Iowa Football: Where does PFF rank Hawkeyes’ key players?

Iowa football has enjoyed some noteworthy performances this season. Here’s how Pro Football Focus has graded some of the Hawkeyes’ key players.

The No. 19 Iowa Hawkeyes (4-2) wouldn’t be where they are without some stellar performances from a select group of players this season. Pro Football Focus watches each college game from every conference and assigns grades to individual players. Here’s where some of Iowa’s key contributors rank among all qualifiers:

Offense

QB Spencer Petras: 115th of 128
RB Tyler Goodson: 81st of 170
WR Brandon Smith: 299th of 370
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette: 360th of 370
TE Shaun Beyer: 3rd of 157
TE Sam LaPorta: 40th of 157
C Tyler Linderbaum: 1st of 124
G Cole Banwart: 12th of 254
G Cody Ince: 45th of 254
T Alaric Jackson: 64th of 272
T Mark Kallenberger: 92nd of 272

Some quick takeaways from these grades: Petras is the biggest reason Iowa has struggled in the passing game. PFF’s grade accurately reflects this reality…the Hawkeyes’ offensive line is collectively one of the best units in the NCAA. Linderbaum has passed the eye test from Day 1 and should be a top-50 pick in the NFL Draft eventually…Iowa’s two starting receivers have been lackluster based on expectations, but how much of that can be attributed to poor quarterback play?…the Hawkeyes’ tight end tandem might be the best in the nation. Beyer is more of a blocking-type, while LaPorta excels as a receiver…Goodson is a great pure runner, but must improve in pass-protection in order to garner looks from the NFL.

Defense

DT Daviyon Nixon: 26th of 235
DT Jack Heflin: 51st of 235
DE Chauncey Golston: 50th of 255
DE Zach VanValkenburg: 86th of 255
LB Nick Niemann: 85th of 332
LB Seth Benson: 97th of 332
CB Riley Moss: 42nd of 302
CB Dane Belton: 134th of 302
CB Matt Hankins: 163rd of 302
S Kaevon Merriweather: 90th of 304
S Jack Koerner: 99th of 304

Some quick takeaways: No surprise that Nixon is PFF’s highest-graded player on Iowa’s defense. He’s flashed several times this season with 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Like Linderbaum, he’ll be a top 50 pick…the defensive line is the strong suit. Heflin is the unsung hero…Golston is excelling as both a run defender and pass-rusher; he’ll get a shot in the NFL…the linebackers are solid if not spectacular. Jack Campbell (not listed) is obviously one to watch moving forward…same story as the linebackers with the secondary; surprising that Koerner isn’t rated higher, he’s flashed this season. Belton has been excellent blitzing from the slot.