The 2027 NFL Draft is expected to feature strong talent from Florida high schools, following a successful 2026 draft with 11 selections. Notable players to watch include those who have recently impressed on the field.
Key points
11 Florida high school players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft
Fernando Mendoza was the first overall pick in 2026
IMG Academy has a record of seven consecutive first-round picks
The 2027 NFL Draft class is expected to be strong
Several promising players are emerging from Florida high schools
Fernando MendozaIMG AcademyLas Vegas RaidersTennessee Titans
The Sunshine State was well represented in the 2026 NFL Draft, with 11 players from Florida high schools selected in the first 65 picks.
Five players from Florida high schools were selected in the first round, led by No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza heading to the Las Vegas Raiders. Mendoza (Christopher Columbus High School graduate) is the first player from a Florida high school to be selected atop the draft since Tucker Frederickson in 1965.
The 2027 class is shaping up to be another strong one for players from Florida high schools.
While the draft is a year away and it's too soon to start penciling in names — few if any even had Mendoza as a potential first round pick 12 months ago — there are some players who have impressed and appear headed for the early round of the 2027 NFL Draft.
Here are 10 names of former Florida high school stars to know for next year's draft:
Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith
High school: Chaminade-Madonna
Q&A
Which Florida high school players were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft?
In the 2026 NFL Draft, 11 players from Florida high schools were selected, including five in the first round.
Who was the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from Florida?
Fernando Mendoza, a graduate of Christopher Columbus High School, was the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
What is IMG Academy's record for NFL Draft selections?
IMG Academy has extended its record to seven consecutive years with a first-round pick in the NFL Draft.
What players should be watched for the 2027 NFL Draft from Florida?
While it's early to predict, several players from Florida high schools have shown promise and are expected to be top prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft.
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Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith celebrates a touchdown against Michigan on Nov. 29.
Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith celebrates a touchdown against Michigan on Nov. 29.
The 6-foot-3, 223-pound Smith is a generational talent who almost certainly would have been the No. 1 wide receiver taken in the 2025 or 2026 drafts if he was eligible. Smith has caught 163 passes for 2,558 yards in two years and earned All-American honors both seasons at Ohio State.
Oklahoma DL David Stone
High school: IMG
Stone, a former five-star recruit, had a breakout season in 2025 when he recorded 42 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hurries. Stone (6-3, 315 pounds) started just two games last season and could shine with a bigger role in 2026.
LSU OT Jordan Seaton
High school: IMG
The 6-5, 307-pound Seaton was nation's No. 1 offensive tackle in the transfer portal this past offseason. Seaton started 22 games in two seasons at Colorado. He was a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025 and a Freshman All-American in 2024.
Georgia CB Ellis Robinson IV
High school: IMG
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 28: Ellis Robinson IV #1 of Georgia intercepts the ball over Dean Patterson of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 28: Ellis Robinson IV #1 of Georgia intercepts the ball over Dean Patterson of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the second half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Robinson had an outstanding spring cut short by a high ankle sprain, but he's expected to make a full recovery before the season begins. The 6-0, 180-pound former five-star recruit was named Freshman Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 when he tied for the SEC lead with four interceptions.
Oklahoma DL Jayden Jackson
High school: IMG
Jackson was a Freshman All-American in 2024 and had another strong season in 2025. The 6-2, 322 pounder recorded 58 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks in two years at Oklahoma.
Wilson (6-4, 250 pounds) was a second-team All-SEC selection during his lone season at Missouri in 2025, when he recorded 23 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. A season working with Miami's defensive ends coach Jason Taylor, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, should enhance Wilson's draft profile.
Louisville RB Isaac Brown
High school: Homestead
Louisville’s Isaac Brown runs with the ball during an open practice on Friday.
April 3, 2026
Louisville’s Isaac Brown runs with the ball during an open practice on Friday. April 3, 2026
The 5-9, 190-pound Brown is a true home run threat who can impact the game as a rusher or a receiver. A third-team All-ACC selection in 2025 and the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2024, Brown has rushed for 2,057 yards and 18 touchdowns and caught 43 passes in two years at Louisville.
Alabama S Keon Sabb
High school: IMG
Sabb, a member of Michigan's national championship team in 2023, started all 15 games for Alabama in 2025. The 6-1, 208-pound Sabb had 54 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups and an interception last season. Fellow Alabama safety Zay Mincey (Mainland) also is a player to watch for 2027.
Ohio State EDGE Kenyatta Jackson
High school: Chaminade-Madonna
Jackson is coming off a career season at Ohio State when he recorded 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and broke up two passes. The 6-6, 265-pound Jackson was the 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year in Florida.
Indiana S Amare Ferrell
High school: Columbia
The 6-2, 205-pound Ferrell started 15 games for Indiana's national championship squad in 2025 and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. He had 107 tackles, seven tackles for loss, eight interceptions and 15 pass breakups in his career.
