With the NFL Draft on the horizon, the road to the league is officially underway for five former Iowa Hawkeyes. This week, they’ve been down in Mobile, Alabama, putting their skills on display at the Panini Senior Bowl - one of the premier pre-draft showcases for college talent.
For defensive back TJ Hall, defensive lineman Max Llewellyn, kicker Drew Stevens, and offensive linemen Gennings Dunker and Beau Stephens, this isn’t just another game. It’s a week-long audition in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives, all looking for the next hidden gem or plug-and-play contributor. And in Mobile, every rep matters.
A Crucial Week in Mobile
The Senior Bowl is more than just a game - it's a proving ground. Throughout the week, players go through intense practices, position drills, and one-on-one matchups, all under the watchful eyes of NFL personnel.
For guys like Dunker and Stephens, this is a chance to show they can hold their own against top-tier defensive linemen from across the country. And for someone like TJ Hall, it’s about proving he can cover elite receivers in space, play with physicality, and flash the kind of instincts that translate to Sundays.
Max Llewellyn, meanwhile, has had the opportunity to showcase his versatility and motor on the defensive line. In a setting like this, where every snap is scrutinized, effort and adaptability go a long way. And don’t overlook Drew Stevens - kickers often get overshadowed in the pre-draft process, but a strong showing in pressure situations can earn a specialist a real shot at the next level.
Game Day: One Final Statement
After a week of practices, it all culminates in Saturday’s game - a final chance for these players to make their case. The Senior Bowl rosters are loaded, and the competition is fierce.
The wide receiver group is headlined by USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane and Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields, two big-bodied pass catchers who can stretch the field and win contested balls. In the secondary, Texas’s Michael Taaffe and USC’s Kamari Ramsey bring range and physicality, making for some intriguing matchups.
In the backfield, Indiana’s Kaelon Black and Penn State’s dynamic duo of Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton offer a mix of power and burst. At quarterback, there’s a diverse group leading the offenses - Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, Illinois’ Luke Altmyer, and LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier are all looking to show they can command a huddle and deliver under pressure.
How to Watch
If you’re looking to catch the action and see how these Hawkeyes - and the rest of the country’s top seniors - perform, tune in to the NFL Network. The game takes place in Mobile, Alabama, and it’s one of the last big scouting opportunities before the NFL Combine.
For Iowa’s representatives, it’s about more than just playing well - it’s about separating themselves in a deep draft class. A strong showing in Mobile can mean the difference between being a Day 3 pick and hearing your name called much earlier.
The journey to the NFL is never easy, but for these Hawkeyes, the Senior Bowl is a golden opportunity to show they belong.