'Iowa and Iowa State Draft Picks: A Fresh Look at the 2026 NFL Selections'

Iowa and Iowa State each had a different story in the 2026 NFL Draft, which ran from April 23 to 25. Only one player from Iowa State landed a spot on an NFL roster: defensive tackle Domonique Orange was chosen 82nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings. Analysts say he is a strong stop‑gap defender, but his role may be limited to special teams or backup duties. Some reports gave him a B grade, while others were more generous with an A‑. Iowa’s haul was larger and set a new school record, sending seven players to the league. This streak marks 48 consecutive years of Iowa athletes being drafted, a testament to the program’s consistency.

The picks ranged from offensive linemen to defensive backs and included a wide receiver who could be a game‑changer on special teams. The grades varied, with the most promising being defensive end Max Llewellyn (picked 238th by Miami), who boasts a high motor and strong pass‑rush numbers. Other selections, like guard Beau Stephens and linebacker Karson Sharar, received more cautious ratings because of size or positional fit concerns. Overall, the draft showed that Iowa’s players are seen as solid contributors who can fill roles on depth charts or special teams, while Iowa State’s sole draftee is viewed as a niche asset. The focus for both schools will now shift to training camps, where these athletes must prove they can compete at the highest level.

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