A recent FOX Sports article ranked the Top 150 Draft prospects, and Iowa’s Max Llewellyn may end up as one of the “sleeper’ prospects in this year’s deep EDGE Draft class. Find out what Lewellyn’s scouting report indicates.
Max Llewellyn 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Measurables:
Height: 6’5 5/8”
Weight: 258 lbs.
Position: EDGE
School: Iowa
Background:
According to FOX Sports, “A better football player than athlete who wins with instincts, physicality and technique, don’t be surprised when Llewellyn outplays his draft slot.”
An Iowa native, Llewellyn played both defensive end and tight end for Urbandale High School. Named a team captain in his senior year, he was one of the standouts, recording 13 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, plus 13 receptions for 278 yards. His dual-position talent earned him recognition on the Des Moines Register’s All-State team and First-Team All-State.
As a red-shirted freshman, Llewellyn did not take the field in his first year. However, he had a breakout year in 2024 in a limited role. Playing 290 snaps, he recorded 22 tackles, 8 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, three passes defended, and a forced fumble. As a result, he was given a full-time role in 2025 and started all 13 games. Llewellyn posted 26 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, a team-leading eight quarterback pressures, five PBUs, and two forced fumbles.
That season, Iowa ranked among the nation’s top defenses, charting eighth in scoring defense (15.6 points per game), ninth in total defense, and tenth in passing defense. Llewellyn earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors and Iowa’s defensive Hustle Award.
The NFL Combine:
Scoring a modest 67 on his Production Score, a 68 for Athleticism, and a 67 Total, Llewellyn recorded a 4.81 in his 40-yard dash, a 32.5” vertical jump, and a 9’7″ broad jump. NFL Analyst Lance Zierlein concluded that while “he lacks explosiveness as a pass rusher,” he has a “variety of rush plans and moves that can create opportunities inside the pocket.”
Strengths:
- Impressive spin moves
- Initial first-step burst
- High motor
- Arsenal of rush moves and counters to create opportunities
- Durable athlete who started every game
- Quick swiping hands
- Plays into gaps well with decisive forward movement
Weaknesses:
- Lacks play and anchor strength
- Inconsistent run defense
- Lack of knee bend
- Inconsistent contact balance
- Better when his feet stay active
- Lacks explosiveness as a pass rusher
Best fits:
Llewellyn is best suited to a 4-3 defense. The Washington Commanders, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers are teams where he could fit best.
Last Word on Max Llewellyn:
LWOS NFL Draft Big Board has Llewellyn listed as pick number 187. Most projections have him listed as a solid Day 3 prospect. and being taken off the board between the 4th and sixth round. But the consensus opinion seems to be that he is an underrated talent with a higher ceiling.
Here’s where things get more interesting for Llewellyn. NFL Draft Buzz noted that, “When everything clicks, he looks like a legitimate NFL starter: the first step is violent, the spin move is filthy, and he chains rush moves together with a fluidity that most Day 3 edge rushers simply cannot replicate. His 2024 tape, even in limited snaps, was one of the most impressive part-time work from any edge rusher in college football. “
If given the proper training and time to develop, Max Llewellyn could well become one of this season’s sleeper prospects.
