Iowa Football: Hawkeyes in Elite Company With Consecutive First Round Draft Picks

The first round of the 2020 NFL Draft was a “who’s who” of the SEC. Fifteen players from that conference were picked in the first round. A total of 18 schools had at least one player chosen last night.

What’s interesting is the list of teams with consecutive players drafted in the first round. It’s a surprisingly small list. According to BHGP Stats and Research, with Tristan Wirfs joining T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant as first round picks, Iowa is one of only ten schools sitting on a two-year streak of first round draft picks.

Schools with an active streak of consecutive years having a first round pick:

• Alabama - 12
• Ohio State - 5
• Georgia and Oklahoma - 3
• LSU, Clemson, Iowa, TCU, Michigan, and Arizona State - 2

That is the entire list. Crazy to think that there is no Auburn or Notre Dame or a traditionally thought of Pac-12 team on there like Stanford, USC or Oregon.

Can Iowa keep that streak going in 2021?

Best Candidates (Alphabetical)

Keith Duncan: As long as the Raiders have a draft pick, you can’t ever count them out from drafting a kicker. Probably a longshot here.

Chauncey Golston: Golston has the size but would need a blowout 2020 season where he is in the running for conference defender of the year. A combine invite and impressive showing would be vital as well.

Alaric Jackson: Probably the most likely candidate if Jackson can stay healthy all season and dominate the left side of the line and protect the new quarterback.

Daviyon Nixon: Same comments as Golston, would have to have a crazy big year and if that happens it would certainly bode well for Iowa’s chances.

Brandon Smith: Only if Iowa becomes a passing team with a new quarterback and we all know the likelihood of that.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette: See above.

Who’s your money on to keep the streak alive?