This is a preview from our Rookie Guide. Get yours today.
Kaden Wetjen
Bio
- Hometown: Williamsburg, IA
- School: Iowa
- Year: R-Senior
Measurables
- Height: 5-9
- Weight: 195
Scouting Report
Kaden Wetjen is the personification of Iowa football. Wetjen started his career in 2021 as a zero-star recruit at Iowa Western Community College, helping the team to an NJCAA championship appearance. He walked on at Iowa, redshirting in 2022 before taking over return duties in 2023. He blossomed in 2024, leading the NCAA in total kick and punt return yards. In 2025, he broke Tim Dwight's school record for return touchdowns. He won the Jet Award as the nation's top returner, earning first-team All-America and All-Big Ten honors in both 2024 and 2025. Wetjen's offensive contributions have been limited to gadget plays, though he saw occasional slot usage in 2025. Wetjen's separation has generated buzz at Shrine Bowl practices.
Wetjen runs low to the ground with exceptional quickness, like a running back with the ball in his hands. His lack of offensive involvement is more about Iowa's offense than his skill set. It is easy to imagine him as an Air Raid slot receiver who dominates underneath. As NFL offenses trend more toward two-tight-end looks and lower passing volume, his likely role is as a gadget player, but he should be valued highly in return leagues.
Rundown
Wetjen is one of the most decorated special teams players in NCAA history. A former high school running back and defensive back, he has elite quickness and could develop as a slot receiver.
Player Comp
Wes Welker
NFL Range of Outcomes
Special Teamer to Average Starter
For more information on Kaden Wetjen and the rest of the 2026 rookie class, get our Rookie Guide today! And come back to this page after the NFL Combine and NFL Draft for updated information!
Follow @DaveKluge Follow @4whomjbelltolls Follow @ffmikekash Follow @Footballguys
