The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and over a handful of Hawkeyes have a chance to hear their names called in Pittsburgh!
Kirk Ferentz has built a legacy of success as the head of the Iowa program, with 94 draft selections during his tenure.
That legacy is expected to grow during the 2026 NFL Draft from April 23-25, with eight former Hawkeyes projected to be selected. The latest ESPN Draft is chalk full of Hawkeyes, and here is where they are projected to go:
Gennings Dunker (OT): San Francisco 49ers (Round 2, Pick No. 58)
Dunker became a social media star overnight, thanks to his flowing red mullet and hilarious interviews. Not only did he impress the media and fans, but scouts as well.
Dunker showcased his versatility by taking snaps at offensive tackle, guard, and center, proving he can play wherever an organization needs him to.
Dunker could easily go in the second or third round due to his incredible size and versatility.
Max Llewellyn (Edge): Dallas Cowboys (Round 4, Pick No. 112)
Veteran defensive lineman Max Llewellyn did not start until his senior season, but made the most of his opportunity.
Llewellyn tallied 26 total tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, as he became a force on the edge of the defensive line.
Llewellyn has all the moves to get around any DL that he lines up against, and would help improve the abysmal Cowboys' defense.
Logan Jones (C): Baltimore Ravens (Round 4, Pick No. 115)
The 2025 Rimington Award winner should have plenty of suitors in the Draft.
Logan Jones has been an anchor of the offensive line since making the switch to the offensive side of the football after redshirting his first year.
He racked up over 50 career starts for the Hawkeyes and can immediately help the Ravens, who mistakenly let former Hawkeye Tyler Linderbaum walk.
Beau Stephens (OG): Denver Broncos (Round 5, Pick No. 170)
Another veteran leader for the Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line last season, Stephens was an iron man for the Hawkeyes.
He battled multiple small injuries last year, but never missed a start.
Stephens can play guard or tackle, and his versatility should help his draft stock before we get to Pittsburgh.
TJ Hall (DB): Tennessee Titans (Round 6, Pick 194)
After struggling during his first few seasons, TJ Hall became Iowa's clear No. 1 cornerback last season.
Hall has a very high football IQ and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He is also very physical in pass coverage, jamming up wide receivers at the line.
He did not test well at the combine and lacks the speed needed to cover speedy wide receivers, but his football smarts and work ethic should give him a chance to play at the next level.
Aaron Graves (Edge): Detroit Lions (Round 6, Pick 216)
New dad Aaron Graves was a force for the Iowa defensive line last season after returning for another run. There were rumors he was leaving the program for the Draft after the 2024 season, but he returned.
Graves started all 13 games for Iowa last season, notching his 36th career start. in 13 games, he tallied 37 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
Graves has a good chance to be the next former Hawkeye defender to impact the Lions, joining Jack Campbell.
Kaden Wetjen (WR/RS): Pittsburgh Steelers (Round 6, Pick 216)
Wetjen's speed and athleticism should give him a chance to play at the next level, but he might be forced into a purely return specialist role.
Wetjen has embraced the possibility of becoming a return specialist solely, but that hasn't stopped him from honing his craft as a wide receiver.
The two-time Jet Award winner needs to find the right situation to succeed, and Pittsburgh could be just the place.
Drew Stevens (K): New York Jets (Round 7, Pick 242)
Drew Stevens suffered from inconsistency during his four-year career in Iowa City, but he has a strong leg and made some big kicks for the Hawkeyes.
Last season, he passed former Hawkeye great Nate Kaeding for most made field goals in a career, proving he has the skills to compete at the next level.
He showcased the ability to nail field goals from 50-plus yards with ease, and can give any team that signs or drafts him a solid kicker.
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