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Analysis: All Iowa draft picks have shot at contributing in NFL
Apr. 24, 2010 5:05 pm
Iowa had six players drafted by NFL clubs this year, its most in a non-expansion draft since 1966, when the NFL draft extended beyond the current format of seven rounds.
Each of Iowa's draft selections have a legitimate chance of m-byaking their teams this year and most should contribute this year. Here's a look at each of them pick-by-pick with my analysis along with NFL.com's analysis
1st round (23 overall) -- BRYAN BULAGA, OT, Green Bay Packers
It was an excruciating and costly free-fall for Bulaga, who was expected by many to land at No. 5 to Kansas City. By sinking to No. 23, Bulaga may have lost around $20 million in salary and guarantees. But he was the perfect pick for Green Bay, which desperately needed offensive line help with aging tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher. Bulaga will compete for playing time right away and could dislodge one of them by mid-preseason. (Will wear No. 75)
NFL.com analysis -- The Packers add a quality offensive tackle prospect with the selection of Bryan Bulaga. Although the team has a pair of veterans in Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher in place to start in 2010, Bulaga gives the team much-needed depth and an eventual successor to develop for the future.
2nd round (63 overall) -- PAT ANGERER, LB, Indianapolis Colts
Angerer was drafted higher than most expected, but he fills a need for the Colts as a back-up to middle linebacker Gary Brackett. After the Colts' Super Bowl loss to New Orleans, team president Bill Polian blamed special teams in part for the team's defeat. Count on Angerer to bring intensity to kick coverage units and get on the field in nickel situations. (will wear No. 51)
NFL.com analysis -- The Colts add a solid all-around player in Pat Angerer. The former Iowa standout was very productive as a collegian, and shows outstanding instincts for the position. Though he isn't over athletic, he plays faster than he tests and is an underrated playmaker. He gives the Colts much-needed depth.
3rd round (66 overall) -- AMARI SPIEVEY, CB, Detroit Lions
Spievey is a key cog in the Lions' improvement quest. Detroit was horrible against the pass last year, and Spievey will have every opportunity to start this year. Coincidentally, he was drafted in the same spot (66) as former Iowa cornerback Bradley Fletcher last year. (no number yet)
NFL.com analysis -- The Lions pick up a tough, hard-nosed corner with the selection of Amari Spievey. He excels at zone coverage, and possesses the instincts to emerge as a ball hawk in the pros. With the Lions in desperate need of playmakers in the secondary, the addition of Spievey gives them more depth and talent at the corner spot.
3rd round (93 overall) -- TONY MOEAKI, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
No Iowa player has more upside than Moeaki. He is among the most well-rounded tight ends in the draft and could start right away for Kansas City, which had no production from the position after Tony Gonzalez was traded last year. If he stays healthy ... yeah, we've said that a few times ... he could be the steal of the draft. (no number yet)
NFL.com analysis -- The Chiefs take one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft with their selection of Tony Moeaki. He is a strong blocker on the edge, and he possesses underrated receiving skills. With the Chiefs' offense poised to evolve under Charlie Weis, Moeaki could become a quiet contributor as a rookie.
4th round (119th overall) -- A.J. EDDS, LB, Miami Dolphins
Edds likely will slide from outside linebacker to the inside in the Dolphins' 3-4 scheme. Edds' work ethic and talent will keep him on the team as a special teamer at the least. Once he gets the technique down, he could become a starter. (no number yet)
NFL.com analysis -- The Dolphins add A.J. Edds to provide depth to their linebacker corps and special teams units. Though he isn't regarded as a great athlete, Edds is a high-motor player with the toughness and competitiveness to excel as a backup.
7th round (216th overall) -- KYLE CALLOWAY, G/T, Buffalo Bills
Nobody thinks Calloway is the most athletically gifted player in the draft, but he can play four line positions for a team with dreadful line play. The Bills drafted just two offensive linemen -- including Calloway -- so it's likely he'll compete for a roster spot this year. (no number yet)
NFL.com analysis -- The Bills just picked Iowa OT Kyle Calloway. He's a right tackle, who may be able to kick inside. He's well-coached, tough, but not very athletic. He has to beat you with technique, because he has very average feet
From left: Iowa's Pat Angerer, Amari Spievey, and Adrian Clayborn take down Wisconsin's John Clay during the second half of their game Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in Madison, Wis. Iowa won, 20-10. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

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