2027 NFL Mock Draft: Iowa Star Kade Pieper Goes Round 1
Iowa Hawkeyes center Kade Pieper is officially on the NFL radar. A newly released 2027 NFL mock draft projects Pieper as a first-round selection, heading to the Baltimore Ravens at pick No. 29. The mock draft also highlights several high-profile quarterbacks and Big Ten standouts, with Oregon's Dante Moore predicted to go No. 1 overall to the Arizona Cardinals.
Where Does Iowa Center Kade Pieper Land?
The Baltimore Ravens are always looking to add physical, reliable offensive linemen to their run-heavy scheme. Kade Pieper fits that mold perfectly. Iowa has a long history of producing tough, fundamentally sound linemen, and Pieper is the latest example. He is a force who excels in both run blocking and pass protection. Baltimore needs linemen who can adapt on the fly to protect their mobile quarterback, and Pieper brings the kind of grit and intelligence that wins games in December.
Big Ten Stars Shine In Early First Round
The Big Ten is well represented in the first round of this projection. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is projected at No. 2 to the Miami Dolphins. Smith has already proven himself with a national championship, totaling 163 catches for 2,558 yards and 27 touchdowns in his first two collegiate seasons. He is a fluid, explosive playmaker who looks born to be a top target in the NFL.
Ohio State guard Austin Siereveld is also projected in the first round, landing at No. 14 with the New York Jets. At 6'5'' and 325 pounds, Siereveld brings overwhelming power and a tough, gritty play style that NFL scouts love. He is a born displacer in the run game with elite contact authority.
Quarterbacks Dominate The Top Of The Board
Quarterbacks always dominate the top of the draft, and 2027 is no different. Dante Moore takes the top spot after returning to Oregon to prove himself. He showed great growth last season, reading defenses well and making plays with both his arm and his legs.
Arch Manning from Texas is projected at No. 3 to the New York Jets. Manning has elite arm talent and showed major improvement in 2026. The Pittsburgh Steelers also make a splash in this mock draft, trading up to No. 12 for Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker. Mestemaker threw for an FBS-leading 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns last season, proving he can lead an offense. Finally, the Cleveland Browns close out the first round by taking Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey at No. 32, hoping he can bring stability to their roster as an elite pocket passer.
Hard Work Pays Off For Returning College Stars
One encouraging trend in this mock draft is the reward for patience. Several top prospects chose to return to school instead of entering the draft early. Moore went back to Oregon to prove he can win important games. Miami defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. returned to prove he could lead the defensive line without sharing the spotlight. Arkansas edge rusher Quincy Rhodes Jr. went back to school to improve his first-round stock.
Their decisions reflect a strong work ethic and a commitment to finishing the job. Rather than chasing quick payouts, these players chose to develop their skills and earn their draft stock the hard way. That kind of dedication resonates with football fans who value hard work and personal responsibility.
Who are the top quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft?
The top quarterbacks projected for the 2027 NFL Draft include Dante Moore from Oregon, Arch Manning from Texas, Drew Mestemaker from Oklahoma State, and Drake Lindsey from Minnesota. Moore and Manning are expected to compete for the No. 1 overall pick.
Which Iowa players are projected in the 2027 NFL Draft?
Iowa center Kade Pieper is the standout Hawkeye in the current 2027 NFL mock draft, projected as the No. 29 overall pick to the Baltimore Ravens. Pieper is recognized for his fundamental soundness and physical play style.