An in-state recruit who never left Iowa, Aaron Graves developed into a second-team All-Big Ten defensive lineman before signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent.
Aaron Graves grew up in Gowrie, Iowa and stuck with his home-state Hawkeyes for four seasons, developing from a rotational piece into one of the Big Ten's more productive defensive linemen. After going unselected in the 2026 NFL Draft, he signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent.
Path to the league
Graves was a highly touted in-state prospect out of Southeast Valley High School in Gowrie, Iowa, and committed to the Hawkeyes early without wavering. He played for Iowa from 2022 through 2025, appearing in 52 games with 26 starts, before signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent on April 26, 2026.
Career highlights
Over his Iowa career, Graves piled up 25 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception, production that made him one of the more disruptive defensive linemen in the Big Ten by his senior year. He capped his college run with second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2025.
2025 season recap
Graves earned second-team All-Big Ten recognition in his final season at Iowa, continuing to anchor a Hawkeyes defensive front that leaned on his combination of size and pass-rush ability. His steady four-year climb from part-time contributor to conference honoree helped him land a free-agent deal with Baltimore.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Aaron Graves
- ESPN: Aaron Graves
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Defensive Tackle
- Group
- defense
- College
- Iowa
- Hometown
- Dayton, IA, USA
- Age
- 23
- Status
- active
