2023 NFL draft: Where experts think Iowa, Iowa State football players will land
If the ascension of Brock Purdy from Iowa State mainstay to Mr. Irrelevant to NFL darling is any indication, the NFL draft is as unpredictable as it is exciting for players and fans alike.
Every year, players surprise the league by playing above where their draft position would indicate (remember how Tom Brady was taken in the sixth round?). Teams often gamble on wild-card players with high ceilings, or they bet on a less exciting but more consistent type who can hopefully be coached beyond predictions.
In short — while the NFL draft can tell us a lot about what teams see in players, the real proving ground comes in the offseason and on the field.
More: Iowa State football's NFL quarterback fraternity members reflect on Brock Purdy's success
This year, Iowa and Iowa State have several prospects hoping to hear their names called for a shot at NFL glory. Here's where analysts around the country think some of the top Iowa and Iowa State prospects will go this year.
Lukas Van Ness (DL, Iowa)
Height: 6'5
Weight: 272 lbs
Lukas Van Ness posted a decent showing at the NFL combine, ranking No. 7 for his position in the general athleticism score and in overall score. He's a virtual lock to go in the first round, ranked the No. 2 edge rusher in this year's draft class in the draft by NBC Sports' Chris Simms. But where he'll go is more of a toss-up. CBS Sports has him going as high as No. 6 to the Detroit Lions, right after Georgia's Jalen Carter and before Texas Tech's Tyree Wilson. Pro Football Focus has him falling down to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (in the post-Tom Brady era) at No. 19 and USA TODAY has him going to the Texans with the No. 23 pick.
More: Why Lukas Van Ness, Iowa football's 'Hercules,' is a dream prospect at NFL Combine
Will McDonald IV (DE, Iowa State)
Height: 6'4
Weight: 239 lbs
The Cyclones' best chance at a first-rounder in the 2023 NFL draft is Will McDonald IV, whose combine performance lands him at a solid No. 12 for his position in a deep draft class, according to NFL.com. But his high ceiling has some experts, including Chris Simms at NBC Sports, ranking him as high as No. 4 at his position. USA TODAY projects him to go to the Super Bowl runners-up Philadelphia Eagles with their No. 30 pick in the first round, but he's not a lock to go the first night. Sports Illustrated rates him as a potential first- or second-round pick.
More: Iowa State's Will McDonald, a 'freak' who terrorized practice, takes next step to NFL
Jack Campbell (LB, Iowa)
Height: 6'5
Weight: 249 lbs
The Cedar Falls native has garnered attention for his communication ability, consistency on the field, his frame and his athletic skills, and is projected by NFL.com to be an eventual starter in the league. He's projected by many to go off the board in the second round of the draft, with experts suggesting he could be a good fit in New Orleans or even Buffalo.
More: Iowa Hawkeyes' Jack Campbell confirms he is a future star with his performance at the NFL Combine
Xavier Hutchinson (WR, Iowa State)
Height: 6'2
Weight: 203 lbs
The 22-year-old is valued for his ability to improve over time, his run-blocking capabilities and his ability to force yards after catch with his size. Though there is concern over his six dropped passes last season and his ability to finish in traffic, NFL.com projects he could contribute as a solid backup or special teams presence. He is projected to go in the fourth round by Bleacher Report, and The Draft Network writes that he could be a good fit for the Ravens, Panthers, Texans or Vikings — all teams looking for more depth at wide receiver. Or hey, maybe he'll end up in Pittsburgh. He did have a good time chatting with Mike Tomlin, after all.
More: Iowa State’s Xavier Hutchinson is ready to move on to the NFL
Sam LaPorta (TE, Iowa)
Height: 6'3
Weight: 245 lbs
Here's some fun trivia: Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was a third-round pick. Darren Waller was a sixth-round pick, and David Njoku was taken in the first round. Why list all of this? Well, it's to point out that with the way offenses are run nowadays, getting high value out of an early- or mid-round tight end is all the rage. NFL.com is excited about LaPorta's potential to develop into a league starter and ranks him as the fifth-best tight end in this year's class. CBS Sports thinks the Dallas Cowboys might take him as early as the first round to replace Dalton Schultz. There's a lot of buzz around LaPorta's name, and at the right time.
More: All 32 NFL teams were present at Iowa football's pro day. Here's how Hawkeye players fared.
Anthony Johnson Jr. (S, Iowa State)
Height: 6'0
Weight: 205 lbs
A cornerback turned safety, Anthony Johnson Jr. is attracting attention for his versatility and toughness. Safeties play a key role in setting the tone for a defense, so his time as a team captain for the Cyclones bodes well for him there. Sites such as The Athletic have taken note of him as a prospect for teams in need of more depth at the safety position. He's expected to go to a team around the third round, and might be primed for a roster spot on the Cleveland Browns or Pittsburgh Steelers.
More: ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper likes at least 3 Iowa State football players
Riley Moss (CB, Iowa)
Height: 6'1
Weight: 193 lbs
Moss' versatility and ability to get to the ball make him an interesting prospect for teams looking for depth at cornerback or even at special teams. His size and ability to communicate make him, according to NFL.com, an intriguing prospect with the ability to play safety. ESPN's Louis Riddick has Moss listed as one of his sleepers in the draft this year, praising his ability to provide run support when needed and saying he could provide an immediate impact on special teams as soon as his rookie season. ESPN projects him going to the Bengals in the late fourth round.
More: Five former Iowa football players participated in the NFL Combine. Here's how they fared.
MJ Anderson (DL, Iowa State)
Height: 6'2 1/2
Weight: 269 lbs
Described by NFL.com as an old-school lineman, MJ Anderson's power balances out his lack of snaps in college and gives him the opportunity to grow within the league as a rotational player. ESPN projects him as a seventh-round pick for the Miami Dolphins.
Kaevon Merriweather (S, Iowa)
Height: 6'0
Weight: 205 lbs
A skilled box defender with good size and ball skills, Kaevon Merriweather is a versatile player with the ability to grow even more in the NFL. NFL.com writes that his coaches have praised him for his character. He is a projected sixth- or seventh-round pick by Bleacher Report.
Trevor Downing (C, Iowa State)
Height: 6'5
Weight: 296 lbs
Trevor Downing is described in draft reports as a hard-working player who studies film and leads by example. He has experience as both a guard and a center, and his power is a big plus for a team's run game. Sports Illustrated projects him as a possible sixth-round pick.
Seth Benson (LB, Iowa)
Height: 6'0
Weight: 232 lbs
Benson is a skilled linebacker with strong instincts and good timing. His athleticism makes him even more valuable when dropping into coverage. Sports Illustrated rates him as a fifth-round pick, while NFL Draft Scout projects him as a seventh-rounder or free-agent signing.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: 2023 NFL draft projections: Where Iowa, Iowa State football players could land
