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Iowa Football: Austin Blythe could get paid handsomely in 2020

By K.P. Hanson

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Offensive guard Austin Blythe #66 reacts with teammates Nick Williams #15 and Tyler Higbee #89 of the Los Angeles Rams in front of the crowd at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 28: Offensive guard Austin Blythe #66 reacts with teammates Nick Williams #15 and Tyler Higbee #89 of the Los Angeles Rams in front of the crowd at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Former Iowa football player Austin Blythe had a great season with the Rams in 2018. Could a successful 2019 lead to an 8 figure contract in 2020?

The Iowa football program has one of the best track records at turning hard-working farm boys into NFL monsters. Williamsburg’s very own Austin Blythe is one of those monsters.

In his time at the University of Iowa, he was a dominant four-year starter. And during his final season as an Iowa football player in 2015, he not only lead the Hawks to an undefeated regular season but was named a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, given to the nations most outstanding center.

After getting drafted by the Colts in the 7th round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Blythe battled for a roster spot and ultimately made the team, but appeared in just 8 games during his first season and recorded just one start against the Jacksonville Jaguars. These stats weren’t good enough for new Colts GM Chris Ballard, and on May 15th, 2017, he was cut by the Colts.

But opportunity came knocking on the door of the Williamsburg native, and the next day he was claimed by the Rams.

Despite a change in scenery, Blythe still struggled to make a large impact. He played in all 16 regular season games of the 2017 season and made one start but still, he struggled.

Finally, in his third season, Blythe came into his own. He started two games for the suspended Jamon Brown, and after those two starts, he never looked back.. He would go on to finish the season as Pro Football Focus’ 12th highest rated guard.

7th round picks aren’t supposed to start in the Super Bowl, but Blythe did. After being cut once by the Colts and only starting in the 2018 season due to a suspension, Blythe has shown not just the Rams but the entire National Football League just how much of a monster he can be.

And the future both with the Rams and his pocketbook is looking just fine. If during the upcoming 2019 NFL season Blythe can repeat what he did in the 2018 season, he’s due for a payday.

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And with the increase in the salary cap, Blythe could easily make 8 figures a year if the right team pays him. The future is bright for Austin Blythe, and the NFL better be on notice, because when presented the opportunity, the former Iowa football interior monster will embarrass you and do it often.