The NFL has become an even bigger dream for many children in the United States throughout the 21st century. One of the most frequent destinations that produce high-quality prospects in college football is none other than the state of Iowa. They have several teams playing in the NCAA as they are most notably known for Iowa, Iowa State, and Northern Iowa. 

 

Despite not having as many Iowans as expected in the 2022 NFL Draft, the teams from the big league strengthened their rosters with numerous players from that part of the United States.

 

Here is a list of Iowa’s NFL players that will make the roster of some of the best football teams in the country.

Tyler Linderbaum (Baltimore Ravens)

 

One of the most questionable picks in the 2022 NFL Draft came from Iowa as well. Weighing officially 305 pounds, Tyler Linderbaum joined the Baltimore Ravens with the 25th overall pick. His impressive strength has certainly given him a slight advantage over his opponents in the NCAA, but the NFL requires a more versatile set of skills. 

 

Linderbaum won the Limington Trophy last year, suggesting his impressive performance in the center field. However, his inexperience can easily take its toll on him as he will certainly have to look after his body in order to fulfill his potential. With the Ravens, John Harbaugh will expect a lot from him, but at the same time, he will help him elevate his game to a whole new level.

Zach VanValkenburg (Los Angeles Rams)

 

Even though he went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Zach VanValkenburg found a team for himself. The Las Vegas Raiders signed him on an undrafted free agent contract. However, his spell in Nevada didn’t last long as he was released by the team shortly after.

 

Then, on September 20, 2022, VanValkenburg joined the training team of the Los Angeles Rams. The 24-year-old defensive end is not expected to get plenty of playing time in his first season in the NFL, but he can work on improving himself on the field.

 

The promising rookie edge rusher might have found the right spot for his career as he will certainly gain a lot of experience from their leading quarterback, Matthew Stafford. 

 

Dane Belton (New York Giants)

 

The New York Giants have strengthened themselves with Iowa’s impressive safety, Dane Belton. They have acquired him with the 114th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft as the 21-year-old prospect has set some decent pre-draft measurables.

 

His 40-yard dash stands at 4.43s, while his three-cone drill for seven seconds suggests high agility and impressive acceleration. 

 

Belton, however, broke a collarbone during a training camp in August which is certainly stopping him from playing at his best at the moment.

 

In week 3, he was the lowest-graded Giants’ defensive player on the field with 27.1. Named in the First-team All-Big Ten in 2021, Belton definitely knows how to bounce back and impress the head coach of the Giants. 

 

Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers)

 

Although he is from Arizona, Brock Purdy has been the leading quarterback for Iowa State throughout the last four years, so it is fair to mention his name as an honorary Iowan.

 

Purdy had an impressive performance in 2020, leading his team to an 8-1 record against Big-Ten and a 9-3 record overall. The Cyclones would go on to become the Fiesta Bowl champion. 

 

He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the final 262nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft making him Mr. Irrelevant.

 

Unfortunately, their starting quarterback, Trey Lance suffered a season-ending injury and Purdy comes next in line behind Jimmy Garoppolo for the quarterback position. All in all, the young prospect is certainly ready to shine under the lights at Levi’s Stadium.