Iowa vs. Iowa State: 2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch

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Ray Lima, DL, Iowa State

Iowa State is loaded with legitimate NFL draft talent all across the defensive side of the ball. In particular, they have many potential draft prospects on the defensive line, with defensive tackle Ray Lima leading the way.

Lima is not the most impressive interior penetrator, but he is an extremely powerful player who knows how to use proper leverage to dominate up front. Lima is a fantastic run defender in the middle of the defense who really cause some issues for the Iowa offense. He is never going to be a first-round prospect, but Lima is a rock-solid player who will likely hear his name called during the 2020 NFL Draft.

Marcel Spears Jr., LB, Iowa State

Listed at 6-foot-1, 218 pounds, Iowa State linebacker Marcel Spears Jr. is certainly a bit undersized for an NFL linebacker. However, he is a quick and athletic linebacker who moves extremely well in space. Spears uses his explosive speed to make plays against the run, in coverage and as a pass rusher.

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As a linebacker who can move, Spears does fit the modern NFL well. However, he will have functional strength concerns that could cause him issues in the 2020 NFL draft process. Spears will have an opportunity in this game to put together some important tape against a powerful Iowa offensive line.

JaQuan Bailey, LB, Iowa State

JaQuan Bailey gets off of the ball quickly and shows good upfield burst at all times. He is not the most athletic edge rusher in the 2020 NFL draft class, but he certainly has an interesting combination of size and quickness that will get him some looks. Bailey is also an extremely high motor player who has a great chance to improve his draft stock against Wirfs and this talented Iowa offensive line.

Greg Eisworth, S, Iowa State

Greg Eisworth is a former highly-ranked recruit who ended up going the JUCO route out of high school. He quickly became a starter in his first year at Iowa State last season and immediately made a massive impact for the Cyclones. Eisworth was a consistent playmaker from the safety position and was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and First-Team All-Big 12 for his performance.

Eisworth is an extremely active and athlete safety prospect who is particularly impressive when coming down to support against the run. He is a tough and physical player who also tackles well in space. Eisworth is not the most impressive deep coverage safety, but he shows strong man-to-man coverage skills that should not be ignored. He is a fantastic player for Iowa State who has a great chance to improve his 2020 NFL draft stock against Iowa on Saturday.

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