Breaking down Iowa State Cyclones 2023 NFL Draft prospects: Where could they end up?

June 27, 2024

AMES, Iowa — Iowa State came oh, so close last year to wiping out its dubious streak without a first-round pick. The New York Jets selected running back Breece Hall four picks into the second round, and team management often brought up the decorated runner as if he were the team’s fourth first-round pick in 2022.

That’s all well and good for the Jets, who enjoyed Hall for seven games before a torn ACL robbed him of the NFL’s top offensive rookie honors. But for the Cyclones, it was a missed opportunity to end their streak without a first-rounder, which dates to 1973. Only one of the other 68 Power 5 programs (Indiana in 1994) hasn’t enjoyed a first-rounder since 2008, and 75 other colleges have had more recent first-round selections than ISU. That includes four programs that have dropped football and a Canadian college. There was even a first-rounder who didn’t go to college (Eric Swann in 1991).

This year, the Cyclones have perhaps a better shot than Hall to end that 50-year drought. Edge rusher Will McDonald IV’s record-setting career and physical prowess have evaluators ranking him anywhere from mid-first round to early second round. This might be the year former Houston Oilers running back George Amundson has company on the first-round line. If that happens, the collective exhale from Ames will rival the wind blowing through Jack Trice Stadium before the south end zone was enclosed.

Here’s a look at Iowa State’s likely 2023 NFL Draft selections and priority free agents:

Edge Will McDonald IV

Size: 6 feet 4, 239 pounds

Combine results: Bench (DNP), 40-yard dash (4.69 seconds, pro day), vertical jump (36 inches, sixth), broad jump (132 inches, first), three-cone drill (6.85, pro day), shuttle (4.22, pro day)

Mocks: The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner (No. 36 overall, L.A. Rams), NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah (No. 31, Kansas City), NFL Network’s Chad Reuter (No. 39, Carolina), ESPN’s Todd McShay (No. 30, Philadelphia)

Rankings: The Athletic’s Dane Brugler (No. 8 edge, No. 46 overall), Scouts Inc. (No. 4 edge, No. 27 overall), Pro Football Focus (No. 6 edge, No. 25 overall), NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah (No. 6 edge, No. 26 overall), ESPN’s Mel Kiper (No. 2 OLB, No. 13 overall), CBS Sports (No. 8 edge, No. 49 overall)

Upside comparison: Broncos/Cowboys edge Randy Gregory

Possibilities based on fit: Defenses with a primary 3-4 alignment or that are flexible enough to use it in pass-rush situations.

Projection: Kansas City, No. 31, first round. The Chiefs released starting edge Frank Clark and need an explosive pass rusher to counter physical marvels Chris Jones and George Karlaftis. McDonald could thrive alongside those defenders as a sub-package rusher and eventually a starter.

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Breakdown: McDonald, a first-team All-American in 2021, is no stranger to winding up in the backfield. A three-time first-team All-Big 12 selection, McDonald tied the league record with 34 career sacks. He also generated 42 tackles for loss, 10 forced fumbles and 18 hurries. His first step and bend are elite. With nearly 35-inch arms and a broad jump of 11 feet, McDonald can become a high-level pass rusher with a few more pounds and improved technique.

Brugler’s breakdown: McDonald is more toolsy than seasoned and might never become the sum of his parts, but his natural length, flexibility and explosiveness are an enticing combination. He projects as a sub-package pass rusher as an NFL rookie with the potential to be more down the road.

Xavier Hutchinson averaged 8.9 catches per game for Iowa State in 2022. (Kirby Lee / USA Today)

WR Xavier Hutchinson

Size: 6-2, 203

Combine results: Bench (DNP), 40-yard dash (4.53, 26th), vertical jump (36 inches, 21st), broad jump (116 inches, 42nd), three-cone (6.91, fifth), shuttle (4.53, 14th)

Mocks: Reuter (No. 116, Green Bay)

Rankings: Brugler (No. 16 WR), Scouts Inc. (No. 21 WR, No. 151 overall), Pro Football Focus (No. 21 WR, No. 175 overall), CBS Sports (No. 23 WR, No. 177 overall)

Upside comparison: Raiders/Patriots WR Jakobi Meyers

Possibilities based on fit: Any

Projection: Carolina, No. 93, third round. Unless Sonny Weaver Jr. from “Draft Day” becomes the general manager in the next few weeks, the Panthers are guaranteed to pick a quarterback at No. 1. After trading top pass catcher D.J. Moore to Chicago to acquire that selection, the Panthers need a reliable receiver in the second or third round. Hutchinson fits that description.

Breakdown: Nobody nationally had more targets (161) or caught more passes per game than Hutchinson (8.9) last year, which was remarkable for an anemic Iowa State offense. His 107 catches ranked third nationally and were 40 more than anyone else in the Big 12. Hutchinson combines good size, above-average strength, decent speed, tremendous hands and great production. He had two inexplicable late-game drops in consecutive losses to Kansas State (10-9) and Texas (24-21) that will leave a mark among some evaluators. But those were outliers. According to PFF, Hutchinson dropped only 3.7 percent of his catchable targets last season (six of 161), which was 19th among 53 FBS wide receivers with 100-plus targets. The national average for wide receivers was 5.6 percent.

Brugler’s breakdown: Hutchinson is an average-twitch athlete and doesn’t have a truly distinguishing trait, but his competitive mindset and well-rounded game will be appealing to an NFL team looking for a rotational possession target. He has the potential to be an eventual No. 2 in the NFL with additional polish.

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DB Anthony Johnson

Size: 5-11 1/2, 205

Combine results: Bench (12, pro day), 40-yard dash (4.54, 10th), vertical jump (37 1/2 inches, sixth), broad jump (127 inches, fifth), three-cone (4.31, pro day), shuttle (7.07, pro day)

Rankings: Brugler (No. 17 safety), Scouts Inc. (No. 23 safety, No. 308 overall), Pro Football Focus (No. 3 safety, No. 69 overall), Kiper (No. 7 safety), CBS Sports (No. 18 safety, No. 179 overall)

Upside comparison: Cardinals/Vikings DB Corey Chavous

Possibilities based on fit: Any

Projection: Arizona, No. 104, fourth round. Few players are as polarizing to evaluators as Johnson, who has grades ranging from early third round to undrafted. For a rebuilding team like the Cardinals, Johnson provides flexibility as they gather pieces to a struggling defense.

Breakdown: A multiyear starter at cornerback, Johnson moved to safety this year and thrived with 60 tackles, two interceptions and four passes defensed. Johnson split his reps over the slot and in the box, and his versatility is vital for most secondaries. An asset for Johnson is his tenacity and that he never will quit on a play, as evidenced by a forced fumble against Kansas State on the goal line last season. With good speed and explosiveness, Johnson should help immediately on special teams and in sub packages.

Brugler’s breakdown: Johnson might not have a sky-high ceiling at the next level, but his character, experience and functional size/speed traits raise his floor and will keep him earning an NFL paycheck. His game and journey are reminiscent of Rams 2019 seventh-rounder Nick Scott.

Edge MJ Anderson

Size: 6-2 1/8, 269

Combine results: Bench (DNP), 40-yard dash (5.03, pro day), vertical jump (33 inches, 17th), broad jump (113 inches, pro day), three-cone (7.78, pro day), shuttle (4.69, pro day)

Rankings: Brugler (No. 36 edge), Scouts Inc. (No. 21 edge, No. 164 overall), Pro Football Focus (No. 31 edge, No. 196 overall), CBS Sports (No. 18 defensive lineman, No. 244 overall)

Upside comparison: Lions/Rams DE James Hall

Possibilities based on fit: Any

Projection: Los Angeles Rams, No. 251, seventh round. The Rams have two seventh-round picks and a need for pass rushers and versatile defensive linemen. Anderson made quite a jump in productivity after leaving Minnesota for Iowa State last season, and if his trajectory remains intact, he could blossom just from working alongside Aaron Donald.

Breakdown: With an 82-inch wingspan, nearly 34-inch arms and nine tackles for loss in his only season at Iowa State, Anderson has enough of a frame and resume to overcome his tweener height and weight. Once he settles in with a team, he might have to bulk up to stick as a rotational lineman.

Brugler’s breakdown: Anderson has the size, length and upside to warrant attention from NFL coaches, but he is undeveloped as a pass rusher and run defender and needs time to become more skilled. He is a potential practice-squad player and rotational backup.

IOL Trevor Downing

Size: 6-3 1/3, 299

Pro day results: DNP because of an injury suffered at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

Rankings: Brugler (No. 12 C), CBS Sports (No. 283 overall)

Possibilities based on fit: Teams that rely on zone blocking for smaller linemen.

Projection: Minnesota, free agent. If a team like San Francisco doesn’t take him late, Downing will field several offers immediately after the draft. The Vikings would provide him with the best opportunity. Minnesota ranks last in salary-cap space, has only five draft selections and has a need at the interior offensive line. A good camp could merit a roster spot.

Breakdown: Downing arrived in Ames with fanfare and started 38 games at guard and center. He was a first-team All-Big 12 performer in 2021, but it feels like he has more to offer. Perhaps an NFL team can get his best if he stays healthy. His versatility could earn him a roster spot as a rookie.

Brugler’s breakdown: Downing struggles combating length and power, but he displays the functional athleticism and football IQ that will interest zone teams.

Size: 6-1 7/8, 239

Pro day results: Bench (20), 40-yard dash (4.8 seconds), vertical jump (32 1/2 inches), broad jump (121 inches), three-cone (7.49), shuttle (4.55)

Rankings: Brugler (No. 12 C), CBS Scouts Inc. (No. 24 ILB, No. 335 overall)

Possibilities based on fit: Any

Projection: Chicago, free agent. Vance has six years of college experience and accumulated 256 tackles, including 32 for loss and 13 1/2 sacks, in five playing seasons. Vance’s hitting power and high character will give him a shot to make a club as a special-teamer. His blitzing prowess might keep him there.

Size: 6-2 7/8, 232

Pro day results: Bench (19), 40-yard dash (DNP), vertical jump (38 1/2 inches), broad jump (119 inches), three-cone (DNP), shuttle (DNP)

Rankings: Brugler (No. 95 LB), CBS Scouts Inc. (No. 24 ILB, No. 335 overall)

Possibilities based on fit: Any

Projection: Washington, free agent. After a stellar career at Delaware, Reeder immediately jumped into Jon Heacock’s renowned defense and solidified it. Although Reeder played in only eight games because of injuries, his ability to handle different defenses coupled with an incredible vertical jump will get him an opportunity. With good health, Reeder is a strong practice squad candidate.

(Top photo of Will McDonald IV: Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

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