Hawks in the draft

Once again several Hawkeyes will her their name called over the weekend at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Here is a quick run-down of where I think they will go in the draft and the ideal situation for that player.


Adrian Clayborn – late first round – possible suitors: Giants, Buccaneers, Eagles, Saints, or Falcons – A true 4-3 defensive end will find a home and be a reliable contributor for years to come

Christian Ballard – late second/early third – can play a 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 tackle/end - His versatility is what is the most intriguing part of Christian’s game, he can play multiple positions in either defense.

Ricky Stanzi – late third/early fourth – experts waver on where he will go and how productive he will be. I would compare him to Matt Schaub, smart player that will be a backup for a few years, but shine when he gets his chance

Tyler Sash – Fourth – Measurables won’t get him drafted, but a nose for the ball and what is between his ears will. Plays like a strong safety, but thinks like a free safety, will be able to play either at the next level

Ryan Donahue – Fifth – Much like Iowa did, some team will draft him and not worry about punting for years to come

Jeremiah Hunter – Sixth – A guy who started at OLB for three seasons at Iowa, never did anything flashy, but was never out of position either. Probably a backup and special teams player at the next level.

Karl Klug – Sixth – Maybe got the most out of his talent, has a motor that NFL teams love. I would liken him to Jared Clauss, keeps his pad level low and will be a 4-3 tackle.

Allen Reisner – Sixth – With more and more teams running two tight end sets, he will find a place to play, he blocks and makes all the catches.

Derrell Johnson-Koulianos – Seventh – doesn’t have ideal NFL wide receiver size or speed, but runs crisp routes and can contribute on special teams. Probably a fifth rounder without the character questions.

Brett Greenwood & Julian Vandervelde – FA’s - Brett and Julian have outside chances of getting drafted, but it is highly unlikely.

Record Performances?

With spring practice about to commence, I thought that I would look into some records that stand to be broken:

Just a matter of time:
Career Receptions
157 Kevin Kasper
127 Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (30 back)
Outlook:  Barring injury DJK should surpass this as he has averaged 42/season

Career Receiving Yards
2271 Tim Dwight
1871 Derrell Johnson-Koulianos (400 back)
Outlook:  Again barring injury DJK should surpass this record as well as he has averaged 623/season

Good possibility:
Career Interceptions:
18 Nile Kinnick
11 Tyler Sash (7 back)
Outlook:  In two years Sash has 11 and seems to be a bit of a ball hawk

Career Receiving TD's
21-Tim Dwight
8-Marvin McNutt (13 back)
Outlook:  McNutt burst onto the scene last year with 8 TD's and has two years to get to 21.  McNutt's size makes him a target inside the red zone

Long shot:
Tackles for Loss Season
25- Jonathon Babineaux
Outlook:  Adrian Clayborn had 20 TFL's last year and could press this record by season's end

Sacks in a season
18- Leroy Smith
Outlook:  Adrian Clayborn had 11.5 last year

Rushing TD's career
33- Tavian Banks & Sedrick Shaw
8- Brandon Wegher
7- Jewell Hampton
Outlook:  Depending on how the carries are divided the next three years either one of these players could come close to this record