Iowa Hawkeyes in the NFL: Who Made the Final Cut?

The 2017 NFL Preseason has come to a close. The 32 respective franchises have made their final cuts, trimming their rosters down to 53 total players. When it was all said and done, 22 former Iowa Hawkeyes made NFL rosters and will collect paychecks for doing so in 2017. They are as follows:

C.J. Beathard, Quarterback, 49ers

He’ll start the year as a backup with a real chance at starting before season’s end.

Austin Blythe, Center, Rams

He’ll be the backup at center, but don’t be shocked to see him getting some run at guard as the season moves along.

Bryan Bulaga, Tackle, Packers

His job as the starting right tackle protecting Aaron Rodgers is not in jeopardy anytime soon.

Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Falcons

He won’t start, but should see significant playing time in the defensive line rotation.

Cole Croston, Offensive Lineman, Patriots

Making the team in Foxboro is an achievement on its own. His ability to play guard and tackle gives him value in New England’s scheme.

Mike Daniels, Defensive Tackle, Packers

He’s penciled in as a starter heading into kickoff weekend.

Carl Davis, Defensive Tackle, Ravens

He fits in well with what Baltimore does and will get significant run in their three-man front.

Andrew Donnal, Tackle, Rams

He can play guard or tackle and could start at some point this year with the left side of the Rams line getting a bit long in the tooth.

C.J. Fiedorowicz, Tight End, Texans

He could have a breakout season as the Texans work in a couple of young quarterbacks who will lean on him as a safety net.

Anthony Hitchens, Linebacker, Cowboys

He suffered a leg injury that could keep him out for half the year. He should start again immediately upon his return — whenever that may be.

Micah Hyde, Safety, Bills

He’ll be the starter at strong safety, surrounded by a group of guys with a lot to prove.

Jaleel Johnson, Defensive Tackle, Vikings

He won’t start, but will see the field quite a bit in Minnesota’s front four rotation.

Desmond King, Defensive Back, Chargers

He’ll see the field at a couple of different positions for the Chargers depending on the opponent each week.

Christian Kirksey, Linebacker, Browns

He’ll start at weakside linebacker in what looks like a very underrated Cleveland defense.

George Kittle, Tight End, 49ers

A solid preseason and a late trade cleared the way for Kittle to become the starter in San Francisco heading into opening weekend.

Karl Klug, Defensive Lineman, Titans

He’ll get regular snaps in what could be a pretty nasty front seven in Tennessee.

Casey Kreiter, Long Snapper, Broncos

He appears to be in a secure spot in a stable situation in Denver.

Greg Mabin, Cornerback, Bills

He should see quite a bit of playing time against teams that line up three and four receivers regularly.

Riley Reiff, Tackle, Vikings

He was hurt this preseason but Minnesota kept him around. When he gets healthy, he should be the starter at left tackle.

Brandon Scherff, Guard, Redskins

He’s one of the best guards in the lead and a big reason why Washington is a Wild Card sleeper despite a front office often in disarray.

Matt Tobin, Offensive Lineman, Seahawks

He’s a solid backup for Seattle at left tackle. He could see some time on the right side in 2017.

Marshall Yanda, Guard, Ravens

Not much more to say about Yanda. He’s arguably still the top offensive lineman in the NFL.