The NFL Combine kicks off on Thursday, February 27 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Iowa will be represented by seven former Hawkeyes over the four day event.
Which of them could benefit the most by testing well? Three Hawkeyes in particular come to mind. Let's breakdown who they are, and why they could greatly increase their draft stack at the Combine.
Yahya Black
Thanks to the structure of Iowa's defense, a defensive tackle the caliber of Yahya Black doesn't rack up as many stats as he otherwise could. Iowa's two-gap scheme funnels ball-carriers to the mike linebacker, and it lends itself to disruption in the passing game, rather than putting together a ton of sacks.
Therefore, Black finished with just 15 tackles-for-loss and 5.5 sacks over his career in Iowa City, along with earning two Big Ten Honorable Mention honors between his fourth and fifth seasons with the Hawkeyes. All the while, Black was one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the conference.
Though scouts at the next level are sure to be aware of what Black is capable of -- especially considering Iowa's history of defensive line and the two-gap scheme that a solid contingent of NFL teams run -- the numbers he put up aren't all that sexy. If he tests well on the field and in the weight room in addition to his already huge frame, he has a chance to rise up draft boards significantly.
Standing at 6'5" and 317 pounds, Black has a solid start. If he puts up a solid 40-yard dash, cone drill and bench press -- who knows? He could be highly-valued by any NFL team with needs on the defensive interior.
Jermari Harris
Jermari Harris had a sensational final season with the Hawkeyes. That is, until he sat out the final two games of the season "due to a medical issue." Sources indicated to Rivals prior to Iowa's matchup with Maryland that he would be out for the remainder of the season.
Every single team Harris interviews with is going to ask him about why he opted to sit the final two games of the season, rather than play through it. Some teams may full-on take him off their board because of his decision. Sitting out a bowl game is one thing for NFL prospects -- opting to sit out before the regular season is over is another.
Harris can point to the injury and what he was told by medical professionals, he can tell NFL teams he didn't want to sit out, that it was what was best for his future, and it all may be true. However, there are going to be plenty of other cornerbacks and defensive backs available to pick from in the draft, and if GMs, scouts or coaches perceive Harris's decision to be a red flag, it's a reason to draft another DB.
If the Third-Team All-Big Ten corner shows up and puts up solid numbers and tests well, teams may have to over look what took place at the end of Iowa's 2024 season and go for Harris.
Luke Lachey
One of the bigger 'what ifs' in recent memory for Iowa fans is the 2023 season for tight end, Luke Lachey. The Columbus, Ohio native started his fourth year with the Hawkeyes on a tear, grabbing ten catches for 131 yards in two games plus a quarter before going down with a season-ending injury against Western Michigan. The safety valve for Cade McNamara before Iowa's starting quarterback also went down with an injury, Lachey was on pace to record over 100 catches and could have very well left for the league after that season.
Following a return for his fifth and final year of eligibility, Lachey didn't put up outlandish numbers in 2024 despite being Iowa's clear No. 1 tight end, finishing the season with 28 catches for 231 yards.
With all the measurables and technical skill to be the next great tight end out of TEU, Lachey didn't put up the ridiculous numbers he could have while in black and gold. Currently projected as a Day 3 pick in the coming NFL Draft, Lachey will certainly impress in interviews, and having the TEU reputation will help him. Any team that takes a shot on Lachey will likely be happy they did.
Which team does and when they do will be somewhat dependent on how well he tests, and if he performs to the best of his ability, expect Lachey to be selected sooner rather than later.
