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Old 01-11-2019, 10:38 AM   #99
revrew
Team Chaplain
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Just outside Des Moines, IA
ESPN Draft Profile: Des Moines Dragons

Des Moines enters the draft in need of playmakers – a starting-caliber quarterback, a wideout, perhaps a running back, and a pass rusher. The offensive line and defensive line could use an upgrade. A replacement at kicker should be a consideration.

This is somehow, improbably, a playoff team, largely based on the strength of its secondary and budding star MLB Dale Griffin. But to be a legitimate contender, Des Moines has to find a way to put more points on the board.

Unfortunately for GM Jack Ledger, who has inexplicably limited himself to drafting and signing players exclusively from Iowa, those needed pieces may not be available in this year's draft. The University of Northern Iowa's team has been abysmal in recent years; Iowa State is on a major downturn, and the University of Iowa is hardly an Alabama or Michigan, producing multiple NFL players each year.

That said, let's take a look at which Iowa prospects the Dragons might target:

1st Round
OT Roman Glover, Iowa State – Glover is a powerful run blocker who shows excellent technique in both the run and passing game. He doesn't have the elite measurables of a top 10 pick, but would likely fall to the bottom of the first, right were the Dragons sit at 1.23. If they want him, he will likely fall into their lap.

2nd Round
SS Manuel Pinkerton, U of Iowa – An instinctive, hard hitter, Pinkerton would be projected higher, but for a slow 40 time at the combine that leaves some to wonder if he can keep up in coverage. The Dragons don't really need a safety, but if they want him at 2.22, he'll likely be on the board.

Other notables:
Iowa just hasn't produced any other high draft picks, but in the mid to late rounds, you could see the Dragons draft:

P Dylan Jefferson, Cal – a consistent, refined punter who grew up in West Des Moines
QB Dakota Corriveau, U of Iowa – The Hawkeye signal caller has a decent arm and a decent head on his shoulders, but his consistency and completion percentages aren't eye-popping enough to consider in the higher rounds
RB Lamar Boldin, U of Iowa – A workhorse for the Hawkeyes who put up solid, between-the-tackle numbers over a 5-year college career.
WR Kaleb Lyon, U of Iowa – Corriveau's main target in college, Lyon might be effective in slot, but he doesn't have downfield speed the Dragons need or that the NFL requires
RB Logan Cyrus, ISU – A potential special teams contributor at the next level, Cyrus is a 6'1, 236-lb freight train with surprising speed.

Sleeper
LB Dustin Cable, U of Iowa - Cable who showed flashes as pass rusher and could be a special teams contributor, but he's more zealous than talented and lacks discipline. Still, as a project with upside …
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