Dane Belton Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Prospect
University of Iowa, SS, #4
Measurements
6’1 205 lbs.
40 time: 4.6 (estimate)
Dane Belton NFL Draft Profile
Dane Belton recently declared for the NFL Draft after being a three-year starter for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Although his numbers have been similar all three years at Iowa, there was one area of significant progress this year. After not getting a single interception through his first two years, he managed five picks this season and answered a big question surrounding him. Dane Belton has always been a playmaker. That’s the reason the Hawkeyes were able to play him all over the field. I took a look at his games against Iowa State and Indiana.
Dane Belton Strengths
Versatility
Dane Belton played the “Cash” position for the Iowa Hawkeyes. This may be the most important position on the Iowa defense, and it’s very likely the toughest. The two guys that played the position before, Amani Hooker and Geno Stone, are both now in the NFL. The role is primarily near the line of scrimmage, most often as a nickelback, but also a traditional linebacker role. On top of that, he played a lot in a traditional safety role when offenses went with heavier looks. Iowa’s defense is all about trusting your eyes, making reads and putting yourself in the right spot. The fact that he can do this from multiple positions on the field shows the trust that Iowa has in Belton.
That being said, his future is at a traditional safety position. Iowa’s scheme relies mostly on zone, so even when he was in that nickel position, a lot of it was covering areas as opposed to people. Even when he was, he would have safety help over the top. He’s also not going to be a full-time linebacker as there is only so much you can do with a 205 pound frame. He can play nickel at spots when needed, but that won’t be his specialty.
In The Box
Belton may not be linebacker size, but that doesn’t mean he can’t break up some run plays when given the opportunity.
The offensive guard gets badly beaten here. His intention is to get to the outside of Belton to help his running back on a sweep. Unfortunately, Belton is far too quick as he bursts through the middle, leaving the guard fruitlessly flailing to try to stop him. Instead, Belton gets by and takes down the ball carrier before he can make any sort of move.
Belton also shows the ability to set the edge.
Nothing fancy here, just good solid football as he gives the running back nowhere to run. He not only prevents him from going outside, but also sheds the blocker and makes the tackle himself.
He can even blitz the quarterback when necessary.
He shows some good bend getting around the left tackle and gives nowhere for the Iowa State quarterback to go. He’s not able to finish the sack, but his pressure is what trapped Purdy in place and allowed his teammates to clean up.
Coverage
On this play, Belton (bottom of screen) manages to disrupt two routes which completely shuts down the short side of the field.
Indiana tries to stack their receivers to get the out route open, but Belton sheds the receiver going over the top to stay with the out route where he’s in position to break in front of the receiver if the quarterback throws it to the outside. Indiana’s QB wisely throws it over the middle where it was also nearly intercepted.
As I noted earlier, Belton developed his ball skills this year. He does a great job of using his eyes in coverage here.
Belton is watching the quarterback the whole way. He is ready to break forward and stop the run if there is a scramble, but he does it while staying with the running back coming out of the back field. For some reason, the ball gets thrown and Belton is there to leap up and make the interception. The interception is probably the least impressive part of this play from Belton.
What stands out more than what is on film is what’s off film. Quarterbacks simply did not tend to target Dane Belton. In the two games I watched, he went up against Charlie Kolar and Peyton Hendershot, two tight ends that could be playing on Sundays. Both guys were held near their lowest output of the season, putting up just 34 and 26 yards, respectively.
Dane Belton Draft Stock
After putting together this Dane Belton scouting report I have come to some conclusions. Dane Belton is a football player. He has tremendous instincts and was trusted to use those instincts to put himself in the right place at the right time. He showed he could take on many roles and be successful. Still, a team drafting him is going to have to make some projections with his talent. He didn’t play a ton of snaps in a traditional safety role, and that’s where he’s most likely to make his money on Sundays. Like both Amani Hooker and Geno Stone, I see Belton as a day three pick, but one that can develop into a starter by his second or third season.
Dane Belton NFL Comparison
Amani Hooker
Check out fellow Hawkeye Linebacker Jack Cambell
Dane Belton scouting report by Joe Loncarich
