Former Iowa defensive tackle Mitch King picked Tennessee over about 20 other teams because he likes Nashville and the team’s coaching philosophy, according to the Tennessean.
King was surprisingly not drafted last weekend, but there were a flood of calls to him and his agent, Richard Rosa, after the draft.
New York Jets lineman Matt Slauson, left, blocks Matt Kroul at the rookie football mini-camp Friday, May 1, 2009 in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Former Iowa wide receiver Andy Brodell didn’t even make it to his first practice.
Brodell failed his physical with the Green Bay Packers because of a torn hamstring, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Brodell told the paper he plans to speak with his agent and try to sign with another team.
Other Iowa football players were issued new numbers for the upcoming season.
Iowa's Mitch King shouts as he addresses the crowd during the Hawkeye Huddle at the Tampa Convention Center on Dec. 30, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. At right is Gary Dolphin. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)
IOWA CITY — An abormally high volume of calls came in moments after the draft for former Iowa defensive tackle Mitch King, according to his agent, Richard Rosa.
“We weren’t dealing with scouts,” Rosa said. “We were dealing with coaches, general managers … at least two team presidents called him personally and said, ‘That’s a guy we have to have.’ There was tremendous interest for him.”
“I can’t deny that there were teams lining up. He had an unbelievable amount of interest from teams. Ultimately, Mitch got to pick the spot.”
Rosa said King chose Tennessee because he felt most comfortable with defensive line coach Jim Washburn, who is known for his fiery temperment.
“The bottom line is Mitch King is a tremendous football player,” Rosa said. “One day he’ll have his day and he’ll say, ‘I told you so.'”
One day after Mitch King was left unwanted by NFL officials, one draft analyst said the slight might benefit King in the long run.
“He was much better off going undrafted than it would have been to go in the sixth or seventh round,” said NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock on Monday. “At least he had an opportunity to make some decisions as to where he wanted to go.”
Illinois' quarterback Eddie McGee (10) lets go of the ball as he is hit by Iowa's Mitch King (47) during the second half Oct. 13, 2007 at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa beat No. 18 Illinois 10-6. (AP Photo/Brian Ray)
The Tennessee Titans signed King, 22, Sunday night to a free-agent deal. Most draft experts expected King, a Burlington native, to be drafted anywhere from rounds three through five. Dan Shonka, general manager and national scout for Ourlads Scouting Services LLC., listed King as the fourth-best defensive tackle and a third-round pick. The Sporting News listed King as a fifth-round selection.
“Boy he could slip as far as six, but it would surprise me,” Shonka said before the draft. “You’re talking about (rounds) three to four and if he fell below that, it’s really a bonus to some team. He’s a third-, fourth-round caliber player.”
King ranks among the most productive defensive players in Iowa football history. He was named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year. He had 15.5 tackles for loss last year, including four sacks. He had 54 tackles, six quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles. He was named a second-team All-American by the Associated Press and first-team All-American by ESPN. He also was Iowa’s co-MVP and named a permanent team captain.
But King’s size seemed to concern most NFL teams. He stands 6 feet, 1 inch and weighs 280 pounds. For most teams, he’s too light to play defensive tackle, too big to play linebacker and not explosive enough to play defensive end.
“Whether it’s fair or not, he’s perceived as a tweener,” Mayock said. “You compare him, for instance, to a (Iowa cornerback) Bradley Fletcher, who had much less production, was nowhere near the player at Iowa. But when the NFL takes a look at those two players, Bradley Fletcher gets overdrafted because he’s a height, weight, speed guy, fits all the numbers they’re looking for and despite all of Mitch’s production, NFL teams look at him and say. ‘Where do we play him?'”
Tennessee might be the ultimate beneficiary. The Titans finished with the NFL’s best record last year at 13-3 but lost All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth in free agency. The Titans are unsettled at defensive tackle and have multiple players with King’s dimensions at the position.
“We were surprised when he went undrafted,” Titans scout Mike Ackerley said. “Mitch is a high-energy, high-motor player. He is aggressive at the defensive tackle spot and a really good football player.”
King was one of eight Iowa players getting an NFL opportunity. Fletcher and running back Shonn Greene were drafted in the third round by St. Louis and the New York Jets, respectively. Denver drafted guard Seth Olsen in the fourth round by Denver, while Oakland picked tight end Brandon Myers in the sixth. Center Rob Bruggeman (Tampa Bay), defensive tackle Matt Kroul (New York Jets) and wide receiver Andy Brodell (Green Bay) all signed free-agent deals.
Mayock said King might benefit from playing with a group of veteran player and King might compare favorably with Tennessee’s other rookies at defensive tackle.
“Tennessee took a defensive tackle late in the second round, a kid out of Auburn, named Sen’Derrick Marks,” Mayock said. “And to be honest with you, he’s another one of those height, weight guys. He looks good, but I thought came out a year early. And he’s a kid that is inconsistent, whereas Mitch King will show up at every practice with an attitude.
“I really believe Mitch King, whether it’s this year or next year, will find a way on to an NFL roster.”
After months of 40-yard dash times and answering questions about their favorite animals, eight former Iowa football players finally learned their career destination on Sunday.
A few Iowa players, like third-round picks running back Shonn Greene and cornerback Bradley Fletcher, virtually are locks to contribute on NFL rosters this fall. Free agents like defensive tackle Matt Kroul and wide receiver Andy Brodell face an up-hill climb to make a squad.
Either way, all of the players have an opportunity to play on Sundays. Here’s a look at how the eight players fit in with their NFL club and their chances of making the team:
“His vision is the thing that jumped at you,” Ryan told reporters. “And he’s a big man, close to 230 pounds. That’s what it takes in this league. He can run through arm tackles and he can see the hole and he hits it. He’s a downhill runner.”
ANALYSIS: Greene likely will back up starter Thomas Jones, who rushed for 1,312 and 13 touchdowns last year, and alternate with speedster Leon Washington to start the season. By midseason Greene – barring injury – will become the feature back in the Jets’ new smash-mouth offensive scheme.
BRADLEY FLETCHER, CB, THIRD ROUND, ST. LOUIS RAMS
One pick after the Jets tabbed Greene, St. Louis snagged Fletcher, who will compete with Justin King, Jonathan Wade, Tye Hill at others at cornerback. Fletcher’s size (6-1, 196) is comparable to other Rams’ cornerbacks.
“He fits well for what we’re going to ask those guys to do,” new Rams Coach Steve Spagnuolo told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
ANALYSIS: Fletcher will have every opportunity to start for the Rams, who finished 2-14 last year. The Rams have a new coach, which means the slate is clean for Fletcher and his fellow cornerbacks. He’ll fit immediately on special teams.
SETH OLSEN, G, FOURTH ROUND, DENVER BRONCOS
Olsen played multiple positions at Iowa, and the Broncos apparently noticed. Olsen’s versatility will aid him as new coach Josh McDaniels tries to find a fit for his zone-blocking scheme. Olsen, who has played guard and tackle at Iowa, might even fit into a position he’s never played before getting selected.
“Seth is a player that will learn how to snap the ball and play center once he’s here,” McDaniels told reporters.
ANALYSIS: Olsen is a polished product in a zone-blocking scheme. That’s a coveted commodity by many offensive line coaches, who often have to deal with linemen in two-point stances from spread offenses. Look for him to challenge for playing time this year and settle into a position by his second or third season.
BRANDON MYERS, TE, 6TH ROUND, OAKLAND RAIDERS
The Raiders traded two picks to get Myers, who will compete with at least three tight ends this year. Myers is well-versed in Raiders Coach Tom Cable’s zone-blocking scheme after working in a similar system at Iowa.
ANALYSIS: Myers will get a shot to become the Raiders’ designated blocker and No. 2 tight end behind Zach Miller this year. Myers already has proven he can catch the ball, so if he can handle the blocking responsibilities of an NFL tight end, he’ll get to play early and often in Raiderland.
ROB BRUGGEMAN, C, FREE AGENT, TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Bruggeman became Iowa’s offensive leader with his leadership and solid play during the season. The Buccaneers have two seventh-year centers from Notre Dame. Jeff Faine is the starter at 291 pounds. Bruggeman, considered light by many analysts, weighs 293.
ANALYSIS: Bruggeman, a Cedar Rapids native, is a late bloomer after suffering multiple knee injuries early in his Iowa career. His skills and experience in a zone-blocking scheme seemed suited for the NFL, and he’s going to make a roster at some point this fall. He may not survive final cuts, but he’ll easily land on a practice squad and find his way on to a roster by midseason.
MATT KROUL, DT, FREE AGENT, NEW YORK JETS
Kroul started 50 consecutive games at Iowa and has parlayed that consistency into a free-agent deal. Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum declared today on ESPN Radio that his team is “the land of opportunity” for free agents after drafting just three players this weekend.
ANALYSIS: Kroul, who hails from Mount Vernon, is a hard-working, tough player that will compete for a backup role. The Jets have just two returning starters along the defensive line from last year, and both are older than 30. With new coach Rex Ryan using multiple defensive schemes, Kroul will have a 50-50 shot to make the roster. If he doesn’t land on the team, he’s virtually guaranteed to make a practice team.
MITCH KING, DT, FREE AGENT, TENNESSEE TITANS
Perhaps the biggest surprise locally from this weekend’s draft was King not getting selected. Most draft analysts had King picked between rounds three and five. Although King is a “tweener” in size — standing 6 feet, 2 inches and weighing about 280, he made enough plays in college to earn second-team All-American honors. He’s a rowdy, fiery leader who makes plays.
ANALYSIS: King goes to a defensive-minded team that lost its best player — DT Albert Haynesworth — and always looks to upgrade. It’s tough to say if he’ll make the Titans, which finished the regular season with the NFL’s best record, but he’ll end up on somebody’s roster next September.
ANDY BRODELL, WR, FREE AGENT, GREEN BAY PACKERS
Brodell had a talented, yet oft-injured, career at Iowa. He started bits and pieces of three seasons at wide receiver and when healthy was a force. He totaled more than 900 all-purpose yards last year, including an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown against Iowa State. He does offer versatility after playing running back in high school and receiver in college.
ANALYSIS: In order to make the Packers’ roster, Brodell needs to impress the special teams coaches. That includes returning and covering kicks. Brodell has enough skills to shift to defensive back if required. He faces a tough climb to make a Packers’ roster that features five returning players from a year ago. But he’s got a good chance to make the team’s practice squad with a good, injury-free camp.
Two former Iowa football players with local ties signed free-agent contracts with a pair of NFL teams shortly after the draft concluded Sunday night.
Cedar Rapids native and former Iowa center Rob Bruggeman signed a free-agent deal with Tampa Bay. Mount Vernon native and former Iowa tackle Matt Kroul signed with the New York Jets.
Former Iowa wide receiver Andy Brodell, who hails from Ankeny, signed a free-agent contract with Green Bay. Multiple news outlets report defensive tackle Mitch King has signed with the Tennessee Titans. But neither King nor his agent, Richard Rosa, confirm a deal as of late Sunday night. An assistant in Rosa’s office said King and Rosa were still working on a contract late Sunday night.
Bruggeman, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 293 pounds, fielded several calls from teams immediately following the draft. Bruggeman spoke with both head coach Raheem Morris and offensive line coach Pete Mangurian before picking Tampa Bay.
“I really liked their offensive line coach (Mangurian) when I was down at the combine, and I liked the way he handled himself, how he talked to me,” Bruggeman said. “He seemed like a guy with integrity. I really liked him. Their head coach seems like a guy I could really get along with, too. So it’s exciting to go down there and just have an opportunity to compete.”
Bruggeman, 23, started all 13 games for Iowa last year and was named a permanent team captain. He said he made the decision after speaking with agent Jack Bechta, who then guided him to the Buccaneers.
“You kind of sit down after the draft and try to figure out a plan and a place to go that’s going fit you,” Bruggeman said. “They called me, expressed some interest, and I feel like it’s a place where I can compete to play.”
Kroul, 23, also had interest from multiple teams before talking to new Jets Coach Rex Ryan and ultimately picking the Jets.
“(Ryan) seems like a great guy, definitely a defensive coach,” said Kroul, who stands 6-1 and weighs 291. “He had great defenses in Baltimore all the years that he was there (as defensive coordinator). I like his scheme, they run a type of 4-3 with different fronts. I think I’ll be able to fit into it and just get out there and see what it is and see what I can do.”
Kroul started for a school-record 50 straight games for Iowa. He won the Big Ten Conference Sportsmanship Award, was named permanent team captain and second-team all-Big Ten honors by the league’s media outlets. Kroul finished with 238 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Both players watched most of the draft Sunday.
“You try to avoid it, but you can’t stop watching it,” Kroul said. “You just keep watching it and wait for a call. You either wait for a team in the late rounds to give you a call then and tell you they’re gonna draft you. Or you wait for a team to call you and tell you they’re gonna pick you up.”
Brodell, 23, caught 36 passes for 533 yards and four touchdowns last year. He was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a punt 81 yards for a touchdown. That return clinched Iowa’s 17-5 win against Iowa State. He had 961 total yards last year for Iowa.
Here’s the story on the players who were drafted Sunday:
Former Iowa running back Shonn Greene sat unwanted and unloved through the first two rounds of the NFL draft Saturday.
Sunday morning, Greene felt the love in record time.
Greene, 23, was selected by the New York Jets with the first pick in the third round Sunday, No. 65 overall. The Jets traded up 11 spots with the Detroit Lions to pick Greene and gave up their third, fourth and seventh rounds picks to get him.
Jets Coach Rex Ryan told ESPN that Greene is a “rare talent.”
“He was the best player that was on our board,” Jets Coach Rex Ryan said. “In our opinion, it wasn’t close.
“He’s a big, powerful running back. We want to have a little ground and pound.”
Greene was one of four Iowa players drafted Sunday. Former Iowa cornerback Bradley Fletcher went one pick after Greene to St. Louis (66). Denver drafted Iowa guard Seth Olsen in the fourth round (132 overall) and Oakland traded up to get tight end Brandon Myers in the sixth round (202).
Greene, 23, finished with 1,850 yards and 20 touchdowns, both school records at Iowa. He ran for at least 100 yards in all 13 Iowa games last season. Greene won the Doak Walker Award, which annually is given to college football’s best running back. He was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and was a consensus All-American.
Greene was the fifth running back drafted this weekend. Greene will compete with Jets veteran Thomas Jones and playmaker Leon Washington for time at running back. Greene was the Jets’ second pick in the draft behind USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.
“It was Shonn and then it was a pretty precipitous jump from there,” Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum told reporters. “It was the gulf between him and the rest of the guys that made it a pretty easy decision.”
“The game of football is a physical sport. That’s why I enjoy it so much,” Greene told reporters. “I love contact. It’s violent, it’s quick, it’s fast. That’s just the nature of my game, how I like to play the game.”
Fletcher, 22, registered 60 tackles and three interceptions last year and was an honorable mention all-Big Ten selection.
“He played behind a pretty good (player) two years ago (Charles Godfrey), and he actually started four games in there,” Rams Coach Steve Spagnuolo told reporters. And he has started games all the way through. He started games as a sophomore. He started them as a junior. And then he surfaced this year. It’s just like Billy (Devaney, the Rams’ general manager)) said, when you put on the tape, he fits well for what we’re going to ask those guys to do. That was the biggest thing.”
“I feel that I have my best football ahead of me right now, and I’m looking forward to showing that on the field,” Fletcher said.
Olsen, 23, was a first-team all-Big Ten guard last fall. He told reporters his versatility will help him compete for a spot along Denver’s offensive line.
“I feel like I can play guard and tackle, and who knows, maybe center as well,” Olsen said. “I haven’t had any snaps there but am willing to give it a shot.”
The Raiders moved up in the sixth round to grab Myers, 23. The Raiders surrendered this year’s seventh-round pick and next year’s sixth-round pick to snag Iowa’s tight end.
Jets Coach Rex Ryan told ESPN that Greene is a “rare talent.”
“He was the best player that was on our board,” Jets Coach Rex Ryan said. “In our opinion, it wasn’t close.
“He’s a big, powerful running back. We want to have a little ground and pound.”
Greene will compete with Jets veteran Thomas Jones and playmaker Leon Washington for time at running back. Greene is the Jets’ second pick in the draft behind USC quarterback Mark Sanchez.
“We have three backs here,” Ryan said. “(Greene’s) got starter ability and he’s 230 pounds, great vision … let’s just give him the football and we’ll see what happens.”
Fletcher, 22, registered 60 tackles and three interceptions last year. He was the Rams’ third pick in the draft after Baylor tackle Jason Smith and Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis. Fletcher was an honorable mention all-Big Ten selection.
IOWA CITY — No former Iowa football players, including running back Shonn Greene, were selected today in the first two rounds of the NFL draft.
Most NFL analysts expected Greene to be drafted between rounds two and four. Other Hawkeyes likely to be drafted Sunday include cornerback Bradley Fletcher, defensive tackle Mitch King and offensive lineman Seth Olsen. Center Rob Bruggeman, defensive tackle Matt Kroul, tight end Brandon Myers and wide receiver Andy Brodell also could be drafted.
Greene won the Doak Walker Award last December, which annually is given to college football’s best running back. He was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. He was a consensus All-American, Iowa’s first at running back since Nile Kinnick, and finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting.
Three running backs were selected in the first round. Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno was picked at No. 12 by Denver. Indianapolis drafted UConn’s Donald Brown at No. 27 to Indianapolis, while Arizona selected Ohio State running back Chris Wells.
Philadelphia drafted University of Pittsburgh running back LeSean McCoy in the second round (No. 53). The Eagles were Greene’s favorite team when he was a youth in south New Jersey.
Fletcher and King are projected as third- or fourth-round picks. Olsen is projected as a fourth- or fifth-round selection. Bruggeman and Kroul are viewed as late-round picks, while Myers and Brodell are likely free agents or seventh-round picks.
Here’s a look at Saturday’s first two rounds of the NFL draft. Along with the annual infusion of new blood into the NFL, the most intriguing part will include trades.
61. INDIANAPOLIS – Kenny McKinley, WR, South Carolina
62. TENNESSEE – Dorell Scott, DT, Clemson
63. ARIZONA – Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
64. PITTSBURGH – Fili Moala, DE, USC
IOWA DRAFTEES
2. Shonn Greene, RB, Houston (46) Perfect tandem back with Houston’s Steve Slaton
2. Bradley Fletcher, CB, New England (47) Ascending player with good size, speed; perfect for Belichick
3. Mitch King, DT, Washington (80) Will make a great combination with hulking Albert Haynesworth
4. Seth Olsen, G, Indianapolis (127) A solid, dependable player on team with Iowa ties
6. Rob Bruggeman, C, Chicago (190) Eventual replacement for Olin Kreutz?
7. Matt Kroul, DT, Minnesota (221) Could make a good back-up this year behind Kevin Williams and Pat Williams
7. Brandon Myers, TE, Cincinnati (252) Only way Bengals can get Myers in their camp
F/A Andy Brodell, WR, Minnesota Vikings like to snag Iowa players as free agents
Purdue's Greg Orton, left, looks to make a reception over Iowa defender Bradley Fletcher (29) during the first half on their game Nov. 15, 2008 in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
IOWA CITY — Bradley Fletcher keeps a low profile, doesn’t say much but does so in an articulate manner.
In many ways, Fletcher’s play at cornerback reflect his outward impression. He’s confident, assertive and talented. His personal drive, combined with physical skills and a solid work ethic have parlayed Fletcher into one of the fastest risers in this year’s NFL draft. It also could land the former Iowa defensive back a spot in the first three rounds this weekend.
“He’s a guy that we kind of call one of the sleepers in this draft,” said Dan Shonka, general manager and national scout for Ourlads Scouting Service, LLC. “He’s got loose hips, he’s smooth in transition. We’re going to give a third- or fourth-round grade at the very worst. We think he should be a third-round guy.”
Fletcher, 22, has been one of Iowa’s most traveled players in recent weeks and has met with multiple NFL teams, including the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. He said he’s worked on his speed and quickness since the end of Iowa’s football season, and the results are proven.
Shonka grades Fletcher 14th among cornerbacks, but he’s the second-tallest among those players. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. lists Fletcher ninth among cornerbacks and has Jacksonville selecting him in the third round.
Fletcher’s draft stock soared with East-West Shrine Bowl in January. He recorded six tackles — including three solo — and he broke up one pass. His play and athletic ability launched him into the discussion as a potential man-to-man NFL cornerback.
“He was at least one of the best corners, if not the best corner there,” Shonka said. “He played really fast, he was impressive when he drives on the ball. The thing that was impressive about him at the combine was his ability to turn and run. That is supposed to correlate with your 40 time. A lot of guys didn’t run the drill real well, and Fletcher, his times were like 4.47, which obviously correlated with his 40 time.
“His back peddle turn and run was 4.46 and 4.46 which is outstanding. Plus he’s got long arms and can leap. His runs were real smooth in his turns. He’s very athletic.”
Fletcher started 17 games for Iowa, including all 13 his senior season. He recorded 152 tackles, including 60 last year. He had three interceptions last season and 10 pass breakups. He totaled five interceptions and 17 breakups in his Iowa career.
Minnesota's Tray Herndon, left, is upended by Iowa's Bradley Fletcher after making a reception during the first half, Nov. 10, 2007, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 21-16. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
“You get a sense there’s a lot of interest in him,” Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said.
Fletcher spent most of his off-season speed training to prepare for the combine. As the draft approaches this weekend, his focus is on conditioning.
As for any indications where the Youngstown, Ohio native might go, Fletcher is taking it in stride.
“I have no idea right now,” Fletcher said. “I’m just going into it open minded and see what happens.”
Along with speed and size, Fletcher’s athletic ability is a plus. He recorded a vertical jump of 38.5 inches, third-best among the top 14 corners on Shonka’s board.
“As Deion Sanders used to say, ‘I don’t need that playbook, I’ve got that guy right there,'” Shonka said. “That’s what Fletcher can do. I think he’s a third- or fourth-round guy. And if he goes later, somebody got a steal.”
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