Iowa Hawkeyes Duo Projected as First-Round NFL Draft Picks in 2027 Mock

Two Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linemen are projected to hear their names called in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft, according to the latest mock draft projections from Sporting News. The early forecast places Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck among the top 32 picks, a promising sign for Iowa football's continued pipeline of NFL-ready talent.

Kade Pieper Headed to Los Angeles Chargers

Sporting News projects Pieper, a 6-foot-3, 298-pound guard, to be selected 23rd overall by the Los Angeles Chargers. The mock draft notes that the Chargers will hope their starting tackles can stay healthy, allowing them to focus on adding a powerful, nimble run blocker like Pieper to their offensive line.

Trevor Lauck Could Replace a Legend in San Francisco

Lauck, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound tackle, is projected to go 25th overall to the San Francisco 49ers. According to the mock draft, the 49ers view Lauck as a powerful potential long-term successor to future Hall of Famer Trent Williams, who has anchored their offensive line for years.

Three Quarterbacks Headline the 2027 Draft Class

The mock draft projects three quarterbacks to be selected in the first round, led by Texas standout Arch Manning going No. 1 overall to the Cleveland Browns. Oregon's Dante Moore and Notre Dame's C.J. Carr are also projected as first-round picks.

Texas leads all programs with five projected first-round selections, while Notre Dame and Oregon each have three. Iowa's two projected picks tie the Hawkeyes with several other programs for the second-most among Big Ten schools.

What This Means for Iowa Football

For Iowa fans, the projections reinforce the program's reputation as a developmental powerhouse for offensive linemen. The Hawkeyes have consistently produced NFL-caliber linemen under head coach Kirk Ferentz, and these projections suggest that tradition will continue.

Both players will have the opportunity to improve their stock during the 2026 college football season, with the NFL Draft set to take place April 29, 2027, in Washington, D.C.

Full 2027 NFL Mock Draft First-Round Projections

Here is a look at the complete first-round projections from Sporting News:

1. Cleveland Browns: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
2. Miami Dolphins: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
3. Atlanta Falcons: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
4. New York Jets: C.J. Carr, QB, Notre Dame
5. Arizona Cardinals: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
6. Carolina Panthers: Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
7. Tennessee Titans: Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
8. Las Vegas Raiders: Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
9. New York Jets (from Colts): Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Stone, DT, Oklahoma
11. Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU
12. Washington Commanders: Tae Johnson, S, Notre Dame
13. New York Giants: Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss
14. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
15. New York Jets (from Cowboys): Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia
16. Detroit Lions: Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
17. Cincinnati Bengals: KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
18. Houston Texans: Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
19. New Orleans Saints: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
20. Jacksonville Jaguars: Justin Scott, DT, Miami
21. Denver Broncos: A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
22. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers): Trey'Dez Green, TE, LSU
23. Los Angeles Chargers: Kade Pieper, G, Iowa
24. New England Patriots: Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss
25. San Francisco 49ers: Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa
26. Philadelphia Eagles: Greg Johnson, G, Minnesota
27. Baltimore Ravens: Cayden Green, OT, Missouri
28. Seattle Seahawks: Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana
30. Chicago Bears: Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
31. Buffalo Bills: Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame
32. Cleveland Browns (from Rams): Will Heldt, EDGE, Clemson

The projections are subject to change as the college football season unfolds and players rise or fall based on performance, injuries, and team needs.