The 2025 NFL draft is now in the history books, and it was yet another successful year for the Iowa football team.
Five Hawkeyes were selected on days two and three, marking the seventh time in the last nine years, including three straight, that four or more Iowa prospects have been selected in the draft.
But how does each Hawkeye draftee fit with his new team? Some may have to battle for spots in training camp, but others may easily find themselves in key roles next season.
Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kaleb Johnson was selected with the 83rd overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and some might consider this pick to be the steal of the draft, as most experts projected the Hawkeye running back to go off the board sooner.
Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards at a 6.4 yards per carry clip in 2024, setting the single-season program record with 21 rushing touchdowns to pass Hawkeye legend Shonn Greene’s previous mark of 20.
Johnson will add speed to the Steelers’ run game, which has been a struggle for the team in recent years. Pittsburgh totaled 121 rush yards per game in 2024, a mark that ranked 12th best in the NFL.
Although Johnson was not the fastest back in this draft class, his second-level breakaway speed combined with his bruiser abilities distinguishes him and makes him a perfect fit for the Steeler offense.
Yahya Black, Pittsburgh Steelers
Black becomes the second Iowa draftee to remain in the black and gold in Pittsburgh. Selected with the 164th overall pick in the fifth round, Black will reunite with Johnson and former Hawkeye defensive line teammate and Steelers 2024 draft pick Logan Lee.
Pittsburgh’s defense has been one of the league’s best for multiple years, but one of their primary needs this offseason was interior defensive lineman. The Steelers addressed that need by grabbing Black in the fifth round, hoping he can provide more stability in the room.
In his junior and senior campaigns with the Hawkeyes, Black totaled 85 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss. The 6-foot-5, 317-pound enforcer batted down seven passes in his final two seasons and forced two fumbles.
Adding Black to a defensive front featuring seven-time Pro Bowlers Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt will be a nightmare for opposing offenses, especially in the run game. Black will likely fit into the nose tackle spot in the Steelers’ 3-4 base defense under defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
Mason Richman, Seattle Seahawks
Don’t take the Hawk out of Richman, as he will soar to the Pacific Northwest and join a struggling Seattle offensive line. Richman was selected in the seventh round with the 234th overall pick.
Perhaps Richman’s most valuable trait is his experience, as he started 52 games in his Iowa career, the most for an offensive lineman in the 26-year Ferentz era.
His experience and ability to play multiple positions on the offensive line make him a great fit for the Seahawks, who have struggled with interior linemen for over a decade, potentially making this pick a huge steal for Seattle.
Richman will transition from offensive tackle to guard in the NFL, a similar process that his new teammate, Grey Zabel, will also undergone. Zabel, the first-round pick for the Seahawks, delivered the exciting call to Richman on draft day.
Connor Colby, San Francisco 49ers
Colby was selected by the 49ers in the seventh round of the draft with the 249th overall selection. The Cedar Rapids native made 50 career starts with the Hawkeyes, including all 13 games at right guard in 2024.
Colby will likely be a moving piece along the interior offensive line for San Francisco and likely needs a successful training camp to earn a spot on the 2025 roster. The 49ers’ offensive line was banged up last season and lacked consistency on the interior.
Colby will bring experience and consistency to the trenches for San Francisco, as he gained experience with the zone run scheme while at Iowa, a staple of the potent offensive scheme spearheaded by Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Luke Lachey, Houston Texans
It wouldn’t be a Hawkeye draft class without a tight end going off the board. The Texans selected Lachey with the 255th pick, marking the third consecutive season where an Iowa tight end has been selected.
Lachey’s performance in 2024 was hampered by the combination of a poor passing attack and lingering recovery issues from his season-ending 2023 injury. Lachey played in 12 games last season for the Hawkeyes, catching 28 passes for 238 yards, but was left out of the end zone.
The pick for the Texans seemed to be for depth rather than need, as they have four experienced tight ends on the roster. Even if Lachey doesn’t make the team out of camp, he will likely find a home elsewhere.