Iowa players

[kkuenn 3,597]

Maybe those that follow teams can put up some things of guys they know about and carry it up to the draft? Things like combine results, mocks of where they are projected to see if we have a shot etc.

 

Iowa has 4 players really as of now that could go in the first 3 rounds

TEs Fant and Hockensen. We need a 2nd TE and they are both great.

S/CB Hooker who can play all over

DE Nelson at 6'8" but only 271 pounds. He is good though at getting pressure and his height is good the way he use it and his length.

Read more here in them

 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/nflmocks.com/2019/01/01/iowa-hawkeyes-top-2019-nfl-draft-prospects/amp/

[kkuenn 3,597]

Great safety but also plays nickel, corner, and weak side linebacker. Never afraid to hit someone, also can rush the qb and make big tackles in the backfield. He is clutch when it matters most and is very intelligent in the secondary. Watch his entire video

 

Copied from another site  but Hooker if the late 3rd or 4thbround would be good.

 

 

[SEMO 6,811]

NAME: Noah Fant

SCHOOL: Iowa

 

CONFERENCE: Big10

POSITION: Tight End

CLASS: Junior

JERSEY: No. 87

RECRUITMENT RATING: 3-stars

HT: 6’4

WT: 232

Route Running –Runs a pretty diverse tree. Understands how to use his feet to create space, will toe drag on speed cuts, etc. Sets up his breaks well with angular stems to create additional space. Deep cross, seam route, fade, out, stop pattern and curl were all present on his film.

Hands –Cradles the football softly away from the body. Has made several late adjustments to the ball and still managed to successfully secure the catch. High point skills and ability in contested situations to squeeze the ball are top shelf as well.

Versatility –No limits as a receiver. Can run past you, jump over you, run through you…nightmare to cover and defend as a receiver. Has been moved all over the offensive set: flexed wide, played from in-line and put in the backfield to be put in motion and have momentum at the snap.

Contested Catch Ability –Length is problematic for defenders when paired with his leaping ability and ball skills, doesn’t leave a lot of room for defenders to play through him and attack the football. Instead forces defense to undercut all together or play through the body, where he braces for contact well.

Run After Catch Ability –Dynamic, explosive burst after the catch. He’s run away from safeties and corners, plays in a different gear than other TEs. Second gear is paired with good foot quickness and ability to side-step a tackler. Does not, however, have a ton of creativity to force false steps by tacklers.

Power At POA –Is never going to be the kind of player to collapse and create a lot of space off the edge with his hand in the dirt. Has much more success as a space blocker on the second level or stepping down on seal blocks from the slot. Lacks lower half mass.

Competitive Toughness – Functional strength isn’t especially high, particularly in head up situations. Athletic ability allows for constant adjustments and can at times work to out-leverage opponents. Pretty sturdy at the catch point and again on his route stems to run through contact.

Flexibility – One of the most free moving athletes I’ve seen in quite some time. Pretty special levels of body control and ability to disassociate his upper and lower halves to play with speed and still properly address the football at the catch point.

Balance –Looks like a wide receiver on his route stems and at the top of patterns, total control. Absorbs contact running down the field well and isn’t going to be uprooted or bumped out of his trajectory. Will over-compensate and lean as a blocker vs. heavier defenders.

Football Intelligence –Polished, impressive player. Has understanding of angles and how to use them advantageously and create extra room prior to his breaks. Has natural sense for locating the football and doesn’t compromise his routes or leverage over DBs by peeking too early.

---

BEST TRAIT – RAC Ability

WORST TRAIT – Power at POA

BEST FILM – Ohio State (2017)

WORST FILM – Penn State (2018)

RED FLAGS – None

Noah Fant has the physical skills and receiving chops to be the next big thing at the TE position in the NFL. The league has never been friendlier to flex targets and Fant runs like a receiver and leaps like a basketball pro. Fant is a nightmare in space and will excel in a vertical passing offense that can implement him in the middle of the field. With soft hands and elite athletic ability, Fant should be a volume target at the NFL level and will have an impact fairly early into his pro career.

 

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/02/05/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-noah-fant/

[SEMO 6,811]

NAME: T.J. Hockenson

SCHOOL: Iowa

 

POSITION: Tight End

CLASS: Redshirt Sophomore

JERSEY: No. 38

RECRUITMENT RATING: 3-star

HT: 6-5

WT: 243 lbs

Route Running – Arc releases at the LOS are effective to filter out from in-line alignment. Very smooth and natural at the top of his routes. Has shown versatility on stick routes, deep crossers, delays, seam routes, motioned flat routes, etc to provide ample impact in the air.

Hands – Wonderful softness in hands to ensure he’s snaring the ball. Caught a wet ball well (PSU, 2018) without gloves. Has softness to his hands to ensure he’s not jarred and missing the nose of the football in contested situations.

Versatility – A do it all TE prospect. Well versed in life as an in-line blocker, perfectly comfortable in pass protection and has excelled in that area. RAC monster, catch point winner, in-line TE with vertical ability. A true X-factor weapon.

Contested Catch Ability – Has high pointed a few (Indiana, Wisconsin 2018) balls with good sturdiness as contacted and strong hand-eye coordination. Well developed frame and catch radius flash and allow him to be a bail-out option in tight coverage situations.

Run After Catch Ability – More of a second gear than you’d expect for his stature, has blown through pursuit angles on more than one occasion and made defenders look silly. Has hurdled more than one defender in the open field as well. Powerful, difficult to wrestle down at the catch point.

Power At POA – One of the most tenacious blockers I’ve ever laid eyes on. The foot urgency and finishing skills are tremendous, will bury DEs and OLBs alike. Effective to collapse or wash down and ensure there’s a soft edge for ball carriers.

Competitive Toughness –Love his play demeanor. Is a player you’d love to clone ten of for your offense. Functional strength is exceptional, as is his relentlessness to get under the pads of defenders. Works hard to reset his hands and establish his base to uproot.

Flexibility –His lower half moves well, but he isn’t the free moving athlete that his teammate (Fant) is. Plays with control and fluidity, graceful in efforts to pivot sharply. Shows effective leverage and pad level as a drive blocker in the run game.

Balance –Blocking balance is terrific, shows an ability to play sticky on lateral contact and work his feet to leverage himself appropriately relative to the play. Will make far angled blocks look easy with how smooth he is scraping across the face to reset the hook.

Football Intelligence –Impressive polish for just a redshirt sophomore, wins in ample ways and does so not just with unique and special athletic skills but also from a technical standpoint as well. Should experience a lesser transition to the NFL, given his in-line pedigree.

---

BEST TRAIT – Versatility

WORST TRAIT – Deep Speed (I guess?)

BEST FILM – Wisconsin (2018)

WORST FILM – Penn State (2018)

RED FLAGS – None

T.J. Hockenson is one of the easiest/hardest evaluations of my season. Hockenson is terrifically balanced as a football player and it doesn’t take more than a few reps to know he’s an immediate starter at the NFL level with scheme diversity. The challenge for Hockenson’s tape? Listing a weakness. Hockenson is comfortable in any number of roles, giving comfort that he’ll be fine in WCO or vertical passing offenses alike. He’s a scheme transcendent prospect.

 

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/02/02/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-t-j-hockenson/

[SEMO 6,811]

NAME: Amani Hooker

SCHOOL: Iowa

 

CONFERENCE: Big Ten

POSITION: Safety

CLASS: True Junior

JERSEY: No. 27

RECRUITMENT RATING: 3-star

HT: 6’0

WT: 202 lbs

Coverage Spacing –Hard not to fall for his transitions, ability to overlap routes from his responsibility are top shelf. Shows really natural segues and ability to drop off as he feels another route developing into his space. Natural to mirror the eyes of the QB.

Acceleration –Lacks high end initial burst. His top speed is perfectly fine but not sold on explosiveness to play true single high free safety. Limitations may hold him to Cover 2 and shallow zones but he excels in those areas anyway…scheme fit needs to be there.

Tackling –Doesn’t showcase a prominent wingspan as a tackler so ball carriers who can test his tackle balance may slip past him on occasion. When he’s flush, he’s money. When targets are stationary, he’s money. Brings the feet through contact to finish strong.

Zone Coverage Skills –Is within his element within 20 yards of the LOS. Confident in ability to pass off route stems but also quick to identify teammates in a bind and hold his water a little longer. Quick and nimble in between zones and shows wonderful anticipation.

Ball Skills –Ball hawk. Peripheral vision allows for the minor adjustments on the fly to feel routes developing and begin his creep into the catch point, which helps boost impact and marginalize his lack of a true elite explosive first step.

Competitive Toughness –Has notable influence in the box, especially when playing vs. outside run/check downs and screen passes. Violent hands and aggressive charge reset blockers and he plays through contact well. Like his functional strength as a wrap up tackler.

Flexibility –Doesn’t show a lot of pronounced flip in his hips to carry route stems, but he’s always in control and foot speed helps allow him to hit landmarks with ease. Doesn’t fly open when transitioning like you see from more dynamic athletes at the position.

Feet/Change of Direction –Methodical step frequency, always balanced, controlled and precise. Love his transitions due to footwork, draws the most out of his athletic skill set and allows him to snooker opposing QBs in zone coverage with how he drops off his trajectory to sink and steal a pass.

Man Coverage Skills –Was tasked with playing a lot of press man on the goal line (NIU/ISU/MISS ST) and shows desirable patience to stay square and disrupt the release. Hasn’t been asked to play a lot of turn and run but physical skill set suggests marginal returns there.

Versatility –Impact zone coverage defender with value in the run game to get into the LOS. Marginal man cover skills in the red area. Not necessarily a universal prospect, press man teams that prefer Cover-1 may be further down on him but an admirable fit for C-2 and C-3 heavy teams.

---

BEST TRAIT – Zone Coverage Skills

WORST TRAIT – Deep Range

BEST FILM – Northern Illinois (2018)

WORST FILM – Iowa State (2018)

RED FLAGS – None

Amani Hooker projects favorably as a modern age Strong Safety. While Hooker lacks the initial burst and range to play in single high, he’s strong in Cover-2 and in shallow zones thanks to terrific football IQ, clean footwork for sudden transitions and good ball skills. Effective block shedding from the slot to blow up screens and impact the run. Hooker should be a starter who can be a true asset both vs. the run and pass. Should transition quickly thanks to football IQ.

 

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/02/10/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-amani-hooker/

[SEMO 6,811]

NAME: Anthony Nelson

SCHOOL: Iowa

 

CONFERENCE: Big10

POSITION: Edge Defender

CLASS: Junior

JERSEY: No. 98

RECRUITMENT RATING: 3-star

HT: 6-7

WT: 271 lbs

Burst – Not explosive off the ball. Rarely the first defender off the ball, doesn’t threaten with burst or speed to force oversets from opponents. Second step is better than his first, but overall does not possess the arc speed to concern tackles.

Bend – Limited on the outside edge track by his lack of bend. Stiff in the hips and can be pushed up the arc past the pocket even in recovery mode. Does everything he can to soften the edge and create better angles for himself, but even in those situations his feet/hips remain pointed up the field at the apex too often. Does flash some ankle flexibility to tilt the edge through contact on rip moves. Flashes of ability to dip under punches at the top of the arc.

Rush Moves – Can convert speed-to-power at a solid rate, driving tackles back into the pocket with fully extended arms, impressive leg drive and good enough pad level. Big concern: Is he explosive enough off the ball to conjure up the force needed to displace much better talent when he bull rushes? Has a bevy of moves that he uses to soften the edge, including the rare snatch-and-swim. Cross chops, fake long arms, rip and push-pulls are frequent. Doesn’t look that strong, but has tossed many tackles with push-pull. Strings moves together well, but could be more sudden in his movements.

Counters – Fluid thinker on his feet, takes advantage of oversets to alter his plan to inside moves if the path is available. Active hands to constantly search for the advantageous track to the pocket. Doesn’t have the change of direction or fluid spin move to get quick wins off pass sets mistakes.

Run Defense – In space, there will be some questions, but at the point-of-attack, Nelson consistently tossed around opponents in a phone booth. Fires off the ball with full arm extension, perfect hand placement and relatively low pads. Keeps his frame clean and excels at shedding blocks. Few double teams that he saw drove him off the ball, pad level is good, but so long and lanky that elite technicians can create some movement on him if they break his hands. David Edwards and Wisconsin’s trey blocks got him moving a couple times.

Lateral Mobility – Labored mover in space. Primary concern as a run-defending edge is his lack of range to the boundary when the run gets outside of him. Tight in the hips laterally and can struggle to open and pursue quickly.

Mental Processing/Vision – Recognizes when a tackle has overset and will try to dip back inside of them. Block recognition is excellent, will fight playside and is difficult to pin down due to length and hand usage. Steps down well in unblocked situations, could be more violent taking on pullers, but looked like Iowa taught wrong-arm technique over box on the edge.

Tackling/Finishing – No issues here. Not a big hitter, but long arms allow him to consistently finish outside his frame. Has the length to create strip-sacks at the top of the arc with his reach, but didn’t force any fumbles last year.

Competitive Toughness – Extremely physical and desired path to the quarterback is through his opponent. Motor and physicality are not a question mark. High character prospect who excelled academically.

Athleticism/Size – Unbelievable length and frame. A little bit lanky and could stand to add some bulk. Athletically average best. Combine will be crucial to his draft stock.

---

BEST TRAIT – Hand Usage

WORST TRAIT – Burst/Bend

RED FLAGS – None

Anthony Nelson has impressive tape and eye-popping physical traits, but his athletic limitations are evident enough as a pass rusher that you wonder where the full-time fit is for him in the NFL. Despite his lack of explosiveness (very average first step) and bend (tight in the hips), Nelson still manages to corner at an impressive rate against college competition due to a wonderful bevy of rush moves off the edge.

Will those Ws continue at the NFL level, where pass rush athleticism is vital to the success of most edge rushers? Even if Nelson never becomes a double-digit sack artist, which I don’t expect him to, he’s a valuable and safe mid-round addition who can bring impressive run defense, interior nickel rush ability and high character to an organization. Hopefully we get to see him play inside a bit during Senior Bowl week.

 

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2019/01/16/2019-nfl-draft-player-profile-anthony-nelson/

[liquidfriend 1,151]

I could be in the minority here, but I like Hockenson more than Fant. 

[kkuenn 3,597]

13 hours ago, liquidfriend said:

I could be in the minority here, but I like Hockenson more than Fant. 

You are not in the minority. Hockensen is a beast when blocking. Fant is more athletic but Hock is the more rounded TE that would be perfect for us opposite of Kelce.

[jetlord 10,208]

Which one can hang on to the ball when it hits them in the hands?  🙂

[kkuenn 3,597]

2 hours ago, jetlord said:

Which one can hang on to the ball when it hits them in the hands?  🙂

Both can. I think Hock becomes more like the next Kittle type mold and better overall rounded TE. Fant has more of the receiver type mold but can block too. His speed and jumping ability is insane. Wait until combine numbers come out on him.

[liquidfriend 1,151]

2 hours ago, jetlord said:

Which one can hang on to the ball when it hits them in the hands?  🙂

Hockensen has the better hands

[jetlord 10,208]

22 hours ago, kkuenn said:

Both can. I think Hock becomes more like the next Kittle type mold and better overall rounded TE. Fant has more of the receiver type mold but can block too. His speed and jumping ability is insane. Wait until combine numbers come out on him.

Thanks.  My post was intended to be sarcasm aimed at the present back up TE. 

[kkuenn 3,597]

2 minutes ago, jetlord said:

Thanks.  My post was intended to be sarcasm aimed at the present back up TE. 

Lol, sorry I did not catch that...... like that pun?

[kkuenn 3,597]

Iowa TE Noah Fant, who is one of two Hawkeyes at the position with the potential to be off the board in the first two rounds of next month's draft (T.J. Hockenson is the other) kicked off Saturday's workouts rather nicely at the scouting combine with an unofficial 4.51 40-yard dash in his first attempt. Hockenson ran a 4.71 (unofficial) in his first attempt.

[liquidfriend 1,151]

Fant really did a lot for his draft stock in Indy, IMO.

[kkuenn 3,597]

Matt BowenESPN Staff Writer  Iowa TE Noah Fant (6-foot-4, 249 pounds) posted ridiculous testing numbers today at the NFL combine. Fant ran a 4.50 40 yard dash with a 39.5-inch vertical jump and a 6.81 three-cone time. Fant has first-round ability at the position, with the skill set to flex from the formation and create matchups in the passing game.

[sith13 1,746]

Wow if Fant can block I'm pretty sure he'll go around mid 1st with all the positive talk about him going around. 

[kkuenn 3,597]

Nick Easley. Possible late round pick to look for at WR.

 

https://dearoldgold.com/2019/03/01/iowa-football-nick-easley-combine-snub-2019-nfl-draft/

[kkuenn 3,597]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiykKmg5vPgAhXxYN8KHfl6C3IQzPwBegQIARAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hawkcentral.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2F2019%2F03%2F06%2Fiowa-football-noah-fant-t-j-hockenson-anthony-nelson-amani-hooker-stand-out-nfl-combine-indianapolis%2F3080310002%2F&psig=AOvVaw377qaX9dfSgyDHnWtDd1r1&ust=1552177590029676

[Iluvhouse24 1,808]

On 2/21/2019 at 8:32 PM, liquidfriend said:

I could be in the minority here, but I like Hockenson more than Fant. 

I could be in the minority here, but I like links to articles instead of THE ENTIRE FUCKING ARTICLE POSTED! Why do people do this? It makes a thread almost illegible when looking at the site in mobile.

[kkuenn 3,597]

1 hour ago, Iluvhouse24 said:

I could be in the minority here, but I like links to articles instead of THE ENTIRE FUCKING ARTICLE POSTED! Why do people do this? It makes a thread almost illegible when looking at the site in mobile.

I was in my phone when I found it. It is a bitch trying to get all the ads out and such to make it legible. 

[kkuenn 3,597]

Iowa sent four players to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last week. And all four proved they are ready to make an immediate impact at the next level. That’s the word from Matt Bowen, a former Hawkeye safety and current NFL analyst for ESPN, who was on site. “They all have the talent to play in the NFL next year, to be contributors in their first years,” Bowen said of former Iowa tight ends Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson, defensive end Anthony Nelson and safety Amani Hooker. “You’ve got to give credit to the Iowa coaching staff here. These guys are pro-ready. When you go to an NFL training camp, the first day you put pads on, no one cares what your 40 time is anymore. You best be ready to play. And you’ll be playing against guys that have been in the league eight, nine, 10 years. And if you’re not ready to play, they’ll bury you. Right there on the field.” A closer look at the four Hawkeyes, all of whom could be drafted in the first three rounds after leaving college early: Iowa tight end Noah Fant runs the 40-yard dash during the 2019 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.   BRIAN SPURLOCK-USA TODAY SPORTS NOAH FANT Key measurables: At 6-foot-4, 249 pounds, he ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash, 6.81 seconds in the three-cone drill and showed a 39 ½-inch vertical leap. Bowen’s view: “When you take those testing numbers and you apply it to Fant’s game, what he can do in the modern NFL, he can be a slot tight end. A tight end that’s flexed in the formation, that can draw matchups vs. a safety, vs. a dime or nickel linebacker. He can go to work on them. He can run vertical routes inside the number, crossing routes. You’ve seen at Iowa he can even run bubble screens. He fits what the NFL wants today from a pass-game perspective.” Where he will be drafted: A likely first-rounder, in Bowen’s view. “It depends on how the board plays out. If a team is looking for an offensive player that can create mismatches in their specific system, he’s the choice. If there’s a run on a position early, that pushes tight ends down. He’s definitely a first-round talent.” Former Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson snares a pass during drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday.   DARRON CUMMINGS/AP T.J. HOCKENSON Key measurables: 6-5, 251, with a 4.7-second 40, 37 ½-inch vertical and an impressive 4.18-second 20-yard shuttle. Bowen’s view: “What you saw at the Combine is what you see on the tape. He’s a very smart route-runner who knows how to create leverage to the football, who knows how to create leverage vs. man coverage, find the open hole when he’s running the seam route, and he’s a three-down player. If I’m his coach, he doesn’t come off the field. Because I can run my playbook in reduced sets when he’s an in-line tight end blocking at the point of attack. I know I also can flex him in formation. And you’ve seen what he can do after the catch. What I expect him to do more so in the NFL is to work the middle of the field like crazy. Run seam routes, square-ins, little quick unders, shallows, just to get the matchup and see what he can do after the catch. That’s where I think he’s going to be excellent in the NFL is making the catch and getting upfield and moving the chains.” Where he will be drafted: Bowen, like many analysts, sees Hockenson as the best tight end in the draft and a surefire first-round choice. Iowa defensive lineman Anthony Nelson goes through workout drills during the 2019 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.   BRIAN SPURLOCK-USA TODAY SPORTS ANTHONY NELSON Key measurables: At 6-7, 271, Nelson showed terrific speed with a 4.82-second 40 and a 6.95-second three-cone drill. He also jumped 35 ½ inches. All that plus arms that measured 34 7/8 inches. Bowen’s view: “He’s got the movement skills to redirect and bend on the edge. That’s what you’re looking for from a defensive end, someone who can redirect, has some short-area speed who can also bend and show the athleticism to turn the corner. He’s got length. That allows him to do the two-hand punch, create separation from the blocker, and then technique comes into play.” Where he will be drafted: Bowen thinks the third or fourth round in a deep class of defensive linemen. “He could play eight years in the league because he’s going to develop his body in the NFL. He’s going to develop even more technique.” Iowa defensive back Amani Hooker prepares to run the 40-yard dash during the 2019 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.   BRIAN SPURLOCK, BRIAN SPURLOCK-USA TODAY SPORTS AMANI HOOKER Key measurables: 5-11, 210, with a 4.48 40 time and 6.81 seconds in the three-cone. Bowen’s view: “Amani fits into the mold of what the NFL is looking for now in that second level, especially in sub packages. There’s great tape of Amani because of what coach (Phil) Parker did, moving him down almost like a slot safety. Because that caters more to his skill-set, in my opinion. It doesn’t mean he can’t play deep. It’s playing downhill. It’s playing in space. It’s lateral movement skills to match a tight end in the open field, to carry a seam route, to drive downhill and tackle. Those things matter.” Where he will be drafted: Bowen thinks rounds 2-4, depending on when teams start coveting the few standout “hybrid” safeties in the class. Bowen sees Hooker in a group that includes Johnathan Abram of Mississippi State, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson of Florida and Juan Thornhill of Virginia.

[xen 1,010,220]

12 hours ago, Iluvhouse24 said:

I could be in the minority here, but I like links to articles instead of THE ENTIRE FUCKING ARTICLE POSTED! Why do people do this? It makes a thread almost illegible when looking at the site in mobile.

You're in the minority.  I prefer both.  A link and post the article.  People just need to not quote the whole article.

[reesebobby 5,661]

I know it aint happening.  And I know we need defense.  But man I would love to have Hockenson in the first. 

[jetlord 10,208]

2 hours ago, reesebobby said:

I know it aint happening.  And I know we need defense.  But man I would love to have Hockenson in the first. 

I suppose one can never be too rich, too good looking, or have too many good targets for Mahomes.  But another top flight TE is a luxury the Chiefs don't need.  They need another TE who can occasionally be an outlet and do some blocking.  They have one, but he can't catch the ball right in his hands.  I want another TE, but not one in the first round.