Here are some Kansas football players to watch for 2027 NFL Draft

LAWRENCE — Kansas football had multiple players selected during the 2026 NFL Draft in April, as Enrique Cruz Jr. and Emmanuel Henderson Jr. learned where they would start their professional careers.

Cruz, an offensive lineman, went in the fifth round to the San Francisco 49ers. He was a redshirt senior this past season, and KU’s starting right tackle. He emerged as a high-profile draft prospect over the course of the season and was one of the Kansas players invited to the NFL combine.

Henderson, a wide receiver, went in the sixth round to the Seattle Seahawks. He was a senior this past season, and became an All-Big 12 Conference first team honoree as a returner and All-Big 12 third team honoree as a wide receiver. Henderson was also invited to the NFL combine.

But, now, the conversation has shifted toward what might be possible for the Jayhawks in 2027. The focus is on which players on the roster right now could be the next ones to hear their names called during the NFL draft. And while some of them could even return after this upcoming season, there are some athletes with potential who could emerge themselves this fall.

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Here’s a list of five Kansas players to keep an eye on:

Trey Lathan

Trey Lathan, a 6-foot-1 and 224-pound linebacker, will be a redshirt senior for Kansas this season. He led the team in tackles in 2025, after transferring in from West Virginia. If the Jayhawks make the improvements they’re setting out to as a defense this year, he’ll be a candidate to be an All-Big 12 talent.

Calvin Clements

Calvin Clements, a 6-foot-7 and 327-pound offensive lineman, will be a redshirt junior for Kansas this season. He served as the Jayhawks’ starting left tackle last season, and has continued to improve over the course of his college career. KU has had an offensive lineman selected in each of the past three NFL drafts.