Only two Iowa players -- Tyler Linderbaum and Dane Belton -- heard their names called in the 2022 NFL Draft. That's the fewest Iowa players selected since 2016, when Austin Blythe was the single Hawkeye drafted. But several more Iowa players were expected to be hot commodities as undrafted free agents and, indeed, many former Hawkeyes have already signed deals with teams.
ZACH VANVALKENBURG
Former Iowa edge Zach VanValkenburg is signing with the #Raiders, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 30, 2022
The Raiders already have star pass rusher Maxx Crosby and they traded for another stud pass rusher in Chandler Jones earlier in the offseason. Of course, you're likely not planning to get a potential starter when you sign someone to an undrafted free agent deal, just get someone who can contribute in a rotation. ZVV should have a shot to do that -- and learning from Crosby and Jones can only help him.
CALEB SHUDAK
Former Iowa kicker Caleb Shudak is signing with the #Titans, per agents @NessMugrabi and @davidcanter.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 30, 2022
Randy Bullock was the Titans' starting kicker last season and he converted 26/31 field goals (84%) and 42/45 extra points (93%). Those are decent numbers -- but also numbers that get teams thinking about potential replacements and upgrades. Shudak could have a real opportunity here if he can impress during training camp.
JACK KOERNER
Iowa FS Jack Koerner will sign with the New Orleans Saints, per source.
— Chad Leistikow (@ChadLeistikow) April 30, 2022
DBU strikes again. There are far worse ideas than taking a flyer on an Iowa defensive back. Koerner wasn't a star at Iowa, but he was solid, multi-year starter who improved every season. His predecessor at Iowa, Jake Gervase, has carved out an NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams as a backup defensive back and special teamer. That's likely the path that Koerner will need to follow as well, but he's certainly capable of doing so.
TYLER GOODSON
Iowa RB Tyler Goodson to the #Packers.
— Jason B. Hirschhorn (@by_JBH) April 30, 2022
The Packers have a somewhat crowded running back room already, what with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon already there. Both Jones and Dillon had 170+ carries last year and had similar stats: 803 yards and 5 TD on 4.3 ypc (plus 34 receptions for 313 yards and 2 TD) for Dillon and 799 yards and 4 TD on 4.7 ypc (plus 52 receptions for 391 yards and 6 TD) for Jones. If they're both back and healthy next season, there's not going to be much opportunity for anyone else, let alone an undrafted free agent signing like Goodson. Hopefully he can impress in training camp.
MATT HANKINS
Iowa CB Matt Hankins has agreed to a contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Hankins was brought in before the draft. Good spot for him.
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) April 30, 2022
The Falcons' defense was abysmal last year, so there ought to be openings for plenty of newcomers to make an impact on that side of the ball during training camp. Injuries wiped away the second half of Hankins' season (and likely prevented him from getting drafted), but a healthy Hankins was on pace to be one of the cornerbacks in the Big Ten last season. If he's fully recovered from all the ailments that held him back, he should have a great shot to impress in the ATL and earn a roster spot.
We'll update this post if and when any other Iowa players sign FA deals. Best of luck to ZVV, Shudak, Koerner, Goodson, and Hankins as they look to continue their football careers and live out their NFL dreams.
