Iowa State’s 2023 NFL Draft prospects led by Xavier Hutchinson, Will McDonald

The Iowa State Cyclones managed to produce several draft selections in the 2022 NFL Draft, including Breece Hall, Eyioma Uwazurike, and Brock Purdy. Does the Cyclones’ 2023 NFL Draft class match up well against its predecessor, or is ISU due for a down year? Let’s take a closer look at the prospects on deck for Matt Campbell’s squad.

Iowa State prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft

It’ll naturally be hard to top Iowa State’s 2022 class, which produced an early-round pick and several Day 3 selections. More likely than not, the Cyclones’ 2023 class doesn’t compare. But there are a couple of prospects who could help ISU defy the odds.

Jirehl Brock, RB

If there was ever a competition for “RBU,” Iowa State would be a serious contender. The Cyclones have produced recent early-round picks like Breece Hall and David Montgomery and also sent Kene Nwangwu to the NFL a couple of drafts ago. Iowa State is a known RB producer at this point, so naturally, the eyes go to the next man up — Jirehl Brock. Brock was a four-star recruit out of high school and has a strong 6’0″, 215-pound frame. With a premier role coming his way, perhaps Brock can carry the torch and earn a draft selection.

Xavier Hutchinson, WR

Ever since he hit the FBS stage from the JUCO level, Xavier Hutchinson has been one of the best receivers in the Big 12. He logged 64 catches for 771 yards and four scores in 2020, then upped the ante with 83 catches, 987 yards, and five TDs in 2021. Hutchinson’s QB Brock Purdy may be gone now, but the 6’3″, 210-pound receiver is very much present and still a threat to opposing DBs. With his size, burst, lateral quickness, and ability in contested situations, he should be a safe bet to earn a selection next April.

Sean Shaw Jr., WR

Hutchinson is the headliner for Iowa State at wide receiver, but there may be talent to know beyond him. Sean Shaw Jr. immediately catches attention with his size — he’s listed at 6’6″, 220 pounds, with a tall, well-built frame. He’s been used as a red-zone and big-play threat in the past. In 2019, he had 15 catches for 231 yards and five touchdowns. But his production has steadily declined since. Nevertheless, Shaw’s size is unique, and it could help him in the months to come.

Dimitri Stanley, WR

Also adding to Iowa State’s depth at wide receiver will be Dimitri Stanley, who transferred over from Colorado after playing four seasons with the Buffaloes. Over those four seasons, Stanley only totaled 70 catches for 820 yards and four scores. The 6’0″, 195-pound pass catcher profiles as more of a rotational threat, but he has flashed good burst in space before. With a skill set more conducive to separation than his counterparts, perhaps Stanley can find a niche with Iowa State as a fifth-year senior.

Jarrod Hufford, OT

Jarrod Hufford started the last eight games at left tackle for the Cyclones in 2021 and also showed he could rotate inside to guard on demand if needed. Hufford has a solid frame, standing at 6’5″, 310 pounds. He could stand to add more mass, but he already has good strength and reach, and he surges off the line when engaging in contact situations. Another year of starting reps at left tackle could get Hufford on the map.

Trevor Downing, G

Few players rebounded from injury better than Trevor Downing did in 2021. After missing most of the 2020 campaign, Downing returned and became a full-time starter at right guard. He provided the Cyclones with unending stability on the blocking front and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors as a result. Downing has decent size at 6’4″, 310 pounds, and also has versatility between guard and center. Thus, there’s a chance he could earn late-round interest on the 2023 NFL Draft circuit.

Isaiah Lee, DT

Eyioma Uwazurike was invaluable to Iowa State, and no one will be able to mirror his impact in 2022. But the Cyclones still have talent left on the interior defensive line, notably Isaiah Lee. Lee doesn’t have the overwhelming length that Uwazurike had, and he’s not nearly as versatile. But at 6’0″, 305 pounds, Lee is stout, well-leveraged, and can stand in the middle and absorb contact. He also flashes impressive closing burst in pursuit, something that could boost his 2023 NFL Draft stock if he can channel it consistently.

Will McDonald IV, EDGE

Will McDonald’s only competition for being the best Cyclones draft prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft cycle is Hutchinson. But even then, McDonald likely has a leg up. He has been one of the most productive edge rushers in college football for two straight seasons. In 2020, he put up 10.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. He followed that up with 11.5 sacks and 13 more TFLs in 2021. McDonald is visibly light and will need to build up his frame. But he has excellent length, short-area burst, lateral agility, and flashes impressive bend capacity. An NFL future is almost assured for him.

O’Rien Vance, LB

The void left by Jake Hummel will be a tough one to fill. But the Cyclones aren’t completely lacking when it comes to experience. Sixth-year senior O’Rien Vance will be expected to help soften the blow of losing Hummel. Vance himself has been a starter since 2019 — now nearing the 200-tackle mark — and managed to start eight contests in 2021 while battling injuries. His 2023 NFL Draft prospects may be sparse, but he has a chance to end on a high note in Hummel’s place.

Gerry Vaughn, LB

Alongside Vance, Gerry Vaughn is likely to have a starting role for the Cyclones in 2022. Vaughn has great frame density at 5’11”, 235 pounds, and can compete in congested areas with that size. He has surprisingly violent hands when engaging blockers, but he can also drop into space and manage his spacing in zone coverage. With increased opportunities in 2022, Vaughn may look to improve on his 5.5 TFLs from 2021.

Colby Reeder, LB

Colby Reeder was born in 1997, so he’ll be an extremely old rookie once he lands in a camp. But the Delaware transfer is at least worth monitoring this season, as he’ll feasibly get reps alongside Vance and Vaughn. Reeder was a standout with the Delaware Blue Hens. The 6’3″, 235-pound defender eclipsed 50 tackles more than once and was a mainstay on the second level. In his quest to carve out an NFL career, he’ll presumably have help available from his older brother Troy Reeder, who plays LB for the Rams.

Anthony Johnson Jr., CB

It’ll be interesting to see how much interest Anthony Johnson Jr. fields in the 2023 NFL Draft cycle. Outside of McDonald, he might be the Cyclones’ best prospect on the defensive side of the ball. Johnson is a savvy cornerback who’s been a fixture for Iowa State over the past four seasons. He took on a regular defensive role as early as 2018 and has racked up 13 tackles for loss and 24 deflections since then. Johnson has decent size at 6’0″, 200 pounds, but also brings active feet and impressive fluidity. He may have an NFL future.

Tayvonn Kyle, DB

Tayvonn Kyle’s career arc with the Iowa State Cyclones has been a bit perplexing to this point. The 5’11”, 180-pound defensive back started five games in 2020 and was a regular contributor on defense. He put up 28 tackles, a pick, six deflections, and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. It looked like Kyle was trending up, but he played sparingly in 2021 across 11 games. Amidst turnover, Iowa State may turn to him again in 2022, and he’s proven he can produce before.