NFL draft prospects 2027: Players to watch in Ohio State vs. Iowa
· Yahoo Sports
The 2026 college football schedule moves into Week 5 today, giving us another chance to look at some players who could be on the Miami Dolphins’ radar for the 2027 NFL Draft. The Dolphins will likely have a very early selection in the spring, and they may be able to take just about anyone on the board. Over the past few weeks, he has highlighted games featuring players the team might target later in the draft; today, we turn to a player who could land in the first overall slot.
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The Big Ten has our attention today, with the fifth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes facing the 14th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes. It is not just a big-time conference game between two ranked teams, but it gives us a chance to take a look at wide receiver Jeremiah Smith – a Miami native who could be brought home to South Florida in 2027.
Kickoff for the game is at 3:30 p.m. Eastern on CBS and Paramount+.
As we have for each week of the college football schedule this year, we take a quick look at some players to watch for each team in today’s game.
Ohio State 2027 Draft prospects
Jeremiah Smith, wide receiver (Junior) – Smith looks like he could be the first wide receiver selected with the first-overall pick since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996, and just the fourth in league history. He brings size (6-foot-4, 225 pounds ) and explosion to the position, getting off the line fast, attacking his route, and going up to get contested balls. If the Dolphins are convinced Malik Willis is their guy at quarterback, or at least are looking to give him the 2027 season to prove himself, Smith could be their top pick, giving them a 2027 wide receiver group that would feature rookie Smith, second-year receivers Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, and Kevin Coleman, and fourth-year receiver Malik Washington. That could be a dominating group. Bringing Smith home to Miami might be in the Dolphins’ plans.
Julian Sayin, quarterback (Redshirt Sophomore) – Sayin is a pocket passer with anticipation and vision. He is a rhythm passer who uses his timing and his understanding of what the offense is trying to do to put the ball in the right place at the right time. Of course, having Smith as your top wide receiver is helpful. Could the Dolphins consider adding Smith in the first round, then selecting Sayin in the second round, giving him time to develop at the NFL level and keeping him with his top receiving target?
Jaylen McClain, safety (Junior) – Moved into the starting lineup in 2025, McCalin has proven himself to be a leader on the defense, getting the secondary organized and communicating. He is a sure tackler with the range to be a very good free safety. He played in the shadow of Caleb Douglas last year, so he is working to make a name for himself this year, and he is doing well. The turnovers have not been there for him yet (he has one career interception, coming in Week 2 against Texas this year), but if he can develop that part of his game, he could be a strong centerfield option at the NFL level. He is probably a third-round option right now and could be a developmental starter with special teams value as well.
Kenyatta Jackson Jr., edge (Redshirt Senior) – A long-limbed edge rusher who uses speed and power to his advantage, Jackson has good flexibility and can get into the backfield in passing situations. He has to improve his finishing, however. As he continues to work on his technique, he should only get better, especially if he adds additional options to his game, allowing him to get off of blocks if his speed does not immediately win off the snap. He is probably a day-two prospect who could continue to climb the boards based on the potential that is there.
Luke Montgomery, guard (Senior) – Montgomery might be the definition of a solid guard that you forget is there – exactly what you would want in a guard. In 2025, he allowed just three sacks and was penalized twice. That is impressive over 14 games played. He is a really good prospect with room to keep growing. He could move outside to tackle if needed, but his strength is as a guard, and that is where he should land in the NFL. He has the athleticism to be a pulling guard who can get into the second level and clear a path through linebackers. A strong day-three prospect who could play his way into hearing his name called at the end of day two.
Iowa 2027 Draft prospects
Reece Vander Zee, wide receiver (Junior) – A big-bodied receiver (6-foot-4, 215 pounds), Vander Zee has a great catch radius and can win contested catches. He is not afraid to support the run as an outside blocker. He needs to improve his route running and be more consistent to make an immediate impact at the NFL level. He could use another year in college, but if he declares for the Draft, he is likely a late-round option who will need time to develop in the NFL while potentially adding day one special teams work.
Addison Ostrenga, tight end (5th-year Senior) – Ostrenga is an in-line, blocking tight end who could work as a sixth offensive lineman and provide some possession-style receptions. He sustained an Achilles tear in early 2025, missing the majority of the season but he is back on the field this year, playing in all four games with seven receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown early in the year. There are comparisons to former Dolphins tight end Durham Smythe, and that might be a great comparison. He is probably destined to be a depth tight end at the NFL level, but there is a role for him.
Zach Lutmer, cornerback (Redshirt Junior) – Lutmer is a nickel cornerback who is not afraid to get into run defense. He covers well, steps up on the edge, and blitzes when asked. He can slide outside if needed, but his strength is in the slot; he is a versatile option who tackles well and does whatever is asked of him. He needs to improve as a press-corner, and his footwork is not always clean. He has decent speed, but if he faces a true deep threat, he will probably need help over the top. He projects as a mid-round prospect who could sneak into the earlier rounds with a strong 2026 season and his upside as a special teams player
Trevor Lauck, offensive tackle (Redshirt Junior) – A strong pass-protecting left tackle, Lauck looks exactly like an Iowa left tackle prospect should. He knows how to pass block; he keeps his quarterback clean and tracks his assignment through stunts and blitzes. He needs to improve as a run blocker, and his footwork can improve, especially against speed rushers. He will need time to develop at the NFL level, particularly as the speed of the game increases dramatically, but he could be a solid swing-tackle option early in his career, or he could kick inside to play guard, where he may excel in the NFL. He is probably a day three draft prospect.
Hank Brown, quarterback (Redshirt Junior) – Brown looks like your old-school pocket passer. He is probably system-dependent at the NFL level who will need development time, but he could be a solid backup option who can come in and steady an offense when needed. He has had limited playing time, only becoming the starter this year, and he has to clean up his turnovers, but there are flashes of potential. He will not be a franchise quarterback, but he can be asked to take over and provide solid play when needed once he is comfortable in his professional system.