- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,192,942
- Reaction score
- 59
Ask anyone who has spent time in an NFL scouting department, and they'll tell you the same thing. The draft isn't a three-day event. It's a year-round process. The Baltimore Ravens know that better than most organizations.
While fans are still discussing the 2026 draft class, scouts across the league have already shifted their focus to the 2027 cycle. That process may be even more important for Baltimore after the Ravens elected not to draft a center in 2026.
Danny Pinter, Jovaughn Gwyn, Corey Bullock, and Nick Dawkins currently occupy spots on the roster, but this could remain a position worth monitoring as Baltimore builds future draft boards. Here are six early names Ravens scouts should keep an eye on this fall. All should shine during the coming NCAA season.
The Hawkeyes continue their assembly-line-like manufacturing of NFL-caliber offensive linemen. Kade Pieper spent the 2025 season at right guard, but NFL scouts already envision a move to center. At 6-foot-5 and 314 pounds, he possesses the ideal size for the position.
He has shown enough athleticism to thrive in multiple blocking schemes. Baltimore values versatility, and Pieper's ability to potentially play both guard and center makes him an attractive early candidate to top this list. Plus, the last time this team took an O-lineman from Iowa, things worked out pretty well.
Gregory Johnson may ultimately hear his name called earlier than any player on this list. The 6-foot-6, 327-pound lineman spent time at center, guard, and tackle during his collegiate career.
His combination of size, power, and movement skills makes him one of the more intriguing interior blockers in the country. If he enjoys another strong season, Johnson could climb firmly into first-round discussions, if he doesn't reside there already.
Georgia's offensive linemen rarely stay under the radar for long. Before injuries interrupted his 2025 campaign, Bobo was putting together an impressive season.
He brings good size, toughness, and positional flexibility, qualities the Ravens have historically valued when evaluating offensive linemen. His ability to play either center or guard only strengthens his appeal. Jot his name down if you haven't already.
Moore lacks ideal NFL size, but he compensates with toughness, experience, and athletic ability. After beginning his career with the Virginia Tech Hokies, Moore transferred to LSU and continued to impress evaluators.
Because he projects almost exclusively as a center at the next level, his margin for error may be smaller than some others on this list. Still, his experience and football intelligence should keep him firmly on Baltimore's radar.
Carson Hinzman has quietly built one of the strongest résumés among returning centers. The Buckeyes standout has experience at both guard and center and played a key role on Ohio State's national championship team.
While he may not generate the same headlines as some of the players ranked above him, his consistency and reliability could appeal to NFL decision-makers. Those traits tend to play well in Baltimore. Place his name on your lists. The Ravens will certainly have him on theirs.
Iapani Laloulu rounds out the list, though his ranking has more to do with the strength of the group than any shortcomings. The Oregon standout is a thick, powerful blocker who has experience at both guard and center. He plays with good balance and routinely wins at the point of attack.
Another strong season could easily push him higher up draft boards across the league. Plenty can change between now and draft season. Of course, these rankings will look different by the time the 2027 NFL Draft arrives.
Players will rise. Others will fall. Injuries, breakout performances, and unexpected developments always reshape the landscape and everyone's boards.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Early 2027 NFL Draft center prospects Ravens fans should know
Continue reading...
While fans are still discussing the 2026 draft class, scouts across the league have already shifted their focus to the 2027 cycle. That process may be even more important for Baltimore after the Ravens elected not to draft a center in 2026.
Danny Pinter, Jovaughn Gwyn, Corey Bullock, and Nick Dawkins currently occupy spots on the roster, but this could remain a position worth monitoring as Baltimore builds future draft boards. Here are six early names Ravens scouts should keep an eye on this fall. All should shine during the coming NCAA season.
1. Kade Pieper, Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes continue their assembly-line-like manufacturing of NFL-caliber offensive linemen. Kade Pieper spent the 2025 season at right guard, but NFL scouts already envision a move to center. At 6-foot-5 and 314 pounds, he possesses the ideal size for the position.
He has shown enough athleticism to thrive in multiple blocking schemes. Baltimore values versatility, and Pieper's ability to potentially play both guard and center makes him an attractive early candidate to top this list. Plus, the last time this team took an O-lineman from Iowa, things worked out pretty well.
2. Gregory Johnson, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Gregory Johnson may ultimately hear his name called earlier than any player on this list. The 6-foot-6, 327-pound lineman spent time at center, guard, and tackle during his collegiate career.
His combination of size, power, and movement skills makes him one of the more intriguing interior blockers in the country. If he enjoys another strong season, Johnson could climb firmly into first-round discussions, if he doesn't reside there already.
3. Drew Bobo, Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia's offensive linemen rarely stay under the radar for long. Before injuries interrupted his 2025 campaign, Bobo was putting together an impressive season.
He brings good size, toughness, and positional flexibility, qualities the Ravens have historically valued when evaluating offensive linemen. His ability to play either center or guard only strengthens his appeal. Jot his name down if you haven't already.
4. Braelin Moore, LSU Tigers
Moore lacks ideal NFL size, but he compensates with toughness, experience, and athletic ability. After beginning his career with the Virginia Tech Hokies, Moore transferred to LSU and continued to impress evaluators.
Because he projects almost exclusively as a center at the next level, his margin for error may be smaller than some others on this list. Still, his experience and football intelligence should keep him firmly on Baltimore's radar.
5. Carson Hinzman, Ohio State Buckeyes
Carson Hinzman has quietly built one of the strongest résumés among returning centers. The Buckeyes standout has experience at both guard and center and played a key role on Ohio State's national championship team.
While he may not generate the same headlines as some of the players ranked above him, his consistency and reliability could appeal to NFL decision-makers. Those traits tend to play well in Baltimore. Place his name on your lists. The Ravens will certainly have him on theirs.
6. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon Ducks
Iapani Laloulu rounds out the list, though his ranking has more to do with the strength of the group than any shortcomings. The Oregon standout is a thick, powerful blocker who has experience at both guard and center. He plays with good balance and routinely wins at the point of attack.
Another strong season could easily push him higher up draft boards across the league. Plenty can change between now and draft season. Of course, these rankings will look different by the time the 2027 NFL Draft arrives.
Players will rise. Others will fall. Injuries, breakout performances, and unexpected developments always reshape the landscape and everyone's boards.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Early 2027 NFL Draft center prospects Ravens fans should know
Continue reading...
