After earning a starting spot last season, Kade Pieper has quickly become a name to watch in NFL Draft circles.
There were rumors that Pieper would leave Iowa early to enter the NFL Draft, but he never seriously entertained that idea and announced very quickly that he would return next season.
In his first year as a starter in 2025, Pieper started all 13 games for the Hawkeyes at right guard and was named an All-American and an All-Big Ten Third Team selection by the media.
Even though he was a starter at right guard last season, Pieper could move to center this season, and his versatility is one of the many reasons he continues shooting up draft boards.
PFF has Pieper as their highest-ranked interior OL in the 2027 NFL Draft
Whether Pieper starts at right guard or center, there is no doubt that he is one of the top 2027 NFL Draft prospects if he declares.
There is no guarantee he will leave the program after his junior year in 2026, but if he does, Pro Football Focus is extremely high on him.
The best interior offensive linemen in the upcoming 2027 NFL Draft class 🧱 pic.twitter.com/2ECar9NDzZ
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 2, 2026
PFF College has Pieper as their best interior offensive lineman heading into next season, projecting him to be the first taken in the 2027 NFL Draft.
They also have him ranked as the No. 34 overall prospect in the class.
The 2026 season hasn't even arrived yet, and multiple media outlets have already fallen in love with Pieper thanks to his versatility and massive upside.
After one season as a starter, Pieper now becomes an anchor for the offensive line group and a crucial part of Iowa's success next season.
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