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When is the NFL draft? See prospect grades for Iowa, Iowa State players.

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When is the NFL draft? See prospect grades for Iowa, Iowa State players.


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The 2026 NFL Combine has passed, Pro Days have wrapped up, and scouts and front‑office personnel from across the league are finishing their draft boards in preparation for April’s NFL Draft.

Here’s what to know about the 2026 NFL draft.

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When is the 2026 NFL draft?

The 2026 NFL draft will begin with the first round on Thursday, April 23. Rounds 2 and 3 occur the following day, and the draft will conclude on its third day with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 25.

Where is the 2026 NFL draft?

Pittsburgh — home of the Steelers — will host the 2026 NFL draft. 

How to watch the 2026 NFL draft

Live coverage of the NFL draft can be found on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and the NFL Network. Coverage is also available on NFL+, ESPN Select, ESPN Unlimited and Fubo TV.

  • Thursday, April 23: Round 1 starts at 7 p.m. CT
  • Friday, April 24: Round 2 and Round 3 start at 6 p.m. CT
  • Saturday, April 25: Rounds 4-7 start at 11 a.m. CT

Watch the NFL Draft on ESPN+

How are NFL draft prospects graded?

Using NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein’s grading scale, players are evaluated based on their physical traits, on-field performance and projected role. Here’s how that scale breaks down.

  • 8: Perfect prospect
  • 7.3-7.5: Perennial All-Pro
  • 7.0-7.1: Pro Bowl talent
  • 6.7-6.9: Year 1 starter
  • 6.5-6.6: Boom-or-bust potential
  • 6.40-6.49: Will become a good starter within two years
  • 6.30-6.39: Will eventually be plus starter
  • 6.20-6.29: Will eventually be an average starter
  • 6.10-6.19: Good backup with the potential to develop into a starter
  • 6.0-6.09: Traits or talent to be above-average backup
  • 5.80-5.99: Average backup or special-teamer
  • 5.60-5.69: Candidate for bottom of roster or practice squad
  • 5.50-5.59: Priority undrafted free agent

For context, the highest-graded player in the year’s entire draft class was former Ohio State linebacker/defensive end Arvell Reese, who earned a rating of 7.04. Reese ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the defensive end position, clocking a 4.46, and is considered a top-five draft pick after earning All-American and Big Ten Linebacker of the Year honors in 2025.

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Similar to high school recruiting rankings, these evaluations aren’t an exact science. They’re projections, and players can ultimately exceed or fall short of them.

For example, before becoming a multiple-time Pro Bowler, George Kittle received a 5.90 grade. Similarly, former Iowa State Cyclones football quarterback Brock Purdy was given a 5.57 rating before outperforming that projection at the NFL level.

What Iowa football players are graded ahead of the 2026 NFL draft?

Here is a breakdown of the prospect grades for Iowa football players according to NFL.com. Combine data, including 40‑yard dash and vertical jump results, is listed where available, though not all 2026 draft‑eligible players were invited to or participated in the Combine.

  • Gennings Dunker, offensive line: 6.24 (Will eventually be an average starter) Fifth out of 24 guards in highest prospect grade, according to NFL.com
    • 40-yard dash: 5.18 seconds (20th out of 39 offensive linemen)
    • Vertical jump: 32.5″ (tied 5th out of the 40 offensive linemen)
    • 20-yard shuttle: 4.63 seconds (3rd out of 12 offensive linemen)
  • Logan Jones, center: 6.2 (Will eventually be an average starter)− Tied fourth out of 15 centers in prospect grade.
    • 40-yard dash: 4.90 seconds (1st out of 39 offensive linemen)
    • 3-cone drill: 7.46 seconds (2nd out of 14 offensive linemen)
    • 20-yard shuttle: 4.53 seconds (2nd out of 12 offensive linemen)

  • TJ Hall, defensive back: 5.98 (Average backup or special-teamer) − 16th out of 33 defensive backs in prospect grade.
    • 40-yard dash: 4.59 seconds (14th out of 20 cornerbacks)
    • Vertical jump: 36″ (12th out of the 23 cornerbacks)
    • 20-yard shuttle: 4.19 seconds (2nd out of 5 cornerbacks)
  • Kaden Wetjen, wide receiver: 5.98 (Average backup or special-teamer) − 21st out of 55 wide receivers in prospect grade.
    • 40-yard dash: 4.47 seconds (tied 15th out of 34 wide receivers)
    • Vertical jump: 35.5″ (13th out of 30 wide receivers)
    • 3 cone drill: 6.95 seconds (3rd out of 7 wide receivers)
  • Beau Stephens, offensive line: 5.97 (Average backup or special-teamer) 10th out of 24 guards in prospect grade.
    • 40-yard dash: 5.35 seconds (27th out of 39 offensive linemen)
    • Vertical jump: 28″ (tied 14th out of 40 offensive linemen)
    • Broad jump: 8.6″ (15th out of 40 offensive linemen)
  • Max Llewellyn, defensive end: 5.97 (Average backup or special-teamer) Tied 28th out of 41 defensive ends in prospect grade.
    • 40-yard dash: 4.81 seconds (15th out of 20 defensive ends)
    • Vertical jump: 32.5″ (tied 12th out of 17 defensive ends)
    • Broad jump: 9.7″ (tied 10th out of 16 defensive ends)
  • Drew Stevens, kicker: 5.81 (Average backup or special-teamer) Tied second out of three kickers in prospect grade.
    • No specialists (kicker, punter) participated in any measurable athletic drills during the NFL Combine.
  • Xavier Nwankpa, safety: 5.69 (Candidate for bottom of roster or practice squad) Tied 22nd out of 28 safeties in prospect grade.
    • 40-yard dash: 4.48 seconds (8th out of 14 safeties)
    • 10-yard split: 1.62 seconds (tied 9th out of 14 safeties)
    • Vertical jump: 37.5″ (6th out of 16 safeties)
  • Karson Sharar, linebacker: 5.68 (Candidate for bottom of roster or practice squad) Tied 24th out of 32 linebackers in prospect grade.
    • Vertical jump: 40″ (tied 2nd out of 14 linebackers)
    • 40-yard dash: 4.56 seconds (5th out of 12 linebackers)
    • Broad jump: 10.3″ (5th out of 14 linebackers)

Which Iowa State football player is graded ahead of the 2026 NFL draft?

Out of the more than 350 players given a draft prospect grade by NFL.com, only one Cyclone was recognized among the prospects.

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Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange was rated the fifth highest out of 34 defensive tackles with a prospect grade of 6.24 (will eventually be an average starter). The 2025 All-Big 12 third-team member is the 78th highest-rated player according to NFL.com.

The Kansas City native was invited to the 2026 NFL Draft Combine and appeared in Indianapolis to interview with teams, but opted not to participate in the on‑field drills. Most mock drafts have Orange projected as a Day 2 NFL draft pick.

Last year’s starting offensive linemen, James Neal III and Jim Bonifas, were among about a dozen former Cyclones who participated in Iowa State’s Pro Day on March 24 to raise their draft profiles or improve their chances of signing as undrafted free agents.

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Northern Iowa also held its pro day on March 23, while Iowa hosted its on March 26, which featured all of the aforementioned players along with former Hawkeyes such as quarterback Mark Gronowski and defensive lineman Aaron Graves, all of whom worked out in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams.

Kadyn Proctor graded as a top NFL Draft prospect

NFL.com gave former Southeast Polk football star Kadyn Proctor a 6.45 prospect grade, claiming he “Will become a good starter within two years.” Proctor tied with former Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson as the 10th-highest rated prospect, according to NFL.com.

ESPN projects the former Alabama offensive lineman to be drafted with the 24th pick by the Cleveland Browns. Proctor, a native of Des Moines, is fourth among all offensive lineman prospects according to USA TODAY.

Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.

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Two separate traffic stops leads to four arrests in Iowa County

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Two separate traffic stops leads to four arrests in Iowa County


MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Four people were arrested during two separate traffic stops by the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.

The sheriff’s office explained that just before 8:30 p.m., an Iowa County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a vehicle in the 7000 block of US Highway 18-151 in the Town of Ridgeway.

Lee J. Kaul, 47, of Ridgeway was arrested for operating while revoked (REV due to alcohol/controlled substance/refusal), possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of narcotic drug.

Lee Kaul was arrested by the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office.(Iowa County Sheriff’s Office)

Kaul was additionally held on a Wisconsin Department of Corrections probation hold and transported to the Iowa County Jail.

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About an hour later, another Iowa County deputy stopped a vehicle near US Highway 18 and Lisa Street in the City of Dodgeville, the sheriff’s said.

Rayven Stanisch was arrested by the Iowa County Sheriff's Office.
Rayven Stanisch was arrested by the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office.(Iowa County Sheriff’s Office)

The sheriff’s office explained three people were arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia to manufacture/compound/convert/produce/store methamphetamine.

Ronald Slater was arrested by the Iowa County Sheriff's Office.
Ronald Slater was arrested by the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office.(Iowa County Sheriff’s Office)

Ronald E. Slater, 56, of Platteville, Rayven E. Stanisch, 30, of Linden and Amy M. Gregory, 38, of Linden were all taken to the Iowa County Jail.

Amy Gregory was arrested by the Iowa County Sheriff's Office on Thursday.
Amy Gregory was arrested by the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.(Iowa County Sheriff’s Office)

Gregory was also held on a Wisconsin Department of Corrections probation hold.

Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app.

Copyright 2026 WMTV. All rights reserved.



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Iowa City Community Band readies for the summer | Music Column

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Iowa City Community Band readies for the summer | Music Column


The Iowa City Community Band (ICCB) returns this summer with performances throughout Iowa City and Coralville in June and July. Now in its 43rd season, ICCB is proud to once again be led by Rob Medd, a retired band director from Iowa City West High School, for the 19th year.

We perform nine times, including Coralville’s 4thFest Parade and pre-fireworks show. Our first three concerts are:

  • 12 noon, Saturday, June 6 at the Iowa Arts Festival in downtown Iowa City 
  • 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 10 at McPherson Park 
  • 7 p.m., Sunday, June 14 at Fairmeadows Park 

Each concert features a combination of traditional marches, contemporary pieces, and some familiar classics. For a full concert schedule, visit our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ICCBand). 

Rehearsals are held on Saturdays at 10 a.m. (May 30 through July 18, excluding June 6 and July 4) at West High School. New members — high school age and older — are welcome throughout the summer, with no audition required. Because new music is introduced each week, participation is flexible and ideal for those who can only join for part of the season. If you are interested in participating or learning more, send an email to iccb.communityband@gmail.com.  

ICCB operates solely on donations from individuals and local businesses to provide free concerts to the public. 

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If you would like to contribute, send your donation to: Iowa City Community Band – c/o West Music, 1212 5th Street, Coralville, IA 52241. Make checks payable to “Iowa City Community Band”. 

The Iowa City Community Band is ready for a great summer of making music together. We hope that you’ll join us often, either as a musician or an audience member. See you at the park.

April Donlon serves as the publicist and plays Alto Saxophone for the Iowa City Community Band. 



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One injured, suspect dead after stabbing in northeastern Iowa

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One injured, suspect dead after stabbing in northeastern Iowa


MONONA, Iowa (KCRG) – One person was injured and a suspect is dead after a stabbing in Monona Wednesday night.

Monona police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 200 block of South Page Street at 7:37 p.m.

Officers found a person outside a residence suffering from multiple stab wounds. The person was taken to a local hospital with a tourniquet applied.

According to investigators, the suspect barricaded himself on the second floor of the residence, where he had access to several firearms. The Clayton County CERT Team was called in after several attempts to get the suspect to exit the residence failed.

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The suspect was found dead from what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

This is an ongoing investigation. No further information has been released.

Copyright 2026 KCRG. All rights reserved.



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