The 2025 NFL Draft runs from April 24-26, and several Iowa football prospects are hoping to hear their name called and achieve their dream of going pro.
Hawkeyes star running back Kaleb Johnson highlights the team’s class of seven players who were invited to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. They all have varying projections on if and when they’ll be selected, but anything can happen once the picks start rolling in.
Sometimes, talented prospects fall down draft boards, so here’s a look the worst-case scenario for each of the Hawkeyes top-5 prospects during draft week:
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Kaleb Johnson draft projection: Worst-case scenario
Johnson was one of the most productive rushers in the nation in 2024, breaking the program record with 23 total touchdowns while receiving Second Team AP All-American and Big Ten RB of the Year honors.
NFL.com has him projected to be picked somewhere in the second or third round, and ranks him as the No. 14 running back prospect overall in this class.
The worst-case scenario for Johnson would be to get picked in the fourth round or later by team with a poor offensive line. Especially if a squad were to choose Johnson in hopes of being an every-down back, he may encounter some struggles.
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Yahya Black draft projection: Worst-case scenario
Black’s combine performance ranked just 33rd among defensive tackles, according to NFL.com, but with good size, adequate college production and ability to stay healthy at a key position, it seems scouts have him projected as a fifth or sixth-round pick.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein highlighted Black’s run-stopping traits as his primary strength, but also noted that he probably won’t make a pass-rush impact at the NFL level. Black’s worst-case scenario in the draft would be teams focusing more on highly-sought-after pass rushers and letting a run specialist like Black slide to the seventh round.
Luke Lachey draft projection: Worst-case scenario
NFL.com has Lachey projected to be picked toward the end of the draft, either in the sixth or seventh round, and his overall projection is to be an “average backup or special-teamer.”
PFF has Lachey as the No. 16-ranked tight end in this class but highlighted the fact that he comes from an Iowa program that has produced high-level NFL tight ends in recent years, as well as his pedigree as a recruit.
But of that prestigious group, Lachey had the least college production. If teams feel it was more due to a lack of talent rather than poor quarterback play or a run-heavy scheme, a worst-case scenario for Lachey would be going undrafted and having to prove himself even more as a free agent signee.
Sebastian Castro draft projection: Worst-case scenario
Castro didn’t enjoy the same production in 2024 as he did the previous season when he was named a Third Team AP All-American, and him turning 25 October puts him on the older side of rookies, but the defensive back’s collegiate production is among the best in this class.
NFL.com projects Castro to either get picked in the seventh round or be a “priority free agent,” so going undrafted would be a disappointment for Castro. Teams could be concerned about his age, thinking he may have a limited window to continue improving.
Jermari Harris draft projection: Worst-case scenario
Harris’ production, disciplinary history, Pro Day and Combine performances have culminated in a seventh-round or “priority free agent” projection by NFL.com’s Zierlein, with his take being that Harris will probably fit best in a team that deploys a zone-coverage scheme.
Going undrafted would be a disappointment for Harris. Teams could be concerned about some of the time he’s missed during his career.
