Earlier this week the Kansas City Chiefs made their way to Iowa for the Hawkeyes pro day, a group that included GM Scott Pioli and head coach Romeo Crennel, among others. That the Chiefs sent a number of people makes you wonder if they'll do what they did in the 2011 and 2010 drafts -- select an Iowa player.
Two years ago it was TE Tony Moeaki out of Iowa and last year it was QB Ricky Stanzi out of Iowa. What is it about Iowa players? Iowa's website caught up with Crennel, the only head coach to attend the pro day, and asked.
"One of the things about Iowa football is that the players who come here are well-coached," Crennel said. "They're technique-sound, they play hard, try hard, they're competitive, and we know that. Last year there were a few more defensive (Hawkeyes) coming out, this year a few more offensive guys are coming out. We know that you're going to get fundamentally-sound guys who are very competitive and who give you a good day's work."
DL Adrian Clayborn was a first round pick last year (No. 20, Bucs). After that it was a fourth round pick (DL Christian Ballard), three fifth rounders (QB Ricky Stanzi, DL Karl Klug and OL Julian Vandervelde) and a sixth round pick (S Tyler Sash).
This year you have another offensive tackle who will be a first rounder in Riley Reiff. Just a couple years ago Bryan Bulaga went in the first round, which is no surprise -- Iowa seems to always push out good linemen. WR Marvin McNutt will be drafted this year as will CB Shaun Prater, both appear to be mid-round guys. Adam Gettis is a guard who won the "Extra Heartbeat" award on the team, which seems like something the Chiefs would love. Defensive lineman Mike Daniels started 21 games the last two seasons. Brad Herman is another tight end coming from their pro offense. Jordan Bernstine, strong safety, started as a freshman.
Is this the third straight year the Chiefs dip into Iowa's pool of players?
(H/T Arrowheadlines)