusher as well.
Prediction: 5th, pick 35, Indianapolis Colts.
Markus Zusevics
Offensive tackle • 6-5 • 303
NFL.com rank: No. 23 OT.
NFP rank: No. 10 OT.
NFLDS rank: No. 25 OT.
At Iowa: Started 26 straight games over his last two seasons. Was honorable mention All-Big Ten.
Notes: Can play at guard or tackle in the NFL. Scouts like his technique and his pedigree as an Iowa offensive lineman. Not rated as a very naturally athletic lineman.
Prediction: 6th, pick 31, New York Giants.
Mike Daniels
Defensive tackle • 6-1 • 291
NFL.com rank: No. 13 DT.
NFP rank: No. 20 DT.
NFLDS rank: No. 26 DT.
At Iowa: Started every game last season and led the team in tackles for loss with 13.5 and sacks with nine. Second-team all-Big Ten.
Notes: The NFL loves his motor, but he is a little undersized for every down play on the pro level.
Prediction: 4th, pick 34, Oakland Raiders.
Adam Gettis
Offensive guard • 6-2 • 293
NFL.com rank: No. 22 G/C.
NFP rank: NR.
NFLDS rank: No. 17 OG.
At Iowa: After struggling with injuries early in his career, started all 13 games last season, earned second team all-Big Ten.
Notes: Gettis turned some heads with his workouts at the combine with explosive jumps and runs. Remains a little undersized for an NFL interior lineman.
Prediction: 6th, pick 26, Miami Dolphins.
Brad Herman
Tight end • 6-5 • 253
NFL.com rank: NR.
NFP rank: NR.
NFLDS rank: No. 24 TE.
At Iowa: Started three games as a senior with eight catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns.
Notes: Seven Iowa tight ends have been drafted since 1999. Herman has size, but he didn’t finish his Hawkeye career strong.
Prediction: UFA, St. Louis Rams.
Broderick Binns
Outside linebacker • 6-0 • 258
NFL.com rank: NR.
NFP rank: NR.
NFLDS rank: No. 36 DE.
At Iowa: Led team with eight pass break-ups and had 12 tackles for loss and five sacks. Started all 13 games at defensive end.
Notes: Listed at outside linebacker from some places. Did run a 4.69 at Iowa pro day. Probably too small to play defensive end in NFL. Has huge wingspan.
Prediction: UFA, Dallas Cowboys.
Jordan Bernstine
Safety • 5-11 • 205
NFL.com rank: NR.
NFP rank: NR.
NFLDS rank: NR.
At Iowa: Dealt with injury much of his career but started 11 games as a senior and had 89 tackles. Also led Iowa in kickoff returns.
Notes: Emerged as a big hitter at safety and his stock has risen after performing very well at Iowa’s pro day. Could really emerge as a special team pick.
Prediction: 7th, pick 38, Cleveland Browns.
Category: Iowa Hawkeyes Football
