Iowa's Trevor Lauck Cracks Top 30 in Early 2027 NFL Draft Big Board
The 2027 NFL Draft is still nearly two years away, but the first big board of the cycle is out, and it includes a familiar name for Iowa Hawkeyes fans. Offensive tackle Trevor Lauck has landed at No. 29 in an initial ranking of the top 30 prospects, a recognition of his standout first season as a starter in Iowa City.
Lauck anchored the left side of an offensive line that won the prestigious Joe Moore Award in 2025, given to the best offensive line in college football. According to the scouting report, Lauck did not allow a single sack in his first extended action as a starter, a remarkable feat for a player still early in his development.
What makes Lauck a first-round caliber prospect?
At 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, Lauck has the prototypical size NFL scouts look for in a left tackle. The report highlights his advanced technique, noting that his pass-protection skills are already polished for a player with his limited experience. His high floor makes him an easy prospect to appreciate, even if he is not yet a dominant run blocker.
Scouts note that Lauck can get a little high in his pass sets, especially as games wear on, and he is not yet a people mover in the running game. However, his ability to keep quarterbacks clean and his steady, reliable play have clearly caught the attention of draft evaluators.
Ohio State receiver headlines the 2027 class
Topping the list is Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who is being compared to Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Johnson. Smith is described as one of the best non-quarterback prospects to enter the draft in years, with ideal size, speed, and polish for the position.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning, the nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, comes in at No. 4. The report notes that Manning's ranking is partly due to his famous last name and excellent physical traits, but he showed significant improvement in the second half of last season, including a strong bowl performance against Michigan.
Iowa's offensive line tradition continues
Lauck's inclusion on this list is a testament to Iowa's continued success in developing NFL-caliber offensive linemen. The Hawkeyes have a long history of sending big men to the pros, and Lauck appears to be the next in that proud tradition.
With the entire starting offensive line returning from last year's Joe Moore Award-winning unit, Iowa is poised for another strong season up front. Lauck's development will be a key storyline to watch as the Hawkeyes look to build on their recent success.
The 2027 draft class is shaping up to be deep at several positions, including wide receiver, cornerback, and edge rusher. For Iowa fans, the focus will be on Lauck and whether he can build on his breakout season and potentially become the first Hawkeye taken in the first round since Tristan Wirfs in 2020.
Full top 10 of the initial 2027 big board
- Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
- Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
- Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
- Arch Manning, QB, Texas
- Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina
- Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas
- Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
- Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss
- Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
- Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia
As the college football season kicks off, these rankings will certainly shift. But for now, Iowa fans have a reason to be excited about their left tackle's NFL future.