Alex Roux, BTN.com editor, April 20, 2017
Kirk Ferentz has sent a lot of soldiers to the NFL throughout his 18-year tenure in Iowa City, accounting for nearly half of an excellent run of 40 straight drafts where at least one former Hawkeye has been selected.
Iowa had four more players–C.J. Beathard, Jaleel Johnson, George Kittle and Desmond King–taken in the 2017 Draft.
C.J. Beathard – QB: Drafted in Rd. 3, No. 104 overall by the San Francisco 49ers
Congrats, C.J.!
The @49ers made Beathard the highest-selected Iowa QB since Mark Vlasic in 1987: https://t.co/yjcWrmXiFB
— Iowa On BTN (@IowaOnBTN) April 29, 2017
Jaleel Johnson – DT: Drafted in Rd. 4, No. 109 overall by the Minnesota Vikings
Background: Johnson wrapped up five years on the Iowa campus with a stellar redshirt senior season, leading the Hawkeyes in tackles for loss (10) and sacks (7.5). He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and will look to beef up an NFL?s squad?s interior D-line.
George Kittle – TE: Drafted in Rd. 5, No. 146 overall by the San Francisco 49ers
Congrats to TE George Kittle for being selected by the @49ers and joining teammate C.J. Beathard | #NFLHawks #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/NfhaKMy54e
— The Iowa Hawkeyes (@TheIowaHawkeyes) April 29, 2017
Desmond King – CB: Drafted in Rd. 5, No. 151 overall by Los Angeles Chargers
Background: King could?ve been drafted following Iowa?s stellar 2015 season, when he was a consensus All-American and Big Ten Player of the Year at cornerback as a junior. He elected to return to school, and although he didn?t earn as many accolades as a senior, King was still named to the All-Big Ten First Team in 2016. King might switch to safety in the NFL, but could remain at cornerback depending on fit.
