The 2027 NFL Draft feels like forever away, and we’re all caught up in the start of the NFL season. Regardless, it’s never too early to look ahead to the Draft. This weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2027 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. Today our profile will focus on Iowa Hawkeyes offensive tackle Trevor Lauck.
Bio
Lauck (6’5”, 315 lbs.) was a three
time all-state player in Indianapolis on both sides of the ball in high school. Earning a four star ranking while also playing basketball and throwing shotput, he committed to Iowa over powerhouse schools like Michigan and Ohio State. Lauck didn’t earn much playing time until 2025 when he won the starting left tackle job after a couple years of backup duty. He started all 13 games for Iowa that year, allowing zero sacks and just six pressures. He was rewarded with a Third Team All-Big Ten selection. So far this season, he has started all nine games so far for the Hawkeyes. He’s been rock solid, only allowing five pressures and one sack while earning a PFF grade of 80.7 overall.
Strengths/Weaknesses
Lauck’s technique is surprisingly good for his level of starting experience. He has advanced hand placement, strong punches, balanced mirroring, and excellent footwork. By the time the Draft rolls around, he’ll have two full seasons of left tackle starting experience, more than most other highly ranked tackles. His stunt and twist recognition is up to Iowa’s usual impressive standards, showing a level of coachability.
In order to be as effective as he is, Lauck has to have that good technique because his physical abilities aren’t wowing anyone. He has average foot speed, so wide rushers are able to really test him on outside rushes. He also lacks the elite left tackle length the NFL looks for, so some teams might want to push him inside to guard.
Projection
Lauck is your typical Iowa offensive lineman. He’s big, strong, skilled in run and pass blocking, and very smart. He has plenty of starting experience on the blindside, rarely making mistakes (flagged just three times this season). While he already has a lot of veteran savvy at such a young age, his physical limitations will make it unlikely he ends up as an elite blindside protector. At this point, though, I doubt Bryce Young and the Panthers would turn their noses up at “good but not elite” protection. Rasheed Walker has been not good, and we still don’t know if/when Icky Ekwonu will return to the lineup. If the Panthers are concerned about Lauck’s length on the outside, they need help at guard as well. Lauck has shown the coachability to be able to pick up the nuances of the interior relatively quickly.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Trevor Lauck is available when the Panthers select in the 2027 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!
