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Hawkeyes Add A Strong New Crop To NFL Ranks

By Joe Favia

Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) enters the field before the game at Memorial Stadium for the contest against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. King has been suspended from the first quarter of play due to a team violation. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) enters the field before the game at Memorial Stadium for the contest against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. King has been suspended from the first quarter of play due to a team violation. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) looks to call a play against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) looks to call a play against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

CJ Beathard QB

One of the most beloved players of the Kirk Ferentz tenure at Iowa was selected in the draft much higher than many draft “experts” believed he would go in. The 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan sees comparisons to Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins in Beathard.

With journeymen veterans to learn from in training camp in Matt Barkley and Brian Hoyer, it wouldn’t be crazy to see the Tennessee-native become the starter as early as the 2017 season in San Francisco.

Oct 17, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (67) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the second half of the game at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (67) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the second half of the game at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaleel Johnson DT

It may not be time to again call the Vikings defense the ‘Purple People Eaters’, but adding the likes of Jaleel Johnson to an already strong group will be quite impressive. Replacing the Hawkeye void created by the retirement of Chad Greenway, Johnson is in position to start, and will be needed to help star linebackers Anthony Barr and linemate Everson Griffen.

Johnson got better and better during his tenure at Iowa after taking over inside from Ravens Carl Davis. It was no surprise to hear his name called, and he should produce big for the Vikings.

Oct 15, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) is tackled by Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Markus Bailey (21) at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle (46) is tackled by Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Markus Bailey (21) at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

George Kittle TE

Kittle joins CJ Beathard in San Francisco in what could be a continuation of a productive combo. Kittle is one of the best blocking tight ends to come out in the draft in recent years, and is an underrated receiver. He joins veterans Vance McDonald and Garrett Celek in the tight end room for first year coach Kyle Shanahan.

Dallas Clark-like production shouldn’t be the measuring point for Kittle’s career, but he could end up being one of the more productive Iowa players in the NFL this decade under Kirk Ferentz.

Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) points against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Tampa , FL, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Desmond King (14) points against the Florida Gators during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Desmond King CB/S

One of the best to ever wear the black & gold in the secondary, or any position for that matter, Desmond King waited, and waited, but finally heard his name called. King became the first Hawkeye drafted by the Chargers since Scott Chandler in 2007.

The former Jim Thorpe Award winner could be the steal of the draft for a fifth round pick, and should help the Chargers on defense, and in the return game, if needed.