2026 NFL Draft Updates: Iowa Hawkeyes Football Players to Watch

The 2026 NFL Draft is underway, and multiple former Iowa Hawkeyes football players are being tracked for potential selection throughout the three-day event from April 23 to April 25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Gennings Dunker, a guard from the Iowa Hawkeyes, is projected to be the highest-drafted Iowa player in this year’s class, according to several popular mock drafts. ESPN’s Matt Miller has Dunker selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers at the 76th overall pick in the third round, noting that with Isaac Seumalo departing in free agency, there is an opening at left guard that Dunker could step into immediately.

TJ Hall, a cornerback for Iowa, is also projected to be selected in the third round by ESPN’s Matt Miller, with the Jacksonville Jaguars taking him at the 88th overall pick. While Hall was a productive defensive back in Iowa City, many other projections have him as a day-three pick.

Other Iowa prospects receiving draft attention include Logan Jones (center), Max Llewellyn (defensive end), Beau Stephens (guard), Kaden Wetjen (wide receiver), Karson Sharar (linebacker), Drew Stevens (kicker), Mark Gronowski (quarterback), and Xavier Nwankpa (safety). Projections for these players vary across outlets, with most expected to be selected in later rounds or sign as undrafted free agents.

The Des Moines Register is providing live updates throughout the draft, encouraging fans to refresh their coverage page for the latest on Iowa alums entering the NFL. Last season, 41 former Iowa players were scattered across NFL rosters, and the 2025 Hawkeyes roster contained significant NFL talent expected to increase that number in 2026.

As the draft progresses, Iowa football continues its tradition of producing NFL-caliber players, with multiple Hawkeyes awaiting their opportunity to hear their names called in Pittsburgh.