Iowa hasn't had a first-round NFL draft pick since 2023 when Lukas Van Ness and Jack Campbell both heard their name called. That could change next year.
The Hawkeyes have a few highly talented NFL prospects on this year's roster, specifically up front on the offensive line. Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck have been named to numerous preseason All-American and All-Conference teams. The consensus is that both guys have a future in the NFL.
ESPN took that one step further.
ESPN's Jordan Reid released his preseason 2027 first-round NFL mock draft on Thursday. Reid projects both Pieper and Lauck as first-round picks. Interestingly, he has the duo landing in the same division, too.
Pieper went off the board first, landing with the Los Angeles Chargers at
the No. 25 pick:
"The Chargers' interior offensive line options were underwhelming even before center Tyler Biadasz had a season-ending ACL injury in camp. While hopes are high for recent second-round pick Jake Slaughter, Los Angeles should continue to devote resources to the interior line. Pieper is my top-rated interior lineman. While he has played guard exclusively in college, he's transitioning to center this season. That positional flexibility will boost his stock, and Pieper's excellent lateral movement makes him a picture-perfect fit in Mike McDaniel's scheme."
One pick later, Reid has Lauck joining Pieper in the AFC West. He's predicting the Kansas City Chiefs to draft Lauck with the 26th pick:
"We'll continue the Hawkeyes' offensive line run with Lauck, who is a steady tackle who simply finds ways to piece together wins in games. While he doesn't have the same physical traits or movement skills of other top tackles in this class, he's a consistent presence. Lauck plays left tackle at Iowa, but I believe he will transition to the right side in the NFL. Kansas City is searching for a long-term solution at that position after the Jawaan Taylor signing didn't work out, so Lauck could be a great fit."
Pieper and Lauck will be the anchors of Iowa's offensive line this season. Another strong season for the pair could end with both of them hearing their name called early in the 2027 NFL Draft.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: ESPN features Iowa football duo in 2027 NFL first-round mock draft
