The 2027 NFL Draft is generating early interest, particularly for quarterbacks Arch Manning and Dante Moore. Teams are holding onto their early picks, indicating confidence in the upcoming talent pool.
Key points
2027 NFL Draft is generating early interest
Arch Manning and Dante Moore are top quarterback prospects
Teams are holding onto early draft picks
Jeremiah Smith becomes draft eligible
Potential for more top talent to emerge
Arch ManningDante MooreJeremiah Smith
Don't blame anyone for looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft as this year's event wraps up. Decision-makers in the league have already had their eye out on next spring's proceedings for some time.
The NFL draft annually gives rise to a "wait-'til-next-year" mentality, with heightened scrutiny around the current class dovetailing with optimism about future prospects who haven't been picked apart. This time, however, the dynamic might at least be partially justified.
With quarterbacks Arch Manning and Dante Moore returning to their respective schools this fall and star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith becoming draft eligible, the stars have aligned for the 2027 class to be a special one. The promise doesn't stop there, however. Several other marquee figures shape up as promising early picks, and more top talent could emerge this fall.
If there were any doubts about whether teams are buying into the forthcoming group being stronger than this year's edition, teams' refusal to part with early 2027 draft picks should speak volumes.
Projecting the course of the first round a year out is an exercise in futility, of course. But our way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft attempts to make sense of where every team – in our projected order – could turn a year from now:
A year ago, Manning was a staple of these exercises despite having only a minimal body of work. Those projections proved premature, but they weren't off base. After a tumultuous start to taking over the reins for the Longhorns, Manning settled down and showcased the tantalizing skill set that puts him at the head of the class for next year. There's still work to be done, particularly in becoming much more precise when throwing on the move, but Manning would provide an unparalleled level of hope and excitement to a franchise that doesn't look equipped to end the lengthiest active postseason drought in North American men's team sports anytime soon.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Taking a wide receiver this early certainly isn't part of the roster-building playbook to which Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan subscribed when he was with the Packers. Smith, however, is no ordinary pass catcher. The Buckeyes star has looked pro-ready since he arrived in Columbus, setting himself apart from his peers with his 6-3, 223-pound frame and elite track record for coming down with contested catches. This would make Smith the highest-drafted pure receiver since Calvin Johnson went No. 2 overall in 2007, but he looks fully worthy of such a lofty investment.
Even with Jeremiyah Love in the fold, Arizona's offense likely won't take off until it can find a true catalyst behind center. Outside of his College Football Playoff meltdown, Moore exhibited remarkable poise in piloting the Ducks' attack. If he cuts down on his lapses under pressure, the 6-3, 206-pound signal-caller could help make the Cardinals relevant in the hypercompetitive NFC West.
Arthur Blank ran out of patience and blew up the Falcons' leadership team, choosing to bring president of football Matt Ryan, general manager Ian Cunningham and coach Kevin Stefanski aboard to oversee a new day for the franchise. The roster could be next up on the demolition list. While Atlanta already added cornerback Avieon Terrell alongside brother A.J., it probably would stand to benefit greatly by adding Moore, a coverage maven who recorded five interceptions last year and is the only consensus All-American on defense set to return to college football in 2026.
The Carnell Tate pick revealed how much of a premium Tennessee is placing on equipping Cam Ward with the help that was absent throughout his rookie campaign. The next step might be revisiting his protection plan after big-ticket left tackle Dan Moore Jr. flopped in his first season with the Titans. Had he declared, Goosby would have had a solid case to be the top offensive lineman selected. Instead, he's the clear front-runner for that honor in 2027.
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Carnell Tate of Ohio State shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell celebrates after being selected fourth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Mansoor Delane of LSU hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected sixth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Sonny Styles of Ohio State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected seventh overall pick by the Washington Commanders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eighth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
1 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
2 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
3 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Carnell Tate of Ohio State shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell celebrates after being selected fourth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
4 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Mansoor Delane of LSU hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected sixth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
5 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Sonny Styles of Ohio State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected seventh overall pick by the Washington Commanders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
6 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eighth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Seems safe to say that all of the Raiders' plans will be colored by a desire to safeguard and support Fernando Mendoza. Picking up Seaton would certainly serve that end, as the Colorado transfer has carved out a deserved reputation as one of college football's premier pass protectors. He still has work to do to become a more consistent force in the run game, but he could team with Kolton Miller to prevent edge rushers from throwing Mendoza off his rhythm.
The nightmarish Deshaun Watson ordeal can finally come to a close after this season, though its specter will remain even beyond the dead cap hits that Cleveland is set to carry in future years. Moving on would be a lot easier if the Browns could pull themselves out of quarterback purgatory with a figure like Carr. The 6-3, 210-pound passer will have to prove this season that he can drive an offense without Jeremiyah Love and Jadrian Price, but his poise and efficiency already stand out.
Maybe Malik Nabers would be satisfied with the Giants' draft plan in John Harbaugh's second go-around if it included a major weapon to take pressure off him. Coleman would further enhance Jaxson Dart's ability to attack deep, with few cornerbacks proving themselves capable of matching his speed and jump-ball prowess. He's not likely to catch up to Smith's draft stock, but he's far from a consolation prize.
A Saints defense in transition is overdue for the youth movement that's helped reinvigorate the offense. Simmons has quickly established himself as one of college football's premier pass rushers after compiling 21 sacks in his first two years. He could be a cornerstone for a unit that was long propped up by Cameron Jordan.
What a homecoming this would be for the Washington D.C. native. As a true freshman, he looked the part of a potential No. 1 pick, with a truly rare burst off the line of scrimmage. If the 6-5, 245-pounder rediscovers his form after something of a letdown campaign last year, he'll no doubt be in the mix to be off the board very early. The Commanders could team him with Odafe Oweh to give themselves the supreme athleticism off the edge that they lacked in Dan Quinn's first two seasons at the helm.
Taking a safety this early might seem like a luxury for a Jets roster with so many unsettled spots. Bolden, however, can be a load-bearing asset for a secondary that lacks much in the way of dependability. Despite being listed at 6-0 and 185 pounds, he makes his presence felt in the run game and can handle a variety of coverage assignments.
The post-Mike Evans life might quickly reveal how badly the Buccaneers miss having a supersized option in the passing game. At 6-5 and 257 pounds, Johnson can handle in-line work and win contested catches while also stretching defenses vertically and doing damage after the catch. He could be in for a star turn with Kenyon Sadiq off to the Jets.
Omar Khan unquestionably has a type when it comes to quarterbacks: Sturdy and strong-armed passers built to weather the elements in the AFC North. Pittsburgh went for that prototype in Drew Allar, but they might be in search of a more viable successor to Aaron Rodgers next year. At 6-3 and 235 pounds with no trouble pushing the ball downfield, Sorsby more than clears the bar when it comes to the Steelers' desired traits. The Cincinnati transfer, who's also tough to bring down in the open field as a runner, at times resembles a top-five prospect when everything is clicking, but he'll be looking to find more consistency in his year with the Red Raiders.
Let's double-dip on talented Bulldog defensive backs to remake the Jets secondary. Robinson recorded four interceptions last season, and his playmaking streak would surely stand out on a defense that didn't manage to pull down a single pick in 2025.
After following up two Day 2 picks at edge in 2025 with the massive Jaelan Phillips contract this spring, this might seem like a lot for Carolina to throw at one spot. Yet if their young alternatives hit a snag in their development opposite Phillips, it will be mighty tempting to look to Rhodes, who surprised many by returning to school. An imposing matchup at 6-6 and 276 pounds, he's already got a nifty spin move at his disposal and could add more tricks to his arsenal.
DJ Turner II and Dax Hill are both entering the final year of their respective contracts. Bringing back both seems like a stretch for an organization that already has made significant top-of-market commitments elsewhere. At 6-0 and 194 pounds with the physical mentality and make-up speed to handle press coverage, Brown clears the bar on plenty of traits the Bengals covet from their defensive backs.
If the Kyler Murray trial run proves fruitful, it seems likely that both sides would want to re-up with one another next offseason. Minnesota could continue to transform its backfield, however, by bringing on a replacement for Aaron Jones, who will turn 32 in December and took a significant pay cut to stick around for 2026. At 5-10 and 210 pounds, Hardy is more Ashton Jeanty than Jeremiyah Love, though it remains to be seen whether he can transcend the running back value conversation the way either ball carrier did.
The Lions traded up in the second round to take Derrick Moore as Aidan Hutchinson's running mate, but it might be hard to resist first-round options next year. One promising possibility could be Heldt, who was talented enough to change the mind of noted transfer holdout Dabo Swinney. If the 6-6, 260-pound edge rusher continues to develop after posting 7 1/2 sacks last season, he could enjoy the draft surge that many of his former teammates missed out on in this cycle.
Change could soon be afoot in Baltimore's secondary, which is scheduled to have Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie hit free agency after next year. A towering presence on the back end at 6-4 and 195 pounds, Jones could help the Ravens combat the likes of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and DK Metcalf in the AFC North.
2026: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana - Las Vegas Raiders
There's not much missing from DeMeco Ryans' defense, which routinely overwhelms opponents with the sheer force of its starters. But linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o are both entering the final year of their deals, and money will be a tight for a franchise with so much top-of-market talent. Viliamu-Asa can patrol the second level as a trusted run stopper.
Here's a fun vision for a Travis Kelce successor. At 6-7 and 240 pounds, Green would give Patrick Mahomes an easy button in the red zone and on jump balls. Plying his trade under Kelce and learning how to threaten defenses as a detached option would set the mismatch creator up for long-term success.
If Jalen Hurts doesn't receive a contract extension this offseason and struggles to mesh with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's plan, things could come to a head next offseason for the Eagles and their star quarterback. Sayin could be a somewhat confounding evaluation coming from an Ohio State offense that affords him a good deal of luxuries. But while some might have questions about his modest size (6-1, 208 pounds) and limitations outside of the pocket, there's no question he can play the role of a quick-processing and precise distributor.
23. Cowboys (from Packers) – Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana
George Pickens might soon be running an out route after Dallas informed the franchise-tagged receiver it wouldn't be offering him an extension before the season. Should a trade materialize or the Cowboys simply want to move on, they could use their second first-rounder from the Micah Parsons deal to find a replacement. Marsh presents a comparable skill set, highlighted by the 6-3, 203-pounder's penchant for pulling down contested catches and a clear comfort working deep. He could flourish in Indiana's offense after transferring from Michigan State.
The back end of the 49ers' defense hasn't generated many splash plays in recent years. Perich, who dabbled at receiver at Minnesota and also was a standout returner, could change the dynamic of the secondary. At 6-1 and 200 pounds, he could be on the Dillon Thieneman trajectory as a supreme athlete looking to rediscover his top form with the Ducks after moving over from a Big Ten school.
At the center of the Jaguars' defensive turnaround was a heavy emphasis on creating chaos. The interior defensive line, however, didn't live up to the standard set by the rest of the unit. Coordinator Anthony Campanile would surely find a way to take advantage of Stone's rapid initial burst and imposing length - qualities that could make him a top-15 pick if he continues along his current trajectory.
26. Buffalo Bills – Damon Wilson II, DE, Miami (Fla.)
For the Bills to truly thrive in new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's system, the franchise might need to break from some of its past proclivities. That could mean trying to jolt a stubborn edge rush with Wilson, who isn't yet a reliable presence against the run but could be in line to follow ex-Hurricanes Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor as an early pick after transferring from Missouri.
Jim Harbaugh's quest to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball seems bound to extend to next offseason. Washington moves astonishingly well for a 330-pounder, but his real value to the Chargers would be the double teams he draws and run plays he routinely blows up.
Dennis Allen's defense might require more meaningful disruption from the interior than Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett can provide. Moten's quick-twitch movements that leave plodding blockers playing catch-up could yield the level of penetration that Allen relishes.
Might this pick belong to Philadelphia by the summer? A post-June 1 trade for A.J. Brown would make ample sense for all parties. For the time being, let's instead equip New England with Weeks, who was waylaid by a broken ankle last season but could be a terror on blitzes for a Patriots defense that likes to keep its opponents guessing.
Byron Young is set to be a free agent after this season, and re-signing a potentially pricy veteran edge rusher might not be on the docket for a team with so many other hefty financial commitments. A two-time transfer from Nebraska and Mississippi, Umanmielen - the brother of Panthers outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen - could form an imposing tandem with Jared Verse if he continues to develop after posting nine sacks last year.
After the Jaylen Waddle trade, the Broncos might be poised to boast the AFC's most well-balanced roster for some time. Holmes would make Denver's stacked defense ramp up the pressure on opponents even further while demanding attention and creating opportunities for others.
Mike Macdonald's deep and varied pass rush appears due for upheaval next year, with defensive tackle Leonard Williams and edge rushers Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall all unsigned beyond this season. A former edge rusher at Georgetown, Ibirogba bulked up to become an interior pest at Wake Forest but maintained the explosiveness and versatility that Macdonald and general manager John Schneider would no doubt appreciate.
