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Iowa State Cyclones Star Named Potential Fit for Falcons in 2026 NFL Draft

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 8:22 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Iowa State’s Defensive Anchor Draws Atlanta Falcons’ Attention for 2026 NFL Draft

The Iowa State Cyclones’ 2025 defensive line has been on the radar of the National Football League’s scouts all year, and a recent Sports Illustrated piece underscores that interest by spotlighting senior defensive end Eli Sayers as a “potential fit” for the Atlanta Falcons in the 2026 NFL Draft. The article, which appears on the SI.com site in the college football section, weaves together Sayers’ college résumé, his projected draft stock, and the Falcons’ strategic needs, offering a comprehensive look at why the player might find a home in Atlanta.

The Cyclone’s Defensive Leader

Eli Sayers, a 6‑6, 260‑lb defensive end from Des Moines, has been a force on the Cyclone’s front line since his freshman year in 2021. Over four seasons, he has tallied 95 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, and 7 forced fumbles. In 2025, the junior (he will be a senior in 2026) posted a career‑best season with 13 sacks and 29 tackles for loss, earning him first‑team All‑Big 12 honors and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award.

The article links to the Cyclones’ official roster page (https://cyclones.com/sports/football/roster/eli-sayers) where fans can view his detailed statistics, highlight reels, and academic credentials. Sayers’ work ethic, highlighted by his pre‑season conditioning routine, has also been praised by Coach Matt Campbell, who noted that Sayers “is the kind of player who turns a good team into a great one.”

Physical Profile and Combine Projection

Sayers’ physical attributes— a towering frame, 3‑second 40‑meter dash, 35‑inch vertical leap, and a 32‑inch broad jump— have attracted the attention of NFL scouts who place a premium on size and explosiveness at the defensive end. The SI piece quotes a draft analyst, Kevin Johnson of Pro Football Insider, who estimates Sayers’ combine metrics would place him in the “top‑5” of defensive ends at the 2026 NFL Combine.

According to the article, Sayers has already tested with the NFL’s pre‑combine workout, posting a 4.95‑second 40‑meter and a 35‑inch vertical leap. “His arm strength is a real game‑changer,” said Johnson. “He can collapse the pocket and bring down offensive tackles with his hands before they even get to the quarterback.” These attributes align with the Atlanta Falcons’ recent front‑office discussions about bolstering their defensive line.

Falcons’ Defensive Needs

The Falcons’ 2025 draft class included a defensive tackle and a defensive back, but they remain short on a versatile pass‑rushing edge player. Head Coach Arthur Smith has expressed a desire for a “big‑body, quick‑first‑step” defensive end who can pressure the quarterback in the run‑game, and Eli Sayers seems to fit that profile perfectly.

The article cites a Falcons scouting report that lists Sayers as a “high‑floor, low‑ceiling” prospect. The term refers to a player who is unlikely to become a star but can provide reliable depth and occasional impact plays. This assessment is reinforced by the Falcons’ own draft history; the team has successfully drafted similar types of defensive ends in the third and fourth rounds in recent years (see https://www.falcons.com/draft-history).

Projected Draft Position and Value

Draft projections across several analysts place Sayers in the late third or early fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. According to the SI piece, the Falcons would likely target him around pick 80–95. “Given his production and physical profile, a fourth‑round pick would be a great value for the Falcons,” writes the article.

Comparisons have also been made to former Cyclone defensive end Jordan Lewis, who was drafted by the Falcons in 2019 and went on to play for the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. “If the Falcons can replicate the path that Jordan Lewis took, Eli Sayers could be a franchise‑building piece,” the article concludes.

Off‑Field Conduct and Character

An often-overlooked factor in draft evaluations is character, and the SI article highlights that Sayers’ reputation for discipline both on and off the field has earned him accolades from teammates and coaches alike. “He’s a student-athlete in every sense of the word,” says Cyclones’ captain Mike Kline. “Off the field, he’s involved in community service; on the field, he’s an aggressive, intelligent player.”

The article references a Cyclones alumni interview on https://cyclones.com/news/2025/6/10/sports-ellis-returns where former Cyclone star Dwayne Ellis discusses the impact of a player’s character on team chemistry, reinforcing the narrative that Sayers’ maturity will serve the Falcons well.

Conclusion

The SI.com article offers a thorough examination of Eli Sayers’ prospects, painting a picture of a player who is not only a statistical force in Iowa State but also a physical package and a character asset that aligns with the Atlanta Falcons’ strategic needs. With a projected fourth‑round draft spot, the Falcons would secure a player who can step into a rotational role, pressure quarterbacks, and contribute to the team’s defensive evolution. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Cyclones’ defensive lineman, who appears poised to transition from a college standout to a professional contributor in the Falcons’ next chapter.