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ESPN Draft Profile: Des Moines Dragons

Not since their first season have the Des Moines Dragons garnered so much attention leading up to the NFL rookie draft. In fact, what the Dragons are going to do seems to be all anyone can talk about!

Quarterbacks are always at a premium, so it's no surprise that the draft's indisputably best QB prospect sits atop every sports guru's mock draft. But that quarterback … just happens to be Grayson Shello. Of the University of Iowa.

If there was ever a draft prospect the Dragons were drooling over, it's gotta be Grayson, right? And the Dragons' current QB is only one season away from being derided in some circles as the worst QB in the league. A natural fit, right?

But after their surprise run to the Super Bowl last season, Dragon QB Dakota Corriveau has staked his claim as the team's signal caller. He's immensely popular in Iowa. Does Dragon GM Jack Ledger really ditch the QB who took his team to the title game in favor of the hottest prospect to come out of Iowa since Nile Kinnick?

And even though few oeople question Grayson Shello is the better QB prospect, there's two big hurdles to clear. First, the Dragons possess the 31st pick in the draft. Moving up to #1 overall would be a herculean lift for Ledger. Second, that first pick just happens to be held by … the division rival Chicago Bears, who desperately need a QB of their own, with only a 6th round rookie on their own roster.

There's no way Chicago wants to give up Shello. But there's no way Ledger can let an Iowa Heisman-quality QB slip off to his rival … can he?

That said, let's take a look at who everyone in the NFL knows the Dragons have their eyes on - the talent from Iowa - and where said players are currently project to be drafted:

1st Round:
QB Grayson Shello of Iowa will go #1 overall ... to someone. Rarely has there been such a clear choice. Shello is smart, shows impeccable timing, and is comfortable throwing the ball to every route on the tree. Finished second in the Heisman voting behind Maryland running back Dwight Knechtel. Shello's a tad small for a pocket passer at 6'1", but he is a field general par excellence and holds every passing record in the Hawkeye record book.

2nd Round:
WLB Alec Green went to Ol' Miss, but graduated from a Waterloo, Iowa, high school. Green showed very well at the combine and has scouts scrambling to reexamine the tape. He's a gamble, being both a fast riser as draft day approaches and a player who could be more of a workout wonder.

Middle Rounders
RB Douglas Flagg of Iowa State is a smaller back with both elusiveness and speed. He showed good patience and vision, and while he won't overpower tacklers, may be an effective runner at the next level.
QB Julian Price sat in Grayson Shello's shadow at Iowa and has little game experience, but he has a cannon for an arm and looks the part. He's green, but he should be worth developing as a backup.
QB Scottie Coffman led Drake University in Des Moines with a sharp, West Coast timing game. He's only 5'10", but his tape shows a better QB than many taller prospects higher on many peoples' boards.
QB Frank Bondy of Iowa State is a very smart, polished passer with great pocket presence, but he lacks the arm strength to be a top prospect.

Late
RB Jermaine Bankston Iowa State
MLB Wes Price, Iowa
FS Tre Woodcock, Iowa

Sleeper:
WR Isaac Kinney of Iowa State dashed a 4.47 40 at the combine and was a reliable target for QB Frank Bondy. His tape, however, doesn't show that speed leading to many big plays.
DT Ty Wynn Iowa
CB Tyree Redd Iowa State
FB Manuel Foreman Iowa State