2010 NFL Mock Draft: Iowa Hawkeyes' Draft Selections

It's a sign of a healthy program when seven of its players are about to head to the NFL combine in a few days.

Hawkeye fans have a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to, as seven Iowa players prepare for the the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine, held from Feb. 24 to March 2.

Bryan Bulaga, Kyle Calloway, Pat Angerer, Amari Spievey, A.J. Edds, Tony Moeaki, and Dace Richardson will all get a chance to demonstrate their skills in Indianapolis.

Over the past month or so, I have tried to profile Iowa's NFL prospects. In the process, I tried to select a few possible teams interested in each player. 

With that research behind me, it's now time for my Iowa Hawkeyes-style 2010 NFL Mock Draft, pre-combine edition.

Round 1:  No. 13, San Francisco—Bryan Bulaga, OG

With the No. 13 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Bryan Bulaga, OG. 

Bulaga waited until after Iowa smashed Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl to declare his early departure to the NFL.

After his dominating Orange Bowl performance, ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. now projects Bulaga to be the first Big Ten player taken in this year's draft. 

Being named 2009 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year probably helped shape Kiper's opinion, as well.

The junior is a solid all-around blocking machine with great feet—perfect for a team looking to bolster their run or pass blocking. While he is stronger against the run than he is against the pass, Bulaga is quick to adapt and thinks well under pressure.

The 49ers could definitely use some help on the offensive line.  San Francisco went 8-8 on the year, and gave up 40 sacks.  They ranked 27th in total yards, 25th in rushing offense, 22nd in passing offense, and 18th in scoring.

Round 2: No. 54, New England—Amari Spievey, CB

With the 54th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Amari Spievey, CB.

In high school, Spievey was Connecticut’s Player of the Year at Middletown Xavier High School in 2005.

He played both offense and defense, but his play on offense grabbed more attention, as he rushed for over 1,600 yards and 26 touchdowns.

He then earned junior college All-American honors at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, IA, where he recorded seven interceptions (two for touchdowns), ran two kickoff returns back for touchdowns, to go along with four blocked punts.

Spievey’s two-year career at Iowa included six interceptions, 14 pass break-ups, and 124 tackles.

This past year, he started all 13 games and recorded 56 tackles (42 solo), eight pass breakups, and two interceptions.

Mel Kiper thinks he is a solid pro prospect, ranking him as the fourth-best junior cornerback nationally.

The Patriots need a solid corner that would work well in the Belichick system.  They have two picks in the second round and could use one on a Spievey.

Round 3: No. 73, Buffalo—Kyle Calloway, OT

With the 73rd pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills select Kyle Calloway, OT.

With the large number of offensive linemen in this year's draft, it is hard to say for sure where Calloway will be selected. In most online mock drafts, he is anywhere from a second round pick to a fourth rounder.

Calloway is an excellent run blocker, a skill of which many NFL teams are currently in need. The Bills would be one of those teams in need of some offensive line improvement.

The Bills never found an adequate replacement for Jason Peters and had one of the worst lines in the NFL this past season. They are definitely looking to improve their situation with one of their draft picks this year.

Buffalo could use the No. 73 pick overall on Calloway, who could have an immediate impact on their offense.

Round 4: No. 104, Kansas City—Pat Angerer, LB

With the 104th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Pat Angerer, LB.

Realistically, Angerer is the fourth or fifth best linebacker in the draft.

His 145 tackles on the season rank sixth nationally.  To go along with the tackles, he also has five tackles for losses, one sack, an interception, six pass break-ups, and two forced fumbles in 13 games.

Angerer has good size, standing 6'1'' and weighing in at 235 lbs, but what he might not have in size, he makes up for this with great instincts. He is a good run defender and very effective in pass coverage, not to mention a hard hitter.

The Bettendorf, IA native would be a nice fit in Kansas City, where the tackling stats among current linebackers could use some improving. The Chiefs would benefit from a fast inside linebacker that can fill gaps and tackle like a madman.

The Scott-Pioli-Kirk-Ferentz connection could also bolster the case for Kansas City drafting Angerer. Pioli and Ferentz have been friends for awhile, and Ferentz sings Angerer's praises loudly. This could help KC look in the direction of Angerer over another linebacker in the draft.

Round 4: No. 117, Atlanta—A.J. Edds, LB

With the 117th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select A.J. Edds, LB.

Of the current Iowa players with a chance at being drafted this year, Edds could be the sleeper of the bunch. 

Edds is a smart player with a ton of experience who is comfortable playing all three spots at linebacker. He has played in 38 games over the last three seasons for the Hawkeyes and has piled up some impressive stats in the process.

In his 13 games this past season, he has totaled 77 tackles (four for losses), five interceptions, and four pass breakups. During his senior bowl outing, Edds helped the North to a victory with an interception and a fumble recovery.  

His experience helped him to earn second-team All-Big Ten in 2009.

Atlanta will likely be targeting a linebacker to provide some depth and youth to a solid defense. The team wants a player on whom they can build a foundation, and a smart player like Edds could be just that.

Round 5: No. 139, Cleveland—Tony Moeaki, TE

With the 139th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select Tony Moeaki, TE.

Moeaki is a complete tight end.  At 6'4'', 250 lbs, he has the size it takes to make it in the NFL. And that size doesn't slow the kid down at all, either.

To go along with the great size and speed, he also has great hands, as demonstrated several times this past season. Perhaps his greatest, and most over-looked skill, is his ability to run block, which might be why Kirk Ferentz thinks he is one of the most talented tight ends he has ever coached.

When someone like Ferentz says that about a player, NFL teams take notice.

Cleveland needs a new tight end for Brady Quinn to target. Moeaki would help the Browns' passing game, as well as their running game because of his superior blocking ability.

2010 NFL Draft - Radio City Music Hall - New York, N.Y.
Rd. 1: Thursday, Apr. 22, 7:30 PM ET
Rds. 2-3: Friday, Apr. 23, 6:30 PM ET
Rds. 4-7: Saturday, Apr. 24, 10 AM ET

More Hawkeyes Draft talk on Hawkeye Lounge.