Talk about some of the top available quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft, and Nate Stanley’s name doesn’t work its way into the conversation. The former Iowa gunslinger isn’t expected to be a high selection come April.

It doesn’t mean he can’t find success in the NFL. And, if ESPN draft expert Todd McShay was a betting man, he’d put some dough on Stanley being one of the next surprise players at the position — in a good way.

McShay said on the First Draft Show podcast, that he believes Stanley has what it takes to be a solid quarterback in the NFL.

“If I had to bet on any of these guys, including Jalen Hurts, I would bet on (Nate Stanley),” McShay said. “He’s big. He’s strong. He’s got a good arm. He’s been around a pro system, and (Iowa offensive coordinator Brian) Ferentz comes from the NFL and played under and worked with (Bill) Belichick in New England. That’s pretty good to have as an offensive coordinator the last few years.”

Stanley rounded out his Iowa career by leading the Hawkeyes to a 10-3 season in 2019. He finished the season with 2,951 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing nearly 60 percent of his passes. He also had one rushing touchdown.

In three years as a starter, Stanley was 27-12 at Iowa. He was perfect against some of the Hawkeyes’ biggest rivals — Iowa State, Minnesota and Nebraska — winning all nine games against those three teams. He was also 3-0 in bowl games.