The Iowa Hawkeyes are making it loud and clear: they’re not just showing up to pre-draft showcases-they’re taking over.
Fresh off a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl, where Mark Gronowski, Kaden Wetjen, and Karson Sharar flashed their skills in front of NFL personnel, the Hawkeyes are keeping the momentum rolling this week at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. And this time, it’s a new group of five former Iowa standouts making their case for the next level.
Beau Stephens and Gennings Dunker are anchoring the offensive line group, and they’re doing more than just holding their own-they’re asserting themselves against some of the best defensive prospects in the country. Stephens, with his length and footwork, has been rock-solid in pass protection, while Dunker’s raw power and nasty streak in the run game are hard to ignore. Both linemen are showing they have the tools to make an impact on Sundays.
On the defensive side, Max Llewellyn is quietly becoming one of the more intriguing edge defenders in Mobile. He’s got the frame and motor that scouts love, and he’s been flashing in 1-on-1 drills with a mix of speed and leverage that’s tough to handle. He’s not just a guy filling a roster spot-he’s playing like someone who wants to climb draft boards.
In the secondary, TJ Hall is showing off the kind of versatility that NFL teams covet. Whether he’s lined up outside or working in the slot, Hall’s instincts and fluidity in coverage have stood out. He’s breaking on the ball with confidence and showing he can hang with receivers from every major conference.
And then there’s Drew Stevens. Kickers often get overlooked in these settings, but Stevens is making sure that doesn’t happen.
He’s been consistent, composed, and showing off a leg that can change field position in a heartbeat. For teams looking to solidify their special teams unit, Stevens is giving them a reason to take notice.
All five Hawkeyes are putting together the kind of week that gets people talking. They’re not just participating-they’re competing, impressing, and in some cases, dominating.
Saturday’s Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium is the main event, but for these Iowa prospects, the work they’re putting in during practices and meetings is where the real evaluations happen. And so far, they’re making the most of every rep.
Iowa has built a reputation for developing NFL-ready talent, and this group is adding to that legacy in real time. If the rest of the week goes anything like it’s started, don’t be surprised if a few of these names rise quickly on draft boards come April.