Iowa's Kade Pieper Ranked Top Interior OL for 2027 NFL Draft
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kade Pieper leads the summer scouting rankings for interior offensive linemen heading into the 2027 NFL Draft. In a recent evaluation of the top prospects, Yahoo Sports reviewed 11 interior linemen and placed Pieper at the very top of the list, projecting him as a potential first-round selection if he declares for the draft.
Why Kade Pieper Leads the Pack
For Iowa fans, dominant offensive line play is a staple of the program. Pieper represents the latest product of that blue-collar, hard-nosed tradition. According to summer scouting reports, his combination of size, technique, and football IQ makes him a standout in this class.
“Pieper is a really fun offensive lineman prospect for the upcoming college football season. He has some serious potential to be the top-drafted guard in the 2027 NFL Draft if he declares.”
That projection places Pieper ahead of some highly touted names from programs across the country. If he continues his upward trajectory through the fall, he could solidify himself as a foundational piece for an NFL franchise.
Who Are the Other Top Contenders?
While Pieper holds the top spot, the rest of the top ten features a mix of reliable veterans and high-upside projects. Here is how the rest of the interior offensive line class stacks up this summer:
- 2) Greg Johnson, Minnesota: Scouts view Johnson as a reliable prospect who could become a day one starter in the NFL and a plus starter within two years.
- 3) Evan Tengesdahl, Cincinnati: A dependable piece for the Bearcats, Tengesdahl excels at establishing a pocket in pass protection and acts as a bulldozer in the run game.
- 4) Iapani Laloulu, Oregon: Despite lacking ideal size on paper, Laloulu commands attention with his impressive athleticism and raw power.
- 5) Cash Cleveland, Texas Tech: Cleveland lacks extensive college experience, but his decent athleticism and good technique make him an easy plug for an offensive line needing depth.
- 6) Collin Sadler, Clemson: Sadler flashes brilliance working the middle of the Clemson line, though scouts note he remains a work in progress.
- 7) Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame: Making the transition from tackle to guard in 2026, Knapp shows promise handling bull rushers with excellent balance and anchor strength.
- 8) Braelin Moore, LSU: Moore plays center with a noticeable edge. He compensates for average size with exceptional strength, agility, and balance.
- 9) Coen Echols, Texas A&M: Echols needs refinement, but he possesses the physical traits and chippiness that NFL scouts covet in interior linemen.
- 10) Coleton Price, Kentucky: Price may not wow observers, but he is highly efficient. He proved his capability in both pass protection and run blocking during his time at Baylor.
What Does This Mean for Iowa Football?
Having the top-rated interior offensive lineman in the country is a massive point of pride for the Hawkeyes. It validates the coaching staff's ability to develop high-level talent in the trenches. For a program that prides itself on physicality and controlling the line of scrimmage, Pieper's dominance sets the tone for the upcoming season.
From a broader perspective, Pieper's success on the national stage brings valuable attention to the program. NFL scouts will flock to Iowa City this fall, and that visibility often benefits other underrated prospects on the roster. Keeping Pieper healthy and productive will be a priority as the Hawkeyes look to establish their identity early in the season.
How Does the 2027 Interior OL Class Stack Up?
The 2027 interior offensive line class offers solid depth but lacks overwhelming star power beyond the top tier. Kade Pieper stands out as the clear leader, while the rest of the group shows promise but needs to prove consistency during the fall season.
Can Kade Pieper Be the First Guard Drafted in 2027?
Yes. According to summer scouting reports, Pieper has the potential to be the top-drafted guard in the 2027 NFL Draft if he chooses to declare, provided he maintains his current level of play through the fall.
Which Interior OL Prospects Have the Most Upside?
Beyond Pieper, prospects like Cash Cleveland from Texas Tech and Anthonie Knapp from Notre Dame offer high upside. Cleveland has limited experience but strong technique, while Knapp brings valuable tackle experience to the guard position.