The 2026 college football season kicks off this weekend, and while Iowa fans have their eyes on the Hawkeyes' schedule, the 2027 NFL Draft is already shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich in years. From a generational wide receiver to a loaded quarterback class that includes Arch Manning, the next draft cycle promises plenty of excitement for football fans across the state.
For Iowa specifically, the offensive line class offers particular intrigue, with two Hawkeyes projected as early-round picks.
Who are the top quarterback prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft?
The 2027 quarterback class is generating serious buzz, led by a trio of signal callers who all project as top-10 picks on most draft boards.
Oregon's Dante Moore, Texas' Arch Manning, and Notre Dame's CJ Carr headline the group. Miami's Darian Mensah isn't far behind, and scouts are also keeping a close eye on South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, Mississippi's Trinidad Chambliss, and Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker as potential first-round talents.
North Carolina State's CJ Bailey could climb into the top 20 with continued development, while Florida Atlantic's Caden Veltkamp is the sleeper name to watch for teams looking for value later in the draft.
The position offers quality at the top and depth through the middle part of Day 3, so make sure you look past the big names everyone will be mentioning each weekend.
How does Jeremiah Smith compare to past NFL Draft receiver prospects?
While the quarterbacks will dominate headlines, the receiver position may hold the best overall talent in the 2027 class.
Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith is drawing comparisons to Calvin Johnson, widely considered one of the greatest receiver prospects in NFL history. Scouts believe Smith will be the highest-rated player in the entire draft, regardless of position.
Yet Smith may not be the first, second, or even third player selected because of the strength of the quarterback class. That creates an unusual situation where the draft's best player could fall to a team picking later in the top five.
Texas receiver Cam Coleman, who transferred from Auburn, is expected to be the second wideout drafted and would have graded higher than any receiver selected in the 2026 draft. Indiana's Charlie Becker, Alabama's Ryan Coleman-Williams, and Texas A&M's Mario Craver round out a deep top tier.
Which Iowa State and Iowa players are NFL Draft prospects?
Iowa fans have plenty of reasons to watch the offensive line this season. Hawkeyes tackle Trevor Lauck is projected as a first-round left tackle, and teammate Kade Pieper is considered the best center in the class with a late-first-round grade.
The tight end position also features some familiar names for Iowa football followers. Ben Brahmer, who spent three years at Iowa State before transferring to Penn State, carries a second-round grade. Luke Reynolds went the other direction, transferring from Penn State to Iowa State, and also projects as a second-round pick.
What makes the 2027 running back class special?
The past two drafts each featured multiple running backs selected in the first round, and that streak should continue in 2027.
Mississippi's Kewan Lacy is the headliner, a complete player who excels running, catching, and blocking. Scouts already grade him higher than Ashton Jeanty, last year's Heisman Trophy runner-up who went in the top six picks.
Florida's Jadan Baugh also projects as a first-rounder, while Miami's Mark Fletcher Jr., Louisville's Isaac Brown, Missouri's Ahmad Hardy, and Georgia Tech's Justice Haynes all carry second-round grades.
How deep is the 2027 offensive line class?
The offensive tackle group looks particularly strong, with LSU's Jordan Seaton, Texas' Trevor Goosby, and Iowa's Trevor Lauck all projected as first-round left tackles.
The top guards in the class are likely to be college tackles who move inside at the next level. Ohio State's Austin Siereveld is highly rated after two successful seasons at tackle, while Indiana's Carter Smith and Missouri's Cayden Green will also get consideration at guard. Both grade as day-two prospects.
What should Iowa fans watch for this season?
With Lauck and Pieper anchoring the Hawkeyes' offensive line, Iowa's ground game should remain a strength. The 2027 draft class offers plenty of local storylines, from the Hawkeyes' linemen to the transfer portal movement involving Iowa State tight ends.
As the college football season unfolds, these prospects will have every opportunity to improve their stock. For Iowa fans, the 2027 NFL Draft could feature more home-state talent than any draft in recent memory.