Iowa football: 2019 NFL Draft will determine fate of 14 Hawkeyes

The NFL Draft begins this evening, and by Saturday afternoon, we will likely know the fate of 13 Iowa football players. Here’s a rundown of this weekend.

It’s an exciting year for Iowa football fans and the program itself. The Hawkeyes set a record for early entrants this year when Noah Fant, TJ Hockenson, Anthony Nelson, and Amani Hooker all declared. Including those four, there are nine other seniors who have run out of eligibility and are looking for their next career move, which hopefully is the NFL.

Where those guys will end up though, remains to be seen. If history has shown us anything though, the NFL will always value guys from the Iowa football program late on day three or as priority undrafted free agents simply because of their work ethic and the coaching they received by Kirk Ferentz and his staff.

Here’s a breakdown of each one of these Iowa football players and where they are projected to go:

TJ Hockenson – We gave a full preview earlier, but Hockenson is likely going to be drafted anywhere from pick #7 to #20 on Thursday night of the NFL Draft.

Noah Fant – Fant received a similar preview as Hockenson. He is likely going to be drafted anywhere from pick #12 to 30 on Thursday night, but it honestly just depends on where Hockenson goes. Hockenson is the first domino that has to fall.

Amani Hooker – Hooker could go anywhere from the late second round to the middle of the third and the Bears and Broncos look like pretty solid landing spots at this point.

Anthony Nelson – Nelson’s draft stock is completely up in the air. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him go in the middle of the third or in the middle of the 5th. Expect to hear his name called on day two or three. Here’s a preview of why that’s the case.

Ross Reynolds – Reynolds put up an impressive showing at his Pro Day busting out 27 reps of 225 pounds. His game is very scheme dependant (zone based), and if he lands in the right situation, he could carve out a nice career for himself. He’s expected to go late on day three (Saturday) or be signed as a priority UDFA.

Keegan Render – Not as much buzz has been given to Render, but don’t think NFL teams are sleeping on this offensive lineman from the Iowa football player. With his background of playing in the Hawk’s zone scheme, teams will either take a flyer on him late in day three or as a UDFA.

Nick Easley – It’s hard to imagine that just two years ago, hardly any Iowa football fans knew who Nick Easley was when he joined as a walk-on from Iowa Western Community College. Now, he is a shining example of how hard work and perseverance pays off in a big way. At his Pro Day, he posted numbers comparable to that of another overlooked slot receiver, Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman and it appears teams are taking notice. If Easley goes late in the 7th round it wouldn’t surprise me but I expect him to be a priority UDFA.

Jake Gervase – Gervase is another great walk-on story for the Iowa football team. His combine numbers were almost identical to those of Amani Hooker which means Gervase will get certainly sign a UDFA contract.

Matt Nelson – Matt Nelson took one for the good of the team when he moved inside to play tackle. It’s hurting him a bit now without much to go on from Nelson at an edge position. He will sign a UDFA contract.

Parker Hesse – At the Iowa football Pro Day, Hesse worked out as a fullback, tight end, and defensive end. That versatility will get him a contract after the draft, but he’ll have to work his butt off to stick on a practice squad.

Sam Brinks – Brinks hurts his hamstring during his Pro Day dampening an already dim future. Brinks may get a camp invite similar but likely nothing more.

Miguel Recinos – Recinos could find himself in camp as a camp leg, but not likely.

Kyle Groenweg – Groenweg turned in the fastest 40-yard dash of all the Iowa football members, which means he’ll get a camp invite if not a UDFA contract for that fact. However, he will have to prove pretty quickly that he belongs after catching just four balls in his Hawkeye career.

Brady Ross – Ross stunned everyone when he turned in a 39.5 inch vertical, but he’ll be lucky if he gets a UDFA contract especially in today’s NFL that devalues the fullback position.

The 2019 NFL Draft begins tonight at 7 PM Central Standard Time and will conclude when all first round picks are announced. The second and third round will begin Friday at 6 PM Central Standard Time and the final day of the draft starts at 11 AM Central Standard Time.