Iowa Hawkeye Max Llewellyn Chases NFL Dream with Miami Dolphins
Former Iowa Hawkeye Max Llewellyn has a shot to make the Miami Dolphins roster this summer, giving Iowa football fans a local name to watch as NFL training camps open. The Dolphins selected Llewellyn with the 238th overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the final pick of the seventh round.
Llewellyn spent five seasons at Iowa, where he steadily improved each year. Over 43 games, the 23 year old racked up 64 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, and 14.5 sacks. He also added 10 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His production caught the eye of Dolphins scouts, who brought him in as a late round flyer.
Dolphins Edge Rusher Room Lacks Star Power
Miami's edge rusher group is thin on proven talent after trading Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles at the 2025 deadline and releasing Bradley Chubb this offseason. Chubb signed with AFC East rival Buffalo. The Dolphins have added some pieces, but the room still lacks a dominant pass rusher who can wreck games.
Chop Robinson, a 2024 first round pick out of Penn State, is projected as a starter but has not lived up to first round expectations. He has 10 sacks in two seasons. Joshua Uche, a Michigan product and former Patriot, signed a one year deal and will compete for a starting job. David Ojabo, another Michigan alum, has battled injuries and managed just 4.5 sacks in four seasons.
Iowa's Llewellyn Fights for a Roster Spot
Llewellyn enters a crowded room where he is projected as depth or a practice squad candidate. But his consistent improvement at Iowa gives him a fighting chance. He will need to impress in training camp and preseason games to earn a spot on the 53 man roster.
For Iowa fans, Llewellyn represents a classic underdog story. A late round pick from a program known for developing NFL talent, he has the work ethic and production to surprise. If he makes the team, he would join a Dolphins squad that finished 9-8 last season and missed the playoffs.
Other Hawkeyes in the NFL
Llewellyn is part of a long tradition of Iowa Hawkeyes making it to the NFL. Current Hawkeyes in the league include tight ends George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers) and T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings), as well as offensive linemen Tristan Wirfs (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Tyler Linderbaum (Baltimore Ravens). Llewellyn hopes to add his name to that list.
Training camp opens later this month, and all eyes will be on how the rookie from Iowa performs against NFL competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What round was Max Llewellyn drafted in?
Llewellyn was selected in the seventh round, 238th overall, by the Miami Dolphins in the 2026 NFL draft.
What are Llewellyn's chances of making the Dolphins roster?
Llewellyn is projected as a depth or practice squad candidate. His consistent improvement at Iowa and strong work ethic give him a realistic shot, but he faces tough competition in a thin edge rusher room.
Who are the Dolphins' projected starting edge rushers?
Chop Robinson and Joshua Uche are projected as starters. David Ojabo and Trey Moore are expected to rotate in.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire.