Where will the ex-Hawkeyes go? Here's a glimpse

For the first time since 1976 Iowa could have seven players drafted by NFL clubs this year. If that's the case it would be more impressive this time around than it was 34 years ago.

For one, newly created Tampa Bay grabbed a few former Hawkeyes in 1976 as part of an expansion draft. The real draft was 12 rounds back then, not seven like now. Plus, it's hard to believe that any Iowa team of the 1970s was deserving of more than a couple of draft picks.

Of this year's group, six are almost locks with another one at least getting a shot. Here's the rundown of where Iowa's players could go in the draft that starts tonight:

Bryan Bulaga, tackle-- first round, Buffalo Bills, ninth overall. There's been some discussion that Bulaga is more of a right tackle than left tackle, which has sent him from No. 5 in most mock drafts down to as far as No. 17. I don't think he lasts that long because there teams like Pittsburgh and Green Bay,which desperately need offensive linemen, would trade up to get him. Buffalo needs an offensive lineman even more than a quarterback, so I see Bulaga here. If he slips past Buffalo, he'll be gone by No. 13.

Amari Spievey, cornerback-- third round, Chicago Bears, 75th overall. The Bears need help in two primary areas: offensive line and secondary. Spievey started for two seasons in Iowa's Cover-2 scheme, which is comparable to the Bears' Tampa-2. Spievey is a physical player and could move to safety if needed. He visited the Bears earlier this month and has a relationship with the team.

Kyle Calloway, offensive lineman-- third round, Green Bay Packers, 86th overall. Calloway might be a reach here, but after the first eight offensive tackles, there's a significant drop-off in perception if not NFL talent. But the need remains for teams like Green Bay. Calloway has started at three different line positions for Iowa's pro-ready zone-blocking scheme. NFL teams rarely activate more than seven offensive linemen for a game, so Calloway's versatility (and durability) will bump him up a round higher than expected.

A.J. Edds, linebacker-- fourth round, Detroit Lions, 100th overall. Teams will re-stack their boards entering the fourth round on Saturday with the best remaining players selected regardless of position. Detroit has the second pick that day and a need at strongside linebacker with Julian Peterson aging. Detroit Coach Jim Schwartz worked with Kirk Ferentz back in the mid-1990s so I think this connection pays off for Edds.

Tony Moeaki, tight end-- fourth round, Kansas City Chiefs, 102nd overall. Moeaki might have the greatest long-term impact of any Iowa player, if he stays healthy. The Chiefs traded away future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez last year, and Moeaki would fill that need. Moeaki visited Kansas City in the last few weeks, and K.C. General Manager Scott Pioli and Ferentz are good friends. Ferentz has vouched for Moeaki publicly throughout the off-season.

Pat Angerer, linebacker-- fifth round, Cleveland Browns, 146th overall. Angerer brings everything an NFL team would want except height. If he was two inches taller, he'd be a second-round pick. I have no doubt with his talent, intensity and character that Angerer will make a team and potentially start by midway through the season. 

Dace Richardson, offensive lineman -- seventh round, New England Patriots, 247th overall. Richardson's injury history puts him on the border of late-pick/priority free agent. But he was an All-Big Ten pick despite missing part of the season with a broken leg. He can play four positions and has five years of experience in a zone-blocking scheme. He'd probably get more money on the open market as a priority free agent, but a team like New England will scoop him up to ensure they get him.