The day has finally arrived - Round 1 of the NFL draft gets underway tonight.
There are several former Huskers and Hawkeyes that could hear their names called over the next three days. Here's a look at a few of the hopefuls, and where I think they could land. You'll also see two numbers under each player, representing the final player ranking (out of the top 300 prospects) from both Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN.
MALIEK COLLINS - DT, NEBRASKA
Kiper: 120
McShay: 78
My guess: Round 3
Note:
The story with Collins is pretty consistent - last year's lack of production hurt his value, and defensive line is an extremely deep position in this draft. Plenty of people will question whether he made the right decision to declare.
ALEX LEWIS - OL, NEBRASKA
Kiper: 93
McShay: 66
My guess: Round 4
Note:
Lewis is one of the biggest risers in the draft. It sounds like most teams view him as a guard or right tackle in the future. The experts think he'll start as a backup in the NFL.
ANDY JANOVICH - FB, NEBRASKA
Kiper: 255
McShay: 273
My guess: Round 7
Note:
Janovich is one of the top three fullbacks on the board, along with Dan Vitale of Northwestern and perhaps Glenn Gronkowski (name sound familiar?) of Kansas State. Fullback isn't a position that many teams value, but Janovich's special teams play may push him over the edge and get drafted.
VINCENT VALENTINE - DT, NEBRASKA
Kiper: 250
McShay: NR
My guess: FA signing
Note:
There's a lot of talent at defensive line in this draft, and I think it will keep Valentine from hearing his name called. He's battled injuries, and lack of production (and time on the field) last season could hurt him.
DREW OTT - DE, IOWA
Kiper: NR
McShay: NR
My guess: FA signing
Note:
The NCAA handcuffed Ott by not giving him much time to prepare before the draft. He wasn't going to be able to do much in terms of working out due to his recovery from injuries, but he barely had any time to sell himself to teams. Somebody is going to get a nice player for a very low price.
HENRY KRIEGER-COBLE - TE, IOWA
Kiper: 216
McShay: 261
My guess: FA signing
Note:
HKC is a fringe top-10 tight end in this draft class, and I doubt that many get drafted. His production was great this past year at Iowa, which helps his case. I think he'll end up signing as a free agent and will end up earning a roster spot with a team in camp.
AUSTIN BLYTHE - C, IOWA
Kiper: NR
McShay: 170
My guess: Round 5
Note:
The experts seem a little divided on Blythe. McShay has him as the fifth best option at center in this draft, which means he could easily get the call. He's a proven leader that anchored one of the better offensive lines in the Big Ten last season.
TEVAUN SMITH - WR, IOWA
Kiper: 217
McShay: NR
My guess: Camp invite
Note:
I was surprised to see Smith's name pop up in Kiper's top 300. I don't think he gets drafted, but may score a camp invite based on his potential, which was never fully realized at Iowa.
