The NFL Draft profile for Zach VanValkenburg tells an incredible story of work ethic. The former graduate transfer is entering the NFL draft after a successful three seasons in Iowa City. Since joining the Hawkeye football program, VanValkenburg worked his way from getting time off the bench, to the starting defensive end for the Hawkeyes. He took advantage of the additional eligibility year granted by the NCAA to compete in the 2021 season. He helped lead one of the most successful Iowa defenses in recent history to a Big Ten Championship Game appearance.
Iowa NFL Draft Profile: Zach VanValkenburg
VanValkenburg was not recruited on the national stage and attended Hillsdale College, a Division II program, in Michigan. In his redshirt sophomore year, the defensive end recorded 70 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, eight-and-a-half sacks, and three forced fumbles. His ability to get in the backfield consistently was proving elite at the Division II level. As an edge rusher, VanValkenburg showed he could play a legitimate role in stopping the run in addition to his pass rush. This ability separated him from many of the other defensive ends at that level.
After making the incredible jump from Division II to becoming a starter on a Big Ten football team, VanValkenburg impressed. He tallied three-and-a-half sacks and recovered four fumbles in 2020. He also gathered eight-and-a-half tackles for loss. In addition to several preseason awards last season, the edge rusher made 15 tackles for loss and recorded five sacks. His statistics were among the best on the team. He played a pivotal role in Iowa’s Big Ten West Championship season.
NFL Comparison
At six-foot-four-inches and 267 pounds, the Michigan native possesses great size and intangible skills. He is comparable to Ryan Kerrigan of the Philadelphia Eagles. Kerrigan has the exact same size and began his career at defensive end in the NFL 11 seasons ago. He has since transitioned to outside linebacker. VanValkenburg has the athleticism to potentially make the same move and could thrive in that spot at the next level. The former Division II transfer will win the hustle battle and shows great hand skills in getting around blockers. VanValkenburg is likely a weekend selection in this year’s NFL draft if he hears his name called. However, his proven work ethic could propel him into an everyday role in the NFL.
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