Peterson: T.J. Tampa heads the list of Iowa State players to watch for in the 2024 NFL Draft
I scanned a list of the Big 12’s top returning defensive players, then wondered: Can Iowa State have one of the conference’s top defensive backs, and secondary as a whole, in 2023?
We’ve gushed about the defensive line, and rightfully so, such as recent position alums as Will McDonald, Enyi Ewazurike, M.J. Anderson and JaQuan Bailey.
We’ve annually praised what’s been a very strong group of linebackers.
While doing so, maybe we’ve just a smidge overlooked a player who mans a position that gets more exposure (both good and bad) than the others put together.
We’re talking about, cornerback T.J. Tampa, one of a few Iowa State players who NFL scouts will be watching throughout next season and before the 2024 NFL Draft.
More: Peterson: Iowa State football, Matt Campbell held their own in the NFL Draft
At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, he’s got solid size. He’s a crisp open-field tackler. He breaks up passes that come his way.
A scout, who will remain anonymous, told me at Iowa State’s Pro Day, that Tampa will not go unnoticed.
It’s early, but other Cyclones in that category could be receivers Jaylin Noel and Dimitri Stanley.
Matt Campbell’s program has had seven NFL Draft choices in the past two years. Here’s a look at who could be the next Cyclones to land on NFL rosters – either via the draft or free agency.
Most likely of Iowa State's possible 2024 NFL Draft picks
Cornerback T.J. Tampa
He’s among the last line of defense, yet first to be criticized when there’s a missed open-field tackle or an open receiver who catches a touchdown pass. Tampa, and others at his position, live with that reality.
Defensive coordinator Jon Heacock made that oh so clear recently by saying “six inches is six points.”
Tampa was part of the reason Iowa State limited opponents to 176.3 passing yards a game, 10th nationally. The second-team All-Big 12 selection had a career-high 40 tackles, nine pass breakups and his first interception last season.
“There’s still things I have to work on," he said.
Receiver Jaylin Noel
The Cyclones’ No. 2 receiver a season ago has had an ambitious offseason that included extensive weight work and considerable extra route-running (and catching) after practice. Replacing Xavier Hutchinson, Houston’s sixth-round NFL Draft selection, won’t be easy.
“I learned a lot of things from him,” Noel said after a spring practice. “The first thing is consistency. He’s a guy that came into practice every day and practiced the same way every time. He was relentless about that.”
Noel caught 60 passes (47 fewer than Hutchinson) last season for 572 yards and three touchdowns. He’ll play both wide and slot receiver this season. He’ll also continue returning punts and kickoffs.
“Jaylin has been mature from Day 1,” Campbell said. “The next step in his football game is consistency.”
Receiver Dimitri Stanley
The speedy Colorado transfer could be poised for a big season after averaging 12.7 yards on 33 receptions for Iowa State in 2022.
“The first day he got here, we were like, ‘This kid should have been here since he came to college,'” quarterback Hunter Dekkers said last season. “He fits the way we are, and the way this program is to a T. It was cool to see.”
Others the NFL might watch
Tight end Easton Dean: He’s the guy that came to campus in 2019 after being recruited as a quarterback. Remember Campbell saying this upon the position switch?
“On or off the record,” Campbell said during a 2020 interview, “Easton’s going to be the best tight end we’ve ever had here. He’s super talented.”
More: Iowa State first-round NFL Draft drought is over: Will McDonald goes to the Jets at No. 15
The coach said that before Charlie Kolar became an All-American and Baltimore NFL Draft choice, but you get the point.
Dean was 6-6 and 225 then. Now, he’s up to 249 pounds, and certainly has the potential for a very good final season, after averaging 12.9 yards on 10 catches in 2022.
Tight end DeShawn Hanika: It’s finally Hanika time. The time of playing behind others on a crowded tight end depth chart is over. The 6-6, 238-pound Hanika came on during the second half last season to finish with 17 receptions for 244 yards. That’s 14.5 yards per catch
“DeShawn kept getting better as the season went on,” Campbell said. “You’re really excited about that."
Linebacker Gerry Vaughn: The team leader in tackles last season with 71, the 6-foot-6, 230-pounder had two sacks, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble.
Iowa State columnist Randy Peterson is in his 51st year writing sports for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at rpeterson@dmreg.com, and on Twitter @RandyPete
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State football players scouts may be watching for 2024 NFL Draft
