Iowa's Kade Pieper, Trevor Lauck Crack NFL Draft Top 100 Rankings
Two Iowa offensive linemen are generating serious NFL buzz ahead of the 2027 draft, with Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck both landing spots in CBS Sports' preseason top 100 prospect rankings released this week.
Pieper, who anchored the Hawkeyes' offensive line at guard last season, checks in at No. 16 overall. CBS Sports draft analyst Chris Renner called him one of the most athletic offensive linemen he has ever scouted, projecting him as a future NFL center.
Lauck follows closely at No. 35, with Renner praising his exceptional hand technique and predicting both Iowa starters could be drafted higher than the three Hawkeyes linemen selected this past spring.
Hawkeyes well represented in 2027 draft class
Iowa's presence in the rankings extends beyond the offensive line. Safety Zach Lutmer also made the list at No. 72, giving the Hawkeyes three players among the top 100 prospects for next year's draft.
Renner's analysis suggests Iowa's offensive line pipeline remains among the best in the nation. The Hawkeyes had three offensive linemen drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, and the early returns on this year's group suggest that trend could continue.
Quarterback class headlines loaded 2027 draft
Texas quarterback Arch Manning tops the overall rankings, with Renner noting the 2027 class could rival the legendary 2021 and 2011 draft classes for first-round talent.
Unlike the 2026 draft, this year's elite prospects are concentrated at high-value positions. Renner predicts receiver, edge rusher, offensive tackle, and quarterback could be the only positions selected in the top 10 next April.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith sits at No. 2 with a realistic shot to become the first receiver drafted first overall since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996.
NIL money affecting draft decisions
The rankings arrive amid growing questions about how Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are reshaping draft decisions. Renner noted that NIL money is convincing more top prospects to return to school rather than declare early for the NFL.
Several players in the top 20, including Oregon quarterback Dante Moore and Minnesota guard Greg Johnson, opted to return for another college season despite being projected as first-round picks last spring.
What this means for Iowa football fans
For Iowa fans, the rankings reinforce the program's reputation as a developmental powerhouse on the offensive line. Pieper and Lauck's presence in the top 35 signals the Hawkeyes should again be a factor in the NFL Draft conversation next spring.
The Hawkeyes open their 2026 season looking to build on last year's performance, with the offensive line expected to be a team strength once again.
Frequently asked questions about the 2027 NFL Draft
Who is the top prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft class?
Texas quarterback Arch Manning is ranked No. 1 overall in CBS Sports' preseason top 100, with analysts projecting the 2027 class to rival some of the best first rounds in recent memory.
How many Iowa players are in the top 100?
Three Iowa Hawkeyes made the list: offensive linemen Kade Pieper (No. 16) and Trevor Lauck (No. 35), along with safety Zach Lutmer (No. 72).
When is the 2027 NFL Draft?
The 2027 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2027, with the exact dates and location to be announced by the league.
Photo: CBS Sports