Austin Blythe drafted by Indianapolis

April 30, 2016

Iowa players carry Floyd the big off the field during the Iowa-Minnesota game at Kinnick on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2013. The Hawkeyes defeated the Golden Gophers, 40-35 to stay perfect on the season. (The Daily Iowan/File photo)

With the 248th pick in the NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Austin Blythe, preserving Iowa’s now 39-year streak of having a former Hawkeye selected in the event.

Blythe was projected as high as the fifth round by some draft experts, but fell all the way to the seventh. He started 45 straight games for Iowa to end his career at center and guard, with 49 starts overall.

Blythe is a little small by most NFL metrics, but teams like his experience and sound technique. While Blythe was the only Hawkeye drafted, expect plenty of others to sign undrafted free agent contracts and get invitations to a professional camp.

Welcome to #ColtsNation @ABlythe63!

##ColtsDraft #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/u32gGETxmw

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 30, 2016