Football

T.J. Tampa projected in first round ahead of weekend’s NFL Combine

Thursday afternoon marks the start of the 2024 NFL Combine and former Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa will be participating.

With the NFL Draft two months away, ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. projects Tampa going No. 29 overall to the Detroit Lions. It would mark the first time ever that Iowa State had first round draft picks in back-to-back years.

The combine will be covered by the NFL Network beginning on Thursday,
February 29 at 2 p.m. Defensive backs participate in the combine on Friday, March 1 at 2 p.m.

Tampa, St. Petersburg, Florida native, earned first-team All-Big 12 honors and was selected as an Associated Press All-American following his senior year in 2023.

Tampa was widely thought of as one of the nation’s top cornerbacks. He was recognized as a semifinalist for both the Thorpe and Bednarik awards.

Iowa State saw its 50 year first round draft pick drought end last year as former Cyclone defensive end Will McDonald was selected 15th overall to the New York Jets.

NFL Combine Schedule:
Thursday, February 29 at 2 p.m. CT- Defensive Linemen/Linebackers
Friday, March 1 at 2 p.m. CT- Defensive Backs/Tight Ends
Saturday, March 2 at 12 p.m. CT- Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers/Running
Backs
Sunday, March 3 at 12 p.m. CT- Offensive Linemen

J

@cyclonefanatic