2021 NFL Draft: Iowa Hawkeyes top prospects to watch
Offense
WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette (no. 6)
One of the most versatile, explosive players in the Big Ten, Ihmir Smith-Marsette is probably the best skill position prospect the Iowa Hawkeyes have had since running back Shonn Greene was a high third-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft.
It doesn’t matter if he’s being used as a runner out of the backfield, on jet sweeps, an inside receiver, outside receiver, kickoff returner, punt returner — whatever the Hawkeyes are asking Smith-Marsette to do, he’s making big plays.
Smith-Marsette’s versatility, playmaking ability, and explosiveness are perfect traits for so many of today’s NFL offenses that feature those skills. It will be fun to see his growth in 2020 as an all-around player.
WR Brandon Smith (no. 12)
Although Brandon Smith is a different type of receiver than Ihmir Smith-Marsette, he’s a big-play threat all the same.
Smith has a hulking 6-foot-2, 215-pound frame and is capable of dominating in contested catch situations. He has strong hands and exceptional athletic ability.
With a higher volume of targets, I think Smith’s 2021 NFL Draft stock would rise substantially. He is so talented physically and has shown out with some brilliant performances in the past, but Iowa’s passing attack has not been overly consistent.
This season could be where he takes that next step and really puts himself on the NFL map for good.
OT Alaric Jackson (no. 77)
The Hawkeyes’ left tackle is not their best draft-eligible offensive lineman, but he’s probably the most likely to be on an NFL roster in 2021.
Once considered a possible first-round player, scouts have changed course on Jackson a little bit and see a bit more of a player who will transition from the tackle position inside to guard at the next level.
Jackson struggled through injury in 2019 but should have a fine bounce-back year for the Hawkeyes at left tackle. If he provides inside-out versatility at the next level, it only enhances his all-around value.
It would be shocking if Jackson was selected after the top 100 picks based on his overall body of work at this point.
OC Tyler Linderbaum (no. 65)
The redshirt sophomore is one of the Hawkeyes’ top prospects overall, perhaps their best offensively.
When all is said and done, he could wind up being the highest-drafted player in this crop, but it might have to be in 2022 at the soonest since he has three more seasons of eligibility with the Hawkeyes.
It would not be shocking to see him declare after the 2020 season with the way scouts and pundits have talked about him, but it’s rare for this low of an underclassman to take off from Iowa City early.
Roommates with new starting QB Spencer Petras, Linderbaum is talked up by Iowa coaches for his understanding of the offense and physical toughness. He could have first-round upside.