Iowa Hawkeyes' Trevor Lauck, Kade Pieper crack top 100 in early 2027 NFL Draft big board

As the college football season kicks off, NFL scouts are already looking ahead to the 2027 draft class. Two Iowa Hawkeyes have landed on the early big board of the top 100 prospects, giving Hawkeye fans reason to watch the offensive line closely this fall.

Trevor Lauck, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive tackle, comes in at No. 21 overall, while teammate Kade Pieper, a 6-foot-3, 298-pound guard, checks in at No. 24. Both are projected as potential first-three-round picks when the draft takes place April 29 through May 1 in Washington, D.C.

Who are the top 2027 NFL Draft prospects from Iowa?

Lauck is described as a well-rounded blocker with powerful hands and legs that he uses to win most battles in the trenches. Pieper is praised for his blend of power and nimble feet, making him a key piece of Iowa's offensive line.

Another Hawkeye, cornerback Zach Lutmer, also made the list at No. 32. Lutmer, a 6-foot, 205-pound defensive back, is drawing comparisons to former Iowa standout Cooper DeJean for his versatility as a safety hybrid and playmaking ability in the nickel role.

Who tops the early 2027 NFL Draft big board?

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith leads the list, followed by Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore, Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons, and Oregon quarterback Dante Moore rounding out the top five.

Manning, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, is projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick with his complete arm and athletic package. The Longhorns also boast several other top prospects, including wide receiver Cam Coleman (No. 7), offensive tackle Trevor Goosby (No. 8), and offensive tackle Melvin Siani (No. 90).

How do Iowa's prospects compare to other Big Ten players?

Iowa's Lauck and Pieper rank among the top offensive linemen in the Big Ten. Minnesota guard Greg Johnson (No. 27) and Indiana offensive tackle Carter Smith (No. 19) are also highly rated. Indiana wide receivers Charlie Becker (No. 17) and Nick Marsh (No. 25) round out the conference's early standouts.

What positions dominate the 2027 draft class?

Wide receivers, cornerbacks, and edge rushers dominate the top of the board, as is typical in modern NFL drafts. Quarterbacks are also well represented, with Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Notre Dame's C.J. Carr (No. 11), and Ohio State's Julian Sayin (No. 31) all earning early looks.

Iowa's strength on the offensive line and in the secondary positions the Hawkeyes well for future NFL success, continuing the program's tradition of developing pro-ready talent.

2027 NFL Draft: What should Iowa fans watch for this season?

Hawkeye fans should keep an eye on Lauck and Pieper as they anchor the offensive line, while Lutmer's versatility in the secondary could make him a riser as the season progresses. With the draft set for Washington, D.C., next spring, Iowa's prospects have a chance to solidify their stock and potentially become first-round picks.

For now, the early big board offers a glimpse of the talent that will shape the 2027 NFL Draft, and Iowa is well represented among the nation's best.