Full Breakdown
Iowa-Connected Players Selected in the 2026 NFL Draft
4/25/2026, 11:24:19 AM
Core Event: Draft Picks of Iowa Ties
The 2026 NFL Draft opened Thursday night in Pittsburgh and will run through Saturday. Within the first three rounds, five players with recent Iowa affiliations were selected: Kadyn Proctor (Alabama, offensive tackle) went 12th overall to the Miami Dolphins; Logan Jones (University of Iowa, center) was taken 57th overall by the Chicago Bears; Domonique Orange (Iowa State, defensive tackle) was chosen 82nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings; Eli Raridon (Notre Dame, tight end) was drafted 95th overall by the New England Patriots; and Gennings Dunker (University of Iowa, guard) was selected 96th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Background & Context: Iowa’s Role in the NFL Talent Pipeline
Iowa’s high schools and collegiate programs have long supplied NFL prospects. This draft continues that trend, with players emerging from Southeast Polk High School, Valley High School, and the state’s two Division I programs, the Hawkeyes and the Cyclones. The draft’s early rounds, held on April 24–25, were broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and the NFL Network, underscoring the national spotlight on these selections.
Key Players & Their Selections
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College | NFL Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | Kadyn Proctor | T | Alabama (Southeast Polk HS) | Miami Dolphins |
| 2 | 57 | Logan Jones | C | Iowa | Chicago Bears |
| 3 | 82 | Domonique Orange | DT | Iowa State | Minnesota Vikings |
| 3 | 95 | Eli Raridon | TE | Notre Dame (Valley HS) | New England Patriots |
| 3 | 96 | Gennings Dunker | G | Iowa | Pittsburgh Steelers |
These five selections represent the first Iowa-connected players taken in the 2026 draft.
Official Statements & Team Responses
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the addition of Gennings Dunker as a depth option on the offensive line. The Chicago Bears highlighted Logan Jones as a solution to the vacancy left by retired center Drew Dalman. Minnesota’s Vikings promoted Domonique Orange as the first Cyclone drafted this year. The New England Patriots confirmed Eli Raridon’s selection to bolster their tight-end group, while the Miami Dolphins emphasized Kadyn Proctor’s potential impact on their offensive front.
Verbatim Quotes
- “With the 96th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, we select G Gennings Dunker.” — Pittsburgh Steelers, @steelers
- “Welcome to Chicago, Logan!” — Chicago Bears, @ChicagoBears
These statements were posted on the teams’ official Twitter accounts on draft day.
What’s Next: Upcoming Rounds and Prospects
Rounds 4 through 7 will be conducted on Saturday, April 25, beginning at 11 a.m. CT and streamed on ESPN and the NFL Network. Analysts expect additional Iowa-linked prospects to be evaluated, though no further selections have been confirmed at the time of writing. The continued performance of the five players selected thus far will shape both their NFL franchises and Iowa’s reputation as a pipeline for professional talent.
