Iowa defensive back Dane Belton declares for 2022 NFL Draft
By Pat Harty
IOWA CITY, Iowa – After three seasons in which he made a significant contribution as an Iowa defensive back, Dane Belton believes he is ready for the biggest challenge that football has to offer.
The Tampa, Florida made it official on Saturday by announcing on Twitter that he plans to declare for the 2022 NDL draft as a third-year junior.
“I want to thank my teammates for the bonds we’ve created and the times we’ve spent together,” Belton said in his statement. “Grinding on the field and hanging out off the field.
“With that being said, I want to officially announce that I am declaring for the 2022 NFL draft. Thank you Hawkeye Nation for the support. Go Hawks!
Belton is the second Iowa defensive back to declare for the draft since the 2021 season ended last Saturday with a 20-17 loss to Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida.
Fifth-year senior safety Jack Koerner announced earlier in the week that he would bypass his free Covid year to enter the 2022 NFL draft.
Senior cornerback Riley Moss also announced this past week that he would return to Iowa for a fifth season. Moss was named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year this past season despite missing three games with a knee injury.
Belton led Iowa with five interceptions this past season while shifting between safety and linebacker. He played linebacker when Iowa used its 4-2-5 cash alignment.
It’s reasonable to assume that Belton has received a positive evaluation from the NFL and that helped to convince him to declare for the draft.
Belton started four games as a true freshman in 2019 and he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten as a sophomore in 2020 and second-team All-Big Ten this past season.
Iowa has had 16 defensive backs selected in the NFL draft under head coach Kirk Ferentz dating back to the 2000 draft.
Iowa still is waiting for decisions about the draft from All-America junior center Tyler Linderbaum, junior tight end Sam LaPorta and senior receiver and return specialist Charlie Jones.
Linderbaum is expected to declare for the draft and he projects as a first-round pick.
LaPorta said after the Citrus Bowl that he would consult with his parents before making a final decision. He led Iowa in catches (53) and receiving yards (670) this past season.
LaPorta, like Belton, is a third-year junior.