(Draft projections via NFL.com)
Hometown: Brooklyn Park
College: Iowa
Age: 20
Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Credentials: The reigning Tatum-Woodson Big Ten defensive back of the year, Hooker is set to become the latest Hawkeyes defensive back to be drafted by an NFL team. Hooker (5-11, 211 pounds) led Iowa with seven pass deflections, four interceptions and a sack last season.
Hometown: Apple Valley
College: Sioux Falls
Age: 22
Draft projection: 4th round
Credentials: Built for the NFL, Pipkins (6-6, 309 pounds) was named a Division II All-America at left tackle last season for the Cougars. He'll face a steep jump in competition, which makes him a developmental prospect, but his sheer size will intrigue an NFL team late in the draft.
Hometown: Eden Prairie
College: Minnesota
Age: 22
Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Credentials: The former Gophers walk-on linebacker named third-team All-Big Ten last season likely will find himself on an NFL roster this week. Cashman (6-1, 237 pounds) ranked top-five among linebackers in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump and 20-yard shuttle at the draft combine.
Hometown: Eden Prairie
College: Wisconsin
Age: 23
Draft projection: 6th round
Credentials: Connelly, Cashman's former teammate at Eden Prairie, had a productive five-year career at Wisconsin, where he climbed up the ranks to start at inside linebacker. Connelly (6-2, 242 pounds) was named third-team All-Big Ten while playing through a core injury last season.
ANDREW KRAMMER
It’s too soon to tell how much the immigration crackdown is to blame.
