Over the weekend, NFL rookies nationwide hit the practice field. After the 2025 NFL draft ended, drafted and undrafted rookies tried to impress teams during rookie minicamps.
Rookie minicamps are a chance for new NFL talent to either make an impression on the team that drafted them or earn a contract after going undrafted.
Five drafted Hawkeyes, including Kaleb Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers), Yahya Black (Pittsburgh Steelers), Mason Richman (Seattle Seahawks), Connor Colby (San Francisco 49ers), and Luke Lachey (Houston Texans) hit the field for rookie minicamps.
Preferred undrafted free agents Jay Higgins (Baltimore Ravens), Sebastian Castro (Pittsburgh Steelers), Luke Elkin (Chicago Bears), and Jermari Harris (Tennessee Titans) also attempting to impress their new teams.
On Sunday, another former undrafted Hawkeye impressed at a rookie minicamp and inked a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Former Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Nick Jackson is headed to the Buccaneers after impressing them at their rookie minicamp. Jackson originally accepted an invitation to the New York Giants minicamp, but signed with Tampa Bay after impressing at their camp.
Before joining the Hawkeyes during the 2023-2024 season, Jackson started his career at Virginia (2019-2022). He was highly productive for both programs.
In 73 college games (an NCAA record), Jackson tallied 555 total tackles (No. 2 all-time in the NCAA), including four seasons of 100-plus tackles (2020-2023).
During his two seasons in Iowa City, Jackson tallied 201 tackles (97 solo), 6.5 sacks, 2.0 forced fumbles, and 1.0 interceptions in 27 starts.
Jackson's college numbers were impressive, and he hopes to continue to impress at the next level. He will attempt to make Tampa Bay's 53-man roster before the 2025-2026 NFL season.
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