Iowa Football's NFL Draft Prospects Face Big Test Against Washington
The Iowa Hawkeyes face a quick turnaround after last week's loss to Ohio State, but Friday night's matchup against Washington offers a prime opportunity for three of the team's top NFL Draft prospects to bounce back on a national stage.
The game kicks off at 9:00 p.m. ET on Fox, giving Iowa fans and NFL scouts alike a chance to see how offensive tackle Trevor Lauck, guard Kade Pieper, and safety Zach Lutmer respond to adversity. All three are considered potential top 100 picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, according to draft analysts.
What happened to Iowa against Ohio State?
The Hawkeyes were humbled by the Buckeyes last week, leaving the team licking its wounds on a short week. How the trio of draft-eligible prospects responds will be a key storyline for Iowa fans watching at home and for the NFL scouts in attendance.
This is exactly the kind of test that separates draft risers from fallers. A strong performance against a quality Washington team would go a long way toward solidifying their stock.
Who is the Washington prospect to watch?
On the other side of the ball, Washington offensive tackle Drew Azzopardi is a prospect who may not be a top 100 pick but has the tools to make an NFL roster. Draft analysts are particularly interested in stacking Azzopardi's performance against last week's Friday night standout, Pitt's Ryan Baer.
For Iowa fans, this matchup is a chance to see their offensive line go head-to-head with a capable pass rusher in a prime-time setting.
What other NFL Draft prospects should Iowa fans watch in Week 6?
While the Iowa game is the local focus, several other matchups this weekend feature prospects worth monitoring.
Georgia at Alabama: The SEC showdown
The biggest game of the week features Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams against a Georgia secondary with cornerback Ellis Robinson IV and safety K.J. Bolden. Coleman-Williams dropped too many passes in 2025, but he appears to have fixed that issue so far this season.
Alabama edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre is also looking to make a statement after a quiet game last week. With the draft picture cloudy at the edge position behind Texas's Colin Simmons, Pierre has a chance to solidify himself as the second edge taken.
Red River Rivalry: Arch Manning under the microscope
Texas quarterback Arch Manning remains the consensus preseason top-rated quarterback, but he has yet to play like an elite prospect. The big question is whether he can string together four strong quarters and build consistency.
In the same game, Oklahoma defensive tackle David Stone is worth watching after dislocating a kneecap in practice but returning to play against Georgia just over a week later.
Other games to watch
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is back in practice after a concussion and should start against UCLA. The Bruins have two rising prospects in running back Wayne Knight and linebacker Sammy Omosigho.
Arkansas receiver Chris Marshall, a Boise State transfer, has 35 catches this year and will be tested against Tennessee.
What about the small school prospects?
For fans of Iowa's FCS teams, Montana at Northern Arizona features two prospects: Montana running back Eli Gillman and Northern Arizona quarterback Ty Pennington.
North Dakota offensive tackle Trace Thaden, a Shrine Bowl 1,000 Watch List prospect, faces a road test at Northern Iowa at 5:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
Frequently asked questions about the 2027 NFL Draft
When is the 2027 NFL Draft?
The 2027 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in late April 2027. The exact dates and location have not yet been announced by the NFL.
Which Iowa players could be drafted in 2027?
Offensive tackle Trevor Lauck, guard Kade Pieper, and safety Zach Lutmer are all considered potential top 100 picks. Their performance in the second half of the season will be critical to their final draft stock.
Is Arch Manning still the top quarterback prospect?
Manning entered the season as the consensus top-rated quarterback, but consistency issues have raised concerns. He still has time to reclaim that status with strong performances down the stretch.
The NFL Draft picture is always shifting, and injuries are playing a part this season. Friday night's game against Washington gives Iowa's prospects a chance to make a statement, and fans should keep a close eye on how they respond.