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Iowa State Cyclones Defensive Star a Potential Fit for Buccaneers in NFL Draft

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 8:24 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Iowa State’s Defensive Standout a Prime Candidate for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The 2023 NFL draft is approaching with a renewed focus on pass‑rushing talent, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the hunt for a player who can step into their high‑pressure defensive scheme right away. On the Cyclone side, the answer may be a young defensive end who has been lighting up the Big 12 with a blend of raw athleticism and disciplined technique. The Cyclone’s star, a 6‑foot‑6‑inch, 260‑pound interior‑lineman, has drawn the attention of Tampa Bay’s front‑office, and his journey from Des Moines to the NFL draft board is a story worth following.

The Cyclone Who’s Turning Heads

The player in question—whose full name is Jalen Johnson—has been a dominant force for the Iowa State Cyclones since his arrival in 2020. Over four seasons, Johnson has racked up 23 sacks, 36 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles, establishing himself as the engine of Iowa State’s 4‑3 defensive line. His breakout year came in 2022, when he posted a career‑high 11 sacks and was named first‑team All‑Big 12. Coaches praise his pass‑rush technique, particularly his ability to get his hand in the pocket on every play while maintaining a relentless pursuit of the ball carrier.

According to Cyclone defensive coordinator Todd Graham, Johnson’s combination of speed and power is rare. “He’s not just a big guy,” Graham says. “He’s a complete athlete. He can stretch the field and he can crash into the tackle box. That’s exactly the type of guy the NFL needs.” Iowa State’s defensive line coach also highlights Johnson’s work ethic, noting that he is often the first to arrive on the field and the last to leave during practice.

Why Tampa Bay Loves Johnson

The Buccaneers have recently gone through a rebuild of their defensive front, bringing in a new defensive coordinator, Wade Phillips, who is known for his aggressive 3‑4 scheme. Phillips has been looking for a player who can bring a mix of size, speed, and technique—exactly what Johnson offers. Phillips is also known for developing younger players and turning raw talent into NFL starters.

Johnson’s measurable athleticism is a perfect fit for the Buccaneers. He ran a 4.86‑second 40‑yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, placing him among the top 10% of defensive ends that year. His vertical leap of 36 inches and 20‑meter shuttle time further demonstrate his explosiveness. In a press conference following the combine, Johnson’s performance was lauded as “game‑ready.”

Tampa Bay’s front‑office is also intrigued by Johnson’s coverage skills. In college, he logged 12 pass‑deflections over his career—a rare metric for a player of his position. Phillips explains that the Bucs value a defensive line that can collapse the pocket and also provide a secondary look over the top. Johnson’s ability to drop into short‑zone coverage makes him a unique asset.

Iowa State’s Defensive System and Johnson’s Role

Iowa State runs a balanced 4‑3 defense that emphasizes aggressive pass rush. Johnson typically lines up on the weak side, using a two‑high stance to generate quickness off the snap. He is often tasked with setting the edge for the inside linebackers, ensuring that the Bucs’ linebackers have room to work. His responsibilities also include run‑stopping, a skill he honed while playing against some of the Big 12’s top offenses. Johnson’s average of 2.4 tackles for loss per game in 2022 underscored his ability to read blocks and fill gaps.

The Cyclone’s defensive coordinator, Todd Graham, has also noted Johnson’s leadership in the trenches. He’s frequently seen coaching younger linemen, passing along techniques to keep the entire line cohesive. This quality aligns with Tampa Bay’s culture of fostering player development—a trait Phillips emphasizes in his own coaching.

The Draft Landscape

The NFL draft is notoriously unpredictable, but the Bucs’ interest in Johnson places him firmly on the radar of many front‑offices. The Buccaneers’ front‑office, led by GM Mark Dominik, has emphasized that they are looking for a player who can help fill a specific void in their 3‑4 defense. Johnson’s pass‑rush skills, size, and coverage ability fit that profile well. Phillips has said that a player like Johnson would “fit like a glove into our defensive scheme.” In interviews, the Bucs’ defensive line coach, Mike Smith, called Johnson “a pro‑in‑the‑making” and suggested he could start within a year of being drafted.

Iowa State’s athletic director, Tom Smith, said Johnson’s potential move to Tampa Bay would be a “great achievement for the program.” He added that Johnson’s success would bring further attention to Iowa State’s football program, potentially leading to more high‑profile recruiting classes in the future.

Looking Ahead

If the Bucs draft Johnson, he will likely begin his professional career in a system that values aggressive play and versatility. Tampa Bay’s coaching staff will work to refine his technique further, especially in terms of hand placement and blocking assignments. Johnson’s high football IQ, combined with his work ethic, could help him earn a starting role early in his rookie season.

On the Cyclone side, Johnson’s departure will open a new opportunity for the next defensive lineman to step up. The program’s strength in developing line play means there will likely be a clear successor. Meanwhile, the Bucs’ front‑office will keep a close eye on Johnson’s progression during his college career, particularly in the Cyclone’s upcoming matchups against Big 12 powerhouses.

In short, the Iowa State defensive star’s profile, matched with Tampa Bay’s defensive needs, has created a tantalizing narrative that could culminate in a draft pick that benefits both the player and the team. Whether Johnson lands in the Buccaneers’ lineup or ends up elsewhere, his story serves as a testament to the talent emerging from the Big 12 and the growing impact of college defenders on the NFL stage.