Several Hawkeyes drafted, sign free agent NFL contracts

Lang

5/1/21

More Hawkeyes heard their names called on the third and final day of the NFL draft after only one was taken in the first three rounds.

Defensive end Chauncey Golston was the first Hawkeye selected, going to the Dallas Cowboys in the third round on Friday.

Three more Hawkeyes were selected on Saturday. The fifth round saw wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette go to the Minnesota Vikings. Defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon went to the Carolina Panthers with the very next pick.

Linebacker Nick Niemann was the final Hawkeye to be drafted this year. He was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the sixth round.

Several other Hawkeyes signed free agent contracts after the draft. Left tackle Alaric Jackson signed with the Los Angeles Rams, wide receiver Brandon Smith joined Golston with Dallas, tight end Shaun Beyer landed in Denver with Hawk alum and fellow tight end Noah Fant, defensive tackle Jack Heflin and offensive tackle Coy Cronk signed with Green Bay, and offensive guard Cole Banwart and running back Mekhi Sargent will join the Tennessee Titans.