Iowa's Kade Pieper Highlights Top 2027 NFL Draft Interior O-Line Prospects
As the 2026 college football season approaches, interior offensive linemen are emerging as key prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft. Among the top names generating buzz is Iowa's own Kade Pieper, a right guard whose speed and agility have scouts paying close attention. While offensive tackles grab the headlines, games are won in the trenches, and this year's class features several dominant interior players from the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12.
Who is Iowa's Kade Pieper and Why is He a Top NFL Prospect?
Kade Pieper stands out on this list not because of his size, but because of what he does with it. At 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, Pieper is smaller than most elite interior linemen, but his sheer speed and athleticism make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Playing right guard for Iowa in 2025, he gave up just one sack and 10 pressures all season. Those numbers earned him PFF First-Team All-American honors and a Third-Team All-Big Ten selection from the media.
Pieper was a three-star recruit out of high school, where he served as a team captain and lettered in basketball and track. His raw strength was on full display when he won the Class C state title in shot put. That multi-sport background translates to the football field, where his ability to move in zone schemes and cover ground in pass protection sets him apart from bigger, slower linemen.
Scouts note that Pieper's hands reset during reps to help him counter stronger defenders, a technical skill that shows his football IQ. His smaller frame can be a disadvantage against massive defensive tackles, but his film shows a player who maximizes every ounce of his ability. If Pieper adds strength and continues to develop, he could climb even higher on draft boards by 2027.
Which Other Interior Linemen Rank Among the Top 5?
1. Greg Johnson, Minnesota
At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Greg Johnson is a physical specimen who has been a mainstay at Minnesota. He started all 13 games in 2025, showing versatility by playing guard and both tackle spots. Johnson gave up just three sacks and 10 pressures, earning an All-Big Ten honorable mention. His hand placement in pass protection and his range in the run game make him a complete prospect. As a taller lineman, he needs to improve his pad level and flexibility, but his combination of size and control is hard to ignore.
2. Austin Sierevald, Ohio State
Austin Sierevald gave up zero sacks while playing left tackle for Ohio State in 2025, earning Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. At 6-foot-5 and 327 pounds, he is expected to move inside for the 2026 season, a switch that could unlock his full potential. His lateral agility and flexibility make him a natural fit for zone schemes, and his ability to mirror defenders and pick up stunts will serve him well at guard. The Ohio native was a four-star recruit who chose to stay home, and his loyalty and development have paid off.
3. Evan Tengesdahl, Cincinnati
Evan Tengesdahl is 6-foot-3 and 323 pounds with the length and power to dominate at left guard. He allowed zero sacks and 11 pressures in 2025, a performance that earned him AP Third-Team All-American, All-Big 12 Second Team, and PFF All-Big 12 honors. His run blocking is his calling card, as he climbs to the second level with surprising ease for his size. He operates effectively in both zone and gap schemes, and his elite hand placement and strong lower body make him difficult to move in pass protection. Improving his pad height and speed will be key to his NFL ceiling.
5. Braelin Moore, LSU
Braelin Moore is the only true center on this list. At 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds, he transferred from Virginia Tech to LSU before the 2025 season and has started 24 games at center over the past two years. Moore earned SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance against Clemson in Week 1. He excels at handling stunts, helping his guards, and driving his feet through contact. His lateral agility allows him to reach blocks consistently, though he needs to add strength to open running lanes more effectively.
Which Prospect Could Make the Biggest Jump in 2026?
Malachi Breland from Arkansas earns an honorable mention as a player with the potential to make major strides. The 6-foot-5, 340-pound guard transferred from Memphis, where he gave up one sack and 14 pressures in 2025. Breland's natural strength and size make him nearly impossible to move, and he plays with a physical edge that scouts love. His hand strength consistently stands out on film. If he improves his agility and range, Breland could become one of the most intriguing interior line prospects in the 2027 class.
What Does This Mean for Iowa Football's NFL Pipeline?
Iowa has long been known for developing offensive linemen, and Kade Pieper's emergence as a top NFL prospect continues that tradition. The Hawkeyes' emphasis on fundamentals, physicality, and technique has produced NFL-caliber linemen year after year. For Iowa fans, watching Pieper develop during the 2026 season will be a major storyline, as his performance could solidify his status as a high-round draft pick. With the Big Ten continuing to grow in size and competition, Iowa's ability to produce elite trench players remains a competitive advantage that keeps the program relevant on the national stage.
FAQ
Where is Iowa's Kade Pieper ranked among 2027 NFL Draft interior linemen?
Kade Pieper is ranked fourth among the top interior offensive linemen heading into the 2026 college football season, according to recent prospect evaluations.
How many sacks did Kade Pieper allow in 2025?
Kade Pieper allowed one sack and 10 pressures while playing right guard for Iowa during the 2025 season.
Who is the top-ranked interior offensive lineman for the 2027 NFL Draft?
Greg Johnson from Minnesota currently ranks as the top interior offensive lineman prospect heading into the 2026 college football season.