The 2027 NFL mock drafts largely overlook Dan Morgan's draft priorities, particularly his focus on premium positions and player fit. Despite insights from his past drafts, early mocks fail to align with his strategies.
Mentioned in this story
Dec 26, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Koi Perich (3) against the New Mexico Lobos during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The 2026 NFL Draft finished just in time so that it didnât step on the toes of all the 2027 mock drafts that were published yesterday. Of course, just because the draft finished doesnât mean that weâve finished learning all of the lessons that can be gleaned from general manager Dan Morganâs third draft for the Carolina Panthers. He has exhibited three traits thus far that, for better or worse, have guided his drafts. Two of them could also guide our mock drafts:
The last point is true, but not the most relevant to the mountain of first round mocks weâll be seeing between now and next April. The first two, however, have been largely ignored in the first round of 2027 mocks that I have seen.
âOne of the things that really stands out about the 2027 class is both its incredible strength at QB and WR, but also an astonishing lack of depth on the offensive line. There isnât a single interior offensive lineman worth of a first round pick, and that could change a lot â but right now this is not looking like a good draft to need line help. Similarly itâs weak on the edge compared to 2026â
Dan Morgan prioritizes using premium resources on key positions and selecting players that fit his coaches' preferences.
Morgan's past drafts emphasize premium positions and specific player types, but these factors are often ignored in current 2027 mock drafts.
Morgan values tall, physical wide receivers, corners, and strong safeties, while avoiding tight ends.
Many early mock drafts do not consider Morgan's emphasis on premium positions and player fit, focusing instead on other factors.
Jamie Carragher and Martin Brundle preview Sky Sports' Big Weekend, highlighting key events including Premier League matches, the Miami GP, Women's Super League, Madrid Open tennis, and PGA Tour golf.
Harry Kane's 33 goals this season highlight his impact at Bayern Munich.
Dropped catches can cost teams dearly in cricket matches.
Check out the 2026 Fantasy Baseball Two-Start Pitcher Rankings!
Milan Prosecutor Clears Inter Milan Amid Refereeing Scandal
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
If I had a digestible hat Iâd offer to eat it if the Panthers spend a first round pick on a safety. I will take a moment, though to thank James for the faith that the Panthers can repeat as NFC South champions.
Like Dillon Thieneman before him, Perich does represent an attractive addition to the Panthers defense. He is a rangy, instinctive, and athletic safety who has excelled in the past (though not yet played a down of football for Oregon) as a single high safety who can cover and tackle. Assuming he meets the elevated level of competition at Oregon, he sounds like a home run first round pick for some lucky team.
Unfortunately, Perich does not do his best work in the box and safeties arenât that expensive in the current landscape of the NFL. He fails to align with Ejiro Everoâs ideal player and he fails to provide sufficient value to take him over equivalent talents at other positions.
Itâs not impossible he ends up a Panthers. Hats have been eaten before. He just doesnât fit the Panthers known strategies. That said, do expect a successful season on Perichâs part to see him mocked to the Panthers about as frequently as Thieneman was this last yearâincluding by the Panthers faithful who are guilty of nothing more than wanting to take a huge step up from our dear friend, Nick Scott.
âAn imposing matchup at 6-6 and 276 pounds, heâs already got a nifty spin move at his disposal and could add more tricks to his arsenal.â
Rhodes ticks the boxes of being a type fit for Evero and a player at a premium position for Morgan. The value and interest could be there. At some point the Panthers will have to spend another first round pick on defense, the only caveat to that being âonce their quarterback situation is settled.â
Some fans are looking at 2026 as Bryce Youngâs make or break year. Some fans saw that as 2024 or 2025. For better or worse, the Panthers havenât made plans to have a different quarterback this season, so he gets another shot to live up to his draft billing. Expect their relative position in mock drafts and the type of player being taken to vary wildly and quickly if Youngâs fortunes are anything but looking up next season.
Find me something less appetizing than a hat. Iâll offer to eat that with enough regret and ketchup if the Panthers draft a tight end in the first round and actually play him as one. Dave Canales has never in his brief career highlighted a tight end in his offense and I donât expect that to change soon. Itâs not that they wonât get targets, itâs just that they wonât get enough targets to justify spending a first round pick on anything less than Greg Olsen and Jerry Riceâs extremely confused son.
Green could be an exceptional talent, but he is highly unlikely to tick any of the Panthers draft boxes. His best utility for Carolina is as some other teamâs pick, causing a desired lineman, edge, cornerback, wide receiver, or quarterback to fall an extra spot towards the Panthers.
Since the Panthers had the best value draft in the NFL according to this consensus big board this year, letâs grade these drafts compared to the current 2027 consensus. Take this evaluation with the largest single grain of salt to ever by mined. These picks will change a dozen times over and Iâd be shocked to see more than half of the top 32 names on this board remain in the top 32 by March of next year.
This is as much for posterity, for us to look back at and laugh when the Panthers draft one of these guys in the fourth round or they all go in the top ten picks.
Check out FanDuel, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.