Cade McNamara NFL Draft: When will Iowa's QB become eligible to get drafted?

Iowa Penn St Football
Cade McNamara can decide on his future soon

Diving into the career of senior quarterback Cade McNamara has proven to be quite a journey. Following a three-season stint with the Michigan Wolverines, he transitioned to his first season with the Iowa Hawkeyes. However, just as he tried to establish himself, an injury derailed his season, leaving him with another year of eligibility and some unfulfilled potential on the gridiron.

He has the option to announce his eligibility for the 2024 NFL draft, but still has a few months to decide on his next move. The Iowa Hawkeyes have a strong defensive team and could step up and be a contender in the Big Ten.

Yet, the question remains: has Cade McNamara accomplished enough to establish himself as a strong contender for a career in the NFL?

Cade McNamara: 2024 NFL draft projection

If Cade McNamara were to consider a move to the NFL, it would certainly present a challenging decision. This 2024 draft boats a class full of talented quarterback prospects. This increases the likelihood of McNamara entering the league as an undrafted free agent.

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This draft class includes players such as Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Shedeur Sanders, Michael Penix Jr., Quinn Ewers, and Bo Nix all of whom possess the potential to be chosen in the first round.

Furthermore, there is a substantial pool of quarterbacks deemed worthy of being drafted. Given the noticeable shortcomings in McNamara's passing game, it becomes challenging to argue for his inclusion among the top 224 players in the upcoming class.

It would not be surprising to see the QB want to demonstrate his recovery from a significant injury and can put up strong numbers as a starting quarterback, His college experience has been confined to just one season as a starter, making a compelling case for him to showcase his potential at the professional level.

What to expect from Cade McNamara and the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2023

Cade McNamara's 2023 season has taken an unfortunate turn with a significant injury—an ACL tear sustained during a game against the Michigan State Spartans. His performance during this season has been below expectations, with statistics showing 46 out of 90 passes (51.11%) for 505 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. His average of 5.6 yards per attempt marks the lowest of his entire collegiate career.

Despite this setback, the Iowa Hawkeyes find themselves in a promising position, boasting a 4-1 record (1-1 in the Big Ten). A significant factor contributing to their success has been their formidable defense. Looking forward, they maintain strong prospects for securing a spot in the Big Ten championship game, thanks to their solid performance thus far and the challenges presented by their upcoming schedule.

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