Four former Cyclones sign UDFA deals

Nov 9, 2019; Norman, OK, USA; Iowa State Cyclones tight end Dylan Soehner (89) catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

While only one Cyclone had his name called during this week’s NFL Draft, four others have signed with professional teams as undrafted free agents.

Dylan Soehner, JaQuan Bailey, Lawrence White and Landen Akers will all have opportunities to earn spots in the NFL after signing with teams on Saturday.

Soehner is headed to New Orleans to join the Saints after a five-year career that saw him twice earn honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. He helped turn Iowa State’s tight end room into one of the nation’s best while tallying 26 receptions for 312 yards and a touchdown plus being a key piece of the Cyclones’ rushing attack.

Bailey, Iowa State’s all-time leader in sacks and tackles for loss, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Regarded as a first-team All-American by the Football Writers and Phil Steele in 2020, Bailey was the stalwart of Iowa State’s defensive resurgence after becoming a starter almost immediately upon his arrival in Ames.

The Jacksonville native went on to tie the Iowa State record for career starts with 49 while tallying 151 tackles, 44.5 tackles for loss, 25.5 sacks, 13 pass breakups, 11 quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

White, who signed with the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, emerged as a key piece of the Iowa State defense in 2018 before posting back-to-back honorable mention All-Big 12 seasons in 2019 and 2020.

White finished his Cyclone career with 31 starts, 210 tackles, eight tackles for loss, eight pass breakups and three interceptions.

Akers had the longest road to signing his deal with the Los Angeles Rams. The Cedar Rapids native arrived at Iowa State as a greyshirt in 2015 after signing with previous Cyclone head coach Paul Rhoads and his staff.

The former Cedar Rapids Washington standout gradually earned a role in the offense before posting 16 receptions for 269 yards as a senior. He posted his first career touchdown on a two-yard reception against West Virginia on Senior Day.