After a disappointing 7-6 season, Iowa State’s coaching staff has turned their attention to the 2022 campaign with their top quarterback, running back, and tight end moving on to the NFL Draft. Which Cyclone prospects should you keep an eye on at Iowa State’s 2022 Pro Day, and what can we expect from the top players participating?
When is the Iowa State Pro Day in 2022?
- Date: Tuesday, March 22 & Wednesday, April 27Â
- Time: 9:45 AM ET & 3:30 PM
Iowa State’s first pro day (March 22) is for all draft-eligible players, while their second date (April 27) is reserved for rising seniors. Last year, 30 scouts from 28 NFL teams flew to Ames, Iowa, to watch 11 Cyclones participate at their pro day. Iowa State‘s 2022 Pro Day will not be open to the public and will take place inside the Bergstrom Indoor Practice Facility. There is a video tower in the facility, allowing for convenient film study.
Despite recent success under head coach Matt Campbell (7+ wins in each of the last five years), only three Cyclones have been drafted since 2015. How many could hear their name called in the 2022 NFL Draft?
Top Iowa State NFL Draft prospects working out at Pro Day
The Cyclones are slated to return 10 of 22 starters from last season, including WR Xavier Hutchinson and EDGE Will McDonald IV. Nevertheless, Iowa State’s batch of 2022 NFL Draft prospects is formidable. Six players were invited to the NFL Combine, tied for the 14th-most this year. But who are the top prospects you should keep an eye on before and after Iowa State’s Pro Day?
Brock Purdy, QB
Brock Purdy was a solid college QB but never built on an impressive sophomore campaign. He’s a decent athlete and can run when needed (4.76 40-yard dash at the Combine), but that’s about it. As a passer, he lacks elite arm strength and owns a labored release.
While Purdy can be accurate in rhythm, he is little more than a developmental backup in the NFL. He’s put enough on tape that his pro day won’t move the needle much in either direction.
Breece Hall, RB
Breece Hall is in the RB1 race this year. After rushing for 1,400+ yards and 20+ touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, it’s easy to see why. He owns terrific balance and ran behind a less-than-ideal run-blocking offensive line with the Cyclones. He’s not expected to test like an elite athlete with average burst, but he could make himself some money with good numbers at his pro day.
Charlie Kolar and Chase Allen, TE
If you want a big tight end that can be a red-zone threat, you’ve come to the right place. Both Charlie Kolar and Chase Allen measure in at 6’6″, 250 pounds with 34″ arms. Kolar is a three-year starter with sought-after production (169 receptions, 2,189 yards, and 23 TDs in his career). Yet, what you see with his tape is what you a get — a decent route runner, average blocker, but sure-handed receiver.
Meanwhile, Allen has far less statistical production. In five years at Iowa State, he’s reeled in 72 passes for 803 yards and 6 scores. However, he is the far better blocker between the two and has the willingness NFL teams seek from a No. 2/3 TE. Neither will test off the chart but should do well enough to maintain their draft stocks.
Eyioma Uwazurike, DL
Eyioma Uwazurike was Iowa State’s second-best pass rusher behind McDonald. But unlike McDonald, he played everywhere from the A gap to outside the tackle. Not only did he play all over the place, but he was productive, racking up 9 sacks in 2021.
At 6’5 1/2″ and 319 pounds, Uwazurike makes the most sense as a 5-technique in odd fronts. He isn’t explosive off the line or in short areas, so testing well there would be a huge plus.
Mike Rose, LB
At 6’4″ and 250 pounds with four years of starting experience, Mike rose is a tougher projection to the NFL than he should be. After his freshman year, Rose primarily split time between the slot and the box. Yet, he struggled in man coverage. He will likely fit in as a weakside/coverage linebacker in the pros. Rose moves like a smaller prospect and his testing numbers should reflect that.
Other players to watch for at Iowa State’s 2022 Pro Day
- Derek Schweiger, OL
- Colin Newell, C
- Jake Hummel, LB
- Greg Eisworth III, S
