Iowa State defensive back TJ Tampa is officially an NFL rookie after being picked by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft on Day 3. He was the 130th overall selection.
Here’s what Tampa brings to the Ravens, based on our own observations from his tenure at Iowa State:
What TJ Tampa brings to the Baltimore Ravens in 2024 NFL Draft
Tampa is a lengthy, physical press cornerback. According to the NFL Draft database, one of his arms alone measured at more than 32 inches long. With that wingspan at his disposal, he’s got a knack for making plays on the ball with 19 pass-breakups in his career at Iowa State.
Fans will love his old-school nature as a defensive back, unafraid to give out big hits to jar the ball loose and making plays in the run game from the secondary as well. At 6-foot-1, 189 pounds, his size should be a plus in both pass coverage and in wrapping up tackles in the open field.
TJ Tampa highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Iowa State
Tampa was one of the best defensive backs of the Matt Campbell coaching era at Iowa State, often taking top assignments at defensive back in a pass-heavy Big 12. Tampa thrived not only in pass coverage but also in assisting with the run.
The one knock on him as a prospect is the lack of top-end speed, reportedly running a 4.52 40-yard dash at the Big 12 Pro Day. Still, his smooth footwork allows him to change direction at will, making him a tough defender to shake in coverage even against speedsters at wide receiver.
TJ Tampa stats at Iowa State
107 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions and 19 pass breakups
TJ Tampa potential in NFL
Tampa is a potential starter in the NFL. His size and physicality will be useful right away, particularly in press coverage, but his fluidity in coverage and footwork will need to continue to get better as he attempts to make up for his lack of top-end speed when he faces the Tyreek Hills of the NFL.
Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.
