Iowa Football: Post-spring game 2018 depth chart projection

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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 24: Wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette #6 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs from defensive lineman Carlos Davis #96 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and defensive back Joshua Kalu #46 at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers

Starting receivers: Brandon Smith (SE), Nick Easley (WR)
Backups: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Max Cooper

The Hawkeyes return a big portion of their production from the receiving corp, as they only lose receiver Matt Vandeberg to graduation. Nick Easley retains his spot as a starter from a year ago, as he was a breakout star after transferring in from Iowa Western Community College. At the split end, sophomore Brandon Smith takes over, a 6-foot-3, 219-pound physical specimen who has the potential to be a dominating receiver.

The backup receivers also have the potential to play a big factor as well in the receiving game. Ihmir Smith-Marsette had some big games last season, including making the game-winning touchdown catch in overtime to beat Iowa State in Ames. Max Cooper saw limited action in 2017, but his spring game performance showed that he has made strides from a year ago and will likely play a Matt Vandeberg-like role in the passing game.

Tight Ends

Starting tight ends: Noah Fant, T.J. Hockenson
Backups: Shaun Beyer, Nate Wieting

One of the most dynamic tight end duos in the Big Ten, if not all of college football. Iowa has a reputation of churning out talented tight ends, but this group has the potential to be better than any previous group. Noah Fant has All-American talent and barring a disastrous occurrence, will likely be a first-round pick in next April’s NFL Draft. His backup is Shaun Beyer, who’s a solid run-blocking tight end who has improved in the passing game as well.

Opposite of Fant is Iowa-grown tight end T.J. Hockenson. Hockenson is toughness personified, standing at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, and will run over people without any regard. Hockenson put up productive numbers as a backup in 2017, hauling in 18 passes for 241 yards and two touchdowns and will look to build on that in 2018. His backup is Nate Wieting, another tight end that has made a name for himself in the blocking game.

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