Sporting News has four Hawks going in Draft
The Sporting News has its complete, seven-round mock draft up on its Web site, and it predicts four Iowa players will be selected, all on Day 2.
Cornerback Charles Godfrey, who I’ve seen projected as high as an early second-round pick, is the top Hawkeye in The Sporting News mock. They have him going to the Rams with the second pick of the fourth round. (Click here to read TSN’s complete take on Godfrey) A lot of the knock on Godfrey is that he’s a better athlete than a football player, which I guess I can see. He tests incredibly well for a guy who had limited production in two seasons as a starter. But I do think he’ll develop into a solid NFL corner. Maybe not a starter, but he’ll contribute as a nickel back. And he’s always been a great special teams player. Bottom line: I expect him to go higher than TSN’s fourth-round prediction. I’ll be surprised if he’s still around in the middle of Round 3.
TSN has defensive end Kenny Iwebema going to the Vikings with the 18th pick of the fourth round, which is right around where I think Iwebema will end up going. (Click here for TSN’s take on Iwebema) I’m not sure the Vikings are going to draft an end after trading for Jared Allen. After talking to Iwebema this week, I’m guessing he lands in Kansas City. The Chiefs have to replace Allen, and I’m sure, with something like 13 picks in the draft, they’d be willing to take a shot on a guy like Iwebema in the middle rounds. Iwebema has the physical tools to have a lasting NFL career. If he can stay healthy, I expect to see him playing on Sundays for years to come.
Bryan Mattison, who is making the move inside from defensive end to tackle, will be the next Hawkeye off the board, according to TSN. They’ve got him being selected by the Saints with the 11th pick in the seventh and final round. (Click here for TSN’s profile of Mattison) Scouts are very high on Mattison’s intangibles. Why not? He’s the son of long-time college coach and current Baltimore Ravens assistant Greg Mattison, and he’s got nothing but positives on his resume. He’s not the most physically gifted d-line prospect out there, but he’ll get a shot, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a career of it. If he’s not drafted, he’ll surely be signed as a free agent as soon as the draft is over. I was a bit surprised to see TSN write that Mattison will have a better NFL career than Iwebema.
The last Iowa player TSN expects to see drafted is linebacker Mike Humpal, who they have going to the Browns with the 24th pick in Round 7. (Click here for TSN’s take on Humpal) I think Humpal, who led Iowa in tackles last season, will go before Round 7. Like Mattison, he’s not the most gifted athlete at his position, but he can play, and he’ll be a productive guy at the next level.
As for other Iowa players with a shot at being selected this weekend, click on their names for TSN’s profiles: Mike Klinkenborg, Adam Shada, Damian Sims and Albert Young. I read a few months back that Klinkenborg, for several reasons, didn’t plan to pursue an NFL career. He had problems with concussions last season, and it might not be worth risking futher injury. It looks like Shada will be making the move from corner to safety if he’s going to make a roster at the next level. Young and Sims will have an uphill climb because they’re small and neither has great speed. I do think Young, if he can stay healthy, can play in the NFL. He’s not going to be an every-down back, but he could contribute.
