Dolphins pick Iowa DL Max Llewellyn in NFL draft: Highlights, stats

IOWA CITY — The Miami Dolphins selected Iowa defensive lineman Max Llewellyn in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He was the 238th overall pick.

Llewellyn, a product of Urbandale, Iowa, appeared in 43 games during his Hawkeye career, including 13 starts. He totaled 14.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss in his time at Iowa.

Llewellyn waited his turn and was productive in a reserve role before becoming a starter. Two seasons ago, Llewellyn recorded 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. Then in his final season with the Hawkeyes, Llewellyn took on a larger role, starting all 13 games. He accumulated 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, both of which were career-highs.

Max Llewellyn scouting report via Lance Zierlein of NFL.com

Overview

Llewellyn is a tall, well-built base end, but it appears he lacks the play strength and anchor to carry his production into the league. He plays with a lack of knee-bend that limits balance on contact and anchor through engagement. He’s better at playing into gaps and playing off of blocks when his feet are active. He lacks explosiveness as a pass rusher but has access to a variety of rush plans and moves that can create opportunities inside the pocket. Llewellyn projects as an even-front end, but average backup could be his ceiling.

Strengths

• Plays into gaps with decisive forward charge.
• A regular in the backfield, with 32% of his career tackles resulting in a loss.
• Uses active hands to work off of move blocks.
• Well-timed long-arm strike creates space for his rush.
• Two-hand swipe is quick and strong.
• Sets up his helicopter-like inside spin.

Weaknesses

• Run out of his gap by forceful drive-blockers.
• Doesn’t transfer much power from hips to hands.
• Average change-of-direction quickness in space.
• Below-average ground gain in his first three rush steps.