The NFL Draft has come and gone, and 13 former Hawkeyes are now heading to rookie minicamps to prove they belong on the 53-man roster.
A program record seven Hawkeyes were selected in the draft, with six signing as undrafted free agents.
There are no guarantees anyone makes a roster when it is all said and done, but the Iowa program has an excellent track record of developing NFL-ready talent, and this summer will be huge for all 13 former Hawkeyes.
Unfortunately for one former Hawkeye and an undrafted free agent signing, he is already looking for another opportunity after being waived.
Ethan Hurkett is out in Kansas City after intially signing as an undrafted FA
As an undrafted free agent, it is nearly impossible to make a 53-man NFL roster (unless you're Jay Higgins), and former Hawkeye and Iowa native, Ethan Hurkett, found that out the hard way.
We have signed Free Agents WR Xavier Loyd, DB Marlen Sewell, T Kahlil Benson.
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 4, 2026
We have waived QB Jake Haener, DE Ethan Hurkett, and DT Zacch Pickens. pic.twitter.com/38vAhkR6gQ
Hurkett was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, and following the conclusion of their rookie minicamp this past weekend, Hurkett is looking for a new home.
Hurkett was a force for the Iowa defense last season, starting all 13 games at defensive end, and tallying 36 total tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
The door has not completely closed on Hurkett's NFL future, but it just became a whole lot harder after failing to stick with the Chiefs through summer workouts and practices.
Hopefully, for the CR native, he can catch on with an organization soon and prove why he was a two-year starter for the Hawkeyes.
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