Kansas City Chiefs Select Ricky Stanzi in 5th Round

April 30, 2011

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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs with the fourth pick of the fifth round (135th overall) of the NFL Draft on Saturday.

Stanzi is the third Hawkeye player selected in the 2011 draft.

Stanzi is the first Iowa quarterback selected in the draft since Matt Rodgers was selected by Buffalo in the 12th round of the 1992 draft.

Stanzi posted a 26-9 record as Iowa’s starting quarterback. He led the Hawkeyes to a bowl win in each of the last three seasons and ranks second among Iowa signal-callers in career victories. He set an Iowa record for quarterback efficiency (157.63) in 2010, ranking fourth in the Big Ten and 12th in the nation. He ranks third in career touchdown passes (56), passing yards (7,377), pass attempts (907) and total offense (7,373). He set an Iowa record with a touchdown pass in 21 consecutive games. This past season, Stanzi completed 221-345 (.641) attempts for 3,004 yards and 25 touchdowns, with just six interceptions.

Kansas City won the AFC West last season with a 10-6 record, bolstered by a 7-1 home mark. The Chiefs were 30th in the NFL a year ago in passing offense (185.5).

“I like this kid,” said ESPN Draft Analyst Mel Kiper. “He’s very accurate in the pocket. He’s pro-style all the way. He made some big throws. He spread the ball around. Stanzi will provide competition for Matt Cassell.”

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Stanzi is a native of Mentor, Ohio, where he attended Lake Catholic High School. His career totals include 542-907 (.598) for 7,377 yards and 56 touchdowns. He is one of just three Big Ten quarterbacks to start and win three bowl games, as he led Iowa to wins over South Carolina (2009 Outback), Georgia Tech (2010 Orange) and Missouri (2010 Insight).

“I liked his improvement from his junior year to senior year,” added NFL Network Draft Analyst Mike Mayock. “He has excellent intangibles. I like him a lot. He loves the game of football, he gobbles tape. I think it’s an excellent pick.”

Stanzi will reunite with former teammate Tony Moeaki, who just completed his rookie season with the Chiefs. Stanzi connected with Moeaki 30 times for 387 yards and four TDs in 2009.

Stanzi is the 42nd Ferentz-coached Hawkeye (and 22nd offensive player) to be drafted. Last season a record six Iowa players were drafted, led by first-rounder Bryan Bulaga, who started on the offensive line for the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.