Iowa football talent going in first round of PFF 2027 NFL mock draft

TL;DR

Kade Pieper from Iowa is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL mock draft by Pro Football Focus. He is expected to transition from guard to center for the Hawkeyes this season.

Key points

Kade Pieper is projected as a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Logan Jones was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2026.
Gennings Dunker was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mentioned in this story

Kade PieperLogan JonesGennings DunkerBeau Stephens

Iowa HawkeyesChicago BearsPittsburgh SteelersSeattle Seahawks

Could a reunion for two Iowa Hawkeyes linemen next year? The 2026 NFL Draft saw Logan Jones, Iowa's highly decorated All-American center, go to the Chicago Bears, where he figures to have an opportunity to earn the starting job and be yet another talent pumped out of the Iowa offensive line factory.

Along with Jones, Gennings Dunker and Beau Stephens are each headed to NFL homes. Dunker was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, which is turning into an Iowa pipeline of talent, while Stephens went to Seattle, where he will reunite with Mason Richman, another Iowa Hawkeye.

With that talent departing, some may wonder if Iowa has NFL-ready talent on the roster. The short answer is a very easy yes. Kade Pieper, the Nebraska native, is getting attention with an appearance in the first round of Pro Football Focus' way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft, where he would join Logan Jones in Chicago.

16. Chicago Bears: IOL Kade Pieper, Iowa

The Bears selected Iowa center Logan Jones with the 57th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Pieper will transition from guard to replace Jones at center this season for the Hawkeyes, and if his form carries over, there is no reason he will not be the first interior offensive lineman selected next year. The bulldozing run-blocking style of these Iowa offensive linemen could remind Ben Johnson of players like Frank Ragnow in .

Q&A

Who is Kade Pieper and why is he projected as a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft?

Kade Pieper is an Iowa offensive lineman who is gaining attention for his potential to be the first interior offensive lineman selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Which NFL teams have drafted Iowa players in recent drafts?

In recent drafts, the Chicago Bears selected Logan Jones, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Gennings Dunker, and the Seattle Seahawks picked Beau Stephens.

What position will Kade Pieper play for Iowa this season?

Kade Pieper will transition from guard to center for the Iowa Hawkeyes this season.