You're the GM - 2026 Roster Edition

[Gander Hawk]

If we don't lose a QB I'm good with who we have and may the best man win in spring. I'd like to have a clear #1 going into fall camp but that may not happen

Rb some may disagree with but I'd definitely be looking for an upgrade there if we can get one. To me we were just ok at that spot. Being ok behind the Oline we had this yr doesn't cut it. We should look for a difference maker. I don't think Moulton showed that he was that. And Paterson he outta go south closer to home. He's the definition of a mediocre RB. Williams could still become something I kinda like him and Doll I'd really like to see pop this spring. I'd look at what's out there though cause I think we'll lose at least 1 rb (in fact Washington is rumored to be leaving)

WR we need a couple at least maybe more. We're losing Phillips, Gill, Anderson and Wetjen... Hopefully RVZ can stay healthy and be a clear WR1 but beyond that we need some dudes to step up and or transfer in.

TE I agree I love that room it's stacked with underclassmen

Ol I'm not as up on but I know we're graduating 3 studs so if obvious upgrades are available gotta look.

DL yes 1 or 2 at least

LB I actually think we are good there they have stacked that position with young talent the last 2 yrs so let em battle it out. I think there's like 5 guys battling for 2 spots essentially we don't need to splurge the portal for those spots

CB yeah gotta look around I'd say. I do like Watson though I think he has upside but Lee he's just all over the place. Never sure game to game how well he's going to play.

I thought Patterson looked pretty good when healthy. I think it was the ISU game where he really gave the offense a boost.

 

[SCHawkeye2]

For the most part though RPO is taken out of play on 3rd and long or obvious passing downs and that is where Iowa really didn't perform as well as they have in the past. When they were forced to blitz 1 or more guys to get pressure it is a lot of stress on that back end to cover regardless of how great the CB play is.

Also to be fair a couple of the throws in the Oregon and USC game were undefendable and there is nothing you can do from a defensive standpoint.

Desmond King and Josh Jackson might make those stops. Hawks would be 10-2 or 11-1 with better CB's?

 

[kameltoez102]

Desmond King and Josh Jackson might make those stops. Hawks would be 10-2 or 11-1 with better CB's?

Possibly but unfortunately they weren’t on the team to find out. Not sure what the availability of CBs will be once the portal goes full swing and if Iowa is willing to spend premium money on one. I know they like some of the younger guys and they have some decent size. In today’s game it is probably the hardest position to play so anyone worth their weight will be a premium

 

[kameltoez102]

I thought Patterson looked pretty good when healthy. I think it was the ISU game where he really gave the offense a boost.

I like him but he doesn’t really have any skill set that sets himself apart from the existing guys with the exception of maybe running a little more violent but his issue has been he can’t stay healthy. The opportunities would have been there with Moulton missing time but he has been banged up consistently since he joined the team and at times alongside Moulton.

 

[trj]

Receiver
Edge Rusher
Interior D-line

I’m a broken record at this point. That is my wish list, in that order. If you are not going to pay a quarterback, 2 of 3, if not all 3, have to be a priority.

 

[trj]

I agree with most that there is enough talent at LB to let it shake out. Buffington has All B1G written all over him, and Weisskopf and Ries are uber athletic.

I've already predicted it, but Hecklinski will endear himself to the fanbase real fast.

At DB, don't be surprised if Darion Jones starts as a true frosh. Watson will be a solid player, and Godfrey will be in the mix. All three will battle to be opposite of Lee.

DL is by far the biggest portal need, IMO. Unless more than a couple of the younger guys make big off-season leaps, we will need at least three quality impactful additions there.

WR is second behind DL, but I'd target one real talented prospect over 2-3 so-so additions.

Not throwing shade at Hurkett/Llewylenn, but they didn’t quite turn out to be the Joe Evans type I thought they would be. You are hoping Lose, Merriweather and Hawthorne can make that leap, that Hurkett/Llewylenn didn’t quite make.

I don’t think Iowa can afford the interior d-lineman that we all want, but I do think there are some undersized/overachiever types that will work. Think Tyler Luebke, think Mitch King.