Hakeem Butler and David Montgomery were the first Cyclones drafted since 2014, but a defensive teammate could be joining them in the league following the 2020 NFL Draft: safety Greg Eisworth.
As the 2018 Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, Eisworth led the Cyclones with 87 total tackles (56 solo). That’s not a great stat for the team, but it does bode well for Eisworth’s draft stock. He also had five pass deflections, one interception, two forced fumbles, and a sack his first season in Ames.
While Eisworth’s only played one Power Five college football season, he’s put in plenty of time. He enters the 2019 season as a redshirt junior after originally enrolling at Ole Miss in 2016. He then spent the 2017 season with Trinity Valley C.C. in Athens, Texas before joining the Cyclones.
While he doesn’t possess the high-end potential of a Grant Delpit (LSU) or Isaiah Simmons (Clemson), Eisworth’s ability to play in the box could make him the perfect pick for a team needing help in run support. His versatility to play the nickel corner should help his stock, too.