2026 NFL Draft Shocker? Iowa’s Sleeper Class Could Flood the Board Here’s Where Every Hawkeye Is Projected to Land
The countdown is almost over.
From April 23 to April 25, the spotlight shifts to one of football’s biggest annual spectacles the . Dreams will be realized. Careers will be launched. And once again, the are right in the middle of the conversation.
But this year feels… different.
There’s no obvious first-round lock. No headline-grabbing superstar expected to hear his name called on opening night. Instead, Iowa enters the draft with something far less predictable and potentially far more dangerous.
Depth.
A wave of tough, disciplined, NFL-ready prospects who may not dominate headlines but could quietly reshape rosters across the league.
And if the latest projections are anything to go by, don’t be surprised if Iowa ends up producing one of the most intriguing draft classes in 2026.
No Headliners? No Problem.
In recent years, Iowa has built a reputation for producing high-end NFL talent especially on defense and the offensive line. This time around, the narrative has shifted slightly.
There’s no top-10 projection. No consensus first-round pick.
But that doesn’t mean the cupboard is bare. Far from it.
Instead, analysts across major platforms including The Athletic, ESPN, CBS Sports, and Pro Football Network are pointing toward a steady stream of mid-round selections. The kind of players who don’t just make rosters but stick, develop, and eventually thrive.
And leading that group? A powerful presence in the trenches.
Gennings Dunker: Iowa’s Best Bet to Go Early
If one name consistently shows up near the top of draft boards, it’s Gennings Dunker.
The offensive guard has quietly built a strong case as one of the most reliable linemen in this class. And while opinions vary slightly, the consensus is clear he won’t be waiting long.
Here’s how the projections stack up:
- The Athletic: 3rd round
- NFL Draft Database: 2nd round
- ESPN’s Field Yates: 2nd round
- ESPN’s Matt Miller: 3rd round
- CBS Sports: 2nd round
- Pro Football Network: 2nd round
- Sporting News: 3rd round
That’s a tight window between the second and third rounds a strong indicator of confidence in his skill set.
For a program that prides itself on developing elite offensive linemen, Dunker fits the mold perfectly: physical, disciplined, and technically sound.
He may not generate viral highlights, but NFL teams know exactly what they’re getting and that reliability is gold on draft weekend.
Logan Jones: The Anchor in the Middle
Right behind Dunker is another key figure from Iowa’s offensive line: Logan Jones, a center who’s earned respect for his consistency and football IQ.
His projections are slightly more varied, but still firmly in mid-round territory:
- The Athletic: 3rd–4th round
- NFL Draft Database: 3rd round
- ESPN’s Matt Miller: 4th round
- CBS Sports: 3rd round
- Pro Football Network: 4th round
- Sporting News: 3rd round
Centers don’t always get the spotlight, but they’re critical to offensive success. Jones’ ability to read defenses, call protections, and hold his ground against powerful interior linemen makes him an attractive option for teams looking to stabilize their line.
He’s not flashy but he’s dependable. And in the NFL, that matters.
Max Llewellyn: Defensive Upside With Questions
On the defensive side, Max Llewellyn presents one of the more intriguing cases.
The defensive end has shown flashes of impact, but projections suggest teams are still evaluating his consistency and long-term upside:
- The Athletic: 4th round
- NFL Draft Database: 5th round
- ESPN’s Matt Miller: 6th round
- CBS Sports: 6th round
- Pro Football Network: 6th round
- Sporting News: 5th round
That’s a wide range from the fourth to sixth rounds indicating a player with potential but also some uncertainty.
Still, edge rushers are always in demand. And if a team believes it can unlock Llewellyn’s full ability, he could easily outperform his draft position.
Beau Stephens: Another Iowa Lineman Drawing Interest
It wouldn’t be an Iowa draft class without multiple offensive linemen in the mix.
Beau Stephens, another guard, is firmly on the radar:
- The Athletic: 4th–5th round
- NFL Draft Database: 5th round
- ESPN’s Matt Miller: 7th round
- CBS Sports: 6th round
- Pro Football Network: 5th round
- Sporting News: 5th round
Stephens’ projections fluctuate more than Dunker’s, but the interest is clearly there.
Teams looking for depth and development along the interior line could see Stephens as a valuable mid-to-late-round addition.
TJ Hall: The Wild Card in the Secondary
Then there’s TJ Hall, arguably one of the most unpredictable prospects in Iowa’s class.
The cornerback’s projections are all over the board:
- The Athletic: 6th round
- NFL Draft Database: 5th round
- ESPN’s Matt Miller: 3rd round
- CBS Sports: 5th round
- Pro Football Network: 6th round
- Sporting News: 7th round
That’s a massive gap from the third to seventh rounds.
So what’s going on?
Simple: Hall has traits that intrigue scoutsathleticism, coverage ability but questions remain about consistency and fit.
All it takes is one team to believe.
And if that happens, Hall could be one of the biggest surprises of the entire Iowa group.
Late-Round Names to Watch
Beyond the core group, several Hawkeyes are projected as late-round picks or fringe selections.
Kaden Wetjen (Wide Receiver):
- The Athletic: 6th round
- NFL Draft Database: 6th round
- ESPN’s Matt Miller: 7th round
Karson Sharar (Linebacker):
- The Athletic: 7th round
Drew Stevens (Kicker):
- The Athletic: 7th round–free agent
- CBS Sports: 7th round
Mark Gronowski (Quarterback):
- The Athletic: 7th round–free agent
Xavier Nwankpa (Safety):
- The Athletic: 7th round–free agent
These are the players fighting for those final draft spots the difference between hearing their name called and waiting for a free-agent deal.
And history shows that some of the NFL’s most impactful players come from exactly this range.
The Undrafted Battle: Where Careers Truly Begin
Not every player will be drafted. But that doesn’t mean their journey ends.
Several Iowa prospects are currently projected as undrafted free agents, including:
- Bryant Worrell (Long Snapper)
- Hayden Large (Tight End)
- Aaron Graves (Defensive Tackle) – also listed as a possible 7th-round pick by CBS Sports
- Ethan Hurkett (Defensive End)
- Jonah Pace (Defensive Tackle)
- Seth Anderson (Wide Receiver)
- Jacob Gill (Wide Receiver)
- Bryce George (Guard)
- Sam Phillips (Wide Receiver)
- Shahid Barros (Cornerback)
For these players, the path becomes even more challenging but also more motivating.
Undrafted doesn’t mean overlooked forever. It just means proving it the hard way.
Why This Class Matters More Than It Seems
At first glance, Iowa’s 2026 draft class might not seem spectacular.
No guaranteed stars. No top-tier hype.
But look closer.
This is a group built on fundamentals, discipline, and development the exact traits NFL teams value when building long-term success.
These aren’t just prospects.
They’re potential starters. Rotational players. Special teams contributors. Locker room leaders.
And history has shown that Iowa players often outperform expectations once they reach the next level.
Final Thought: Don’t Sleep on the Hawkeyes
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the biggest names the quarterbacks, the top receivers, the defensive phenoms.
But somewhere between rounds two and seven, the Iowa Hawkeyes will quietly make their mark.
Player by player. Pick by pick.
No flash. No noise.
Just football.
And when the dust settles, don’t be surprised if this “under-the-radar” class ends up producing some of the most reliable contributors in the league.
Because if there’s one thing Iowa has proven time and time again, it’s this:
They don’t just send players to the NFL.
They send players who last.
