Preparing for the NFL Draft: Five Questions with Luke Lachey
PHOTO: Justin Elsner/hawkeyesports.com
Tight end Luke Lachey takes part in a Pro Day workout March 24 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City.
After playing in the 2024 Music City Bowl in Nashville, Hawkeye tight end Luke Lachey (24BA) had little time to rest. Lachey jumped into training as he readies for the 2025 NFL Draft.
We caught up with Lachey to see how preparation is going for the NFL Draft, which will be held April 24–26.
How did you train and prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine, which was in late February?
Preparation started right after the season ended, so I went to Orange County, California, on Jan. 4. I trained pretty much every single day—preparing for the 40-yard dash and everything else we have to do. On a typical day I would get up at 6:30 a.m. and eat breakfast at 7:30. Then around 9, we would start running and doing workouts on the field, including doing some tight end positional work. After that we would watch some film. I’d lift at 2 p.m., then do recovery and rehab from 3 to 5 p.m. Then do it all over again the next day.
What was your primary focus in preparing for the combine?
I did a lot of training on my 40-yard dash and my agility to prove that I am as good as teams expect. I worked out with two coaches—my receiver coach, Ricky Proehl, who is a former NFL wide receiver, and my tight end coach, Dennis Pitta, a former NFL tight end for the Baltimore Ravens. I have a great set of coaches with a lot of NFL experience, which has been super helpful for me. In addition to all the working out and training, I’ve also done some Zoom interviews with NFL team representatives.
What do you feel are the most important skills you offer an NFL team?
My competitiveness, my leadership skills, and my work ethic. I compete as hard as I can every day and go out there and be the best player I can be. I’ve put my leadership skills to good use in college, and I’ll continue to develop as a leader. I have a strong work ethic and teams see that. I’ve gained a lot of skills and experience playing football, and I feel that my best football is ahead of me. I’m confident about that.
Your dad, Jim Lachey, played in the NFL as an offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers, Los Angeles Raiders, and Washington Redskins. What have you learned from your dad that has helped you get to this point in your career?
I’ve really adopted his work ethic. I didn’t get to watch him play in the NFL, but I’ve learned a lot from studying his career. I’ve also learned from stories that guys who played with him have told me about his playing days, and from my mom and my aunts and uncles. My dad always taught me to be the hardest worker on the field and do whatever you can to stand out. He also taught me that this is a job, and people are trying to take your job, so you have to work hard if you want to keep it.
Where will you be watching the NFL Draft?
I’ll be with my family, my girlfriend, and some friends in Columbus, Ohio. I just want to keep it low key at our house. Nothing crazy. I know it will be a good time, and I’m excited. I am anxious to see what happens and how it all turns out. It’s coming up faster than I think, but I’m really excited for it.
PHOTO: Stephen Mally/hawkeyesports.com
Luke Lachey (85) hauls in a catch during Iowa's win over Northwestern on Oct. 26, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium.