2025 NFL Draft Preview: Iowa State's Defensive Standouts

Observations on the 2025 Safety Class: Iowa State Trio

The 2025 safety class features a fascinating trend, with three standout players emerging from Iowa State’s defensive backfield. Whether or not all three declare for the 2025 NFL Draft remains to be seen, but each has proven to be a significant contributor, warranting attention from scouts and analysts alike. Let's dive into an analysis of Jeremiah Cooper, Beau Freyler, and Malik Verdon, their strengths, and how they complement each other as a unit.

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Jeremiah Cooper (S, Iowa State)

Analysis:
Jeremiah Cooper is a dynamic playmaker who has steadily risen through the ranks. Known for his ball-hawking instincts and coverage ability, Cooper has consistently delivered impactful performances. His 5 INTs in 2023 highlighted his ability to read quarterbacks and jump routes, making him a dangerous asset in Iowa State's secondary.

Early in his career, he should show adaptability and flashes of brilliance, and should grow to anchor the defense with consistency. His overall projection highlights him as a high-caliber safety prospect.

Outlook:
Should he declare for the 2025 draft, Cooper projects as an early Day 2 pick with the potential to rise into Day 1 conversation depending on his pre-draft performance. If he returns for his senior year, he could further refine his skills and elevate his stock even higher.

Beau Freyler (S, Iowa State)

Analysis:
Beau Freyler is the most seasoned of the trio, bringing leadership and physicality to the Cyclones’ defense. Standing out as a co-captain, Freyler has been instrumental in both run support and coverage, displaying an ability to thrive in a versatile safety role. During his career, he showcased a balanced skill set of tackling, play recognition, and communication on the field. His reliability and experience, traits that translate well to the NFL.

Outlook:
As a senior, Freyler’s declaration for the draft is almost certain. He projects as a rock-solid Day 2 pick with the potential to be an immediate contributor as a box safety or hybrid defender.

Malik Verdon (S, Iowa State)

Analysis:
Malik Verdon, the biggest of the trio at 6’4” and 215 pounds, brings a unique physical presence to Iowa State’s secondary. His size and athleticism allow him to match up well against tight ends and contribute heavily in run defense. Verdon’s early career showed promise as he acclimated to the Cyclones’ system, and his overall career showed significant development in his ability to process plays and make key stops. His overall value as a versatile safety remains evident.

Outlook:
If Verdon declares, he may be viewed as a project player with tremendous upside. Teams needing a hybrid safety-linebacker type will find his profile intriguing. Returning for his senior year could give him the chance to polish his game and rise to a Day 2 selection.

Summary of the Iowa State Trio

Together, Cooper, Freyler, and Verdon formed one of the most formidable safety units in college football allowing only 169 yards passing per game, which was 5th best in the country. Their complementary skills—Cooper's coverage instincts, Freyler's leadership and versatility, and Verdon's physicality—created a dynamic that elevated the entire Iowa State defense. 

Draft Scenarios:

All Three Declare:

This would create an unprecedented storyline of three safeties from the same school entering the draft simultaneously. Each would likely land in different rounds, but all would contribute to their respective NFL teams.

Cooper and Verdon Stay for 2026:

If the two juniors decide to return for their senior year, they could dominate the Big 12 and enter the 2026 draft as even more polished prospects. This scenario would also allow Freyler to set the stage as an NFL rookie while keeping Iowa State’s defense strong.

Takeaway:

Regardless of when they declare, all three players should be on the radar for teams seeking intelligent, physical, and versatile safeties. Keep an eye on Iowa State’s defensive backfield and their coaching staff, because they’re producing NFL-ready talent.