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Iowa stars Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Daviyon Nixon selected with back-to-back picks in fifth round of NFL Draft

Rolando Rosa

By Rolando Rosa

Published:

A couple of Iowa standouts went back to back in the fifth round on Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Minnesota Vikings selected wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette with the No. 157 overall selection, while the Carolina Panthers followed up at No. 158 by choosing defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon.

Smith-Marsette is the first Iowa wide receiver drafted since sixth-rounder Marvin McNutt in 2012. Smith-Marsette ran a blazing 4.43-second 40-yard dash on pro day. Smith-Marsette is looking to be the first Iowa receiver to catch a pass in the NFL since Tim Dwight in 2007.

During his Iowa career, Smith-Marsette amassed 110 receptions, 1,615 yards, and 14 touchdowns as a receiver, while adding four rushing scores. As a kickoff returner, Smith-Marsette tallied 1,520 yards and two touchdowns.

Nixon made a major leap coming off of a sophomore year in which he tallied 3 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss.

For helping Iowa climb out of an 0-2 hole and end the regular season with six consecutive victories, Nixon earned B1G Defensive Player of the Year and was a First-team AP All-American selection during his breakthrough junior campaign. Nixon amassed 5.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, a pick-6, and a forced fumble this season.

Rolando Rosa

Rolando Rosa brings his experience covering college football to Saturday Tradition. Follow him on Twitter @RolandoRosa3.