2027 NFL Mock Drafts

I wrote at the end of last year how the Manning down the stretch in 2025 was the one many expected. If he's that guy for a full season, then this is a no-brainer. If the Dolphins are drafting No. 1 overall, it likely means the Malik Willis experiment didn't pay off dividends. Manning would be stepping into a very rough situation, but at least it's one that's already gone through a fire sale. The Dolphins are top three in cap space the next two offseasons to build around their young quarterback.

While the Cardinals will likely be in the quarterback market, Smith is a ceiling-raiser for whoever is playing quarterback in Arizona. While Cardinals fans may have been duped before, this time it's legit. Smith has dominated college football from day one with over 2,500 yards in two seasons. He has the tools to be an all-time great and turn average quarterbacks into high-end passing attacks.

I don't need to outline why the Browns are in the quarterback market. Moore has some small things to improve upon, but he's already arguably the most accurate quarterback in the country with an effortless ability to spin it.

The Raiders could obviously use a weapon for Fernando Mendoza, but you can't pass on Moore at this point. Like Jeremiah Smith, Moore has been in the running for best player at his position in college football since the day he stepped foot on campus at Notre Dame. There's everything there to be an island corner in the NFL, and he's already done just that in college.

Back-to-back top-five edges don't concern me for a handful of reasons. For one, you don't find many elite pass-rushers outside of high draft capital. Two, pressure with four will always be the Holy Grail. Three, Stewart is a more prototypical edge-setter in the run game than what's on the Jets roster. Four, the Jets have two more first-rounders to address needs. Finally, Stewart is the freakiest edge athlete since Myles Garrett. That's a good spot to be in to set the Jets up for long-term success.

Goosby may be dealing with a minor knee injury currently, but I don't see that dissuading teams from a top-10 pick unless it turns into a major one. Goosby is the prototype physically, and he really started to figure it out in his first season as a starter. Tennessee will finally get Cam Ward's blindside locked down.

Simmons is an elite speed rusher for a team that's missing that skill set from its edge group. It isn't a matter of if the Saints would take him here or not, but rather if he'll be here at all.

Becker is the type of receiver that would pair nicely with Jaxson Dart's downfield aggressiveness. Not only can Becker separate deep, but he's also one of the best in the class at winning at the catch point. His addition would round out a superb young receiving corps with Malik Nabers and Malachi Fields.

The Panthers have quietly revamped their defensive line into a formidable unit from one of the worst in the NFL. Adding Stone would turn them into a legitimately feared unit. With how important play on the interior is becoming, putting Stone next to Derrick Brown and Lee Hunter would make opposing offenses one-dimensional.

That marks four top-10 picks for Texas and would make them the first team in 60 years to do so (although Ohio State was close last season). Coleman is the kind of explosive athlete the Commanders need with their top two receivers now in their early 30s.

Hampton would be just what the doctor ordered for the Jets ailing secondary. He's a massive corner with the athleticism of a smaller one. It would give Aaron Glenn (assuming he's still there) the ability to use Hampton to take out bigger receivers and D'Angelo Ponds to take out speedier ones.

I genuinely feel bad making Seaton wait all the way to pick 12 to come off the board, but that's the kind of class it is (Micah Parsons and Rashawn Slater going outside the top 10 in 2021 comes to mind). He's an incredibly athletic tackle who can already pass protect at an NFL level.

With Vita Vea turning 32 next year and having a contentious contract situation this offseason, finding the nose tackle of the future could be in the cards for Jason Licht. Washington is insanely explosive for a 330-pounder and would fit right in with the butt-kickers on the Bucs defensive line.

If the Steelers roll forward with Drew Allar after this season, having a strong running game for him to lean on will be paramount. Baugh is very much a Steelers running back at nearly 230 pounds. He's built to play cold weather football.

Heldt was Clemson's best defensive lineman a year ago without much fanfare. He's an ascending player who has a complete game. While there may be other needs on this roster, Jim Harbaugh's love of the line of scrimmage and Khalil Mack's eventual retirement wins out here.

While Kyle Shanahan isn't as explicitly outside zone based as he once was, having athletic linemen is still at a premium in his offense. Lauck showed he was just that at Iowa last year. He'd be a solid transition from Trent Williams.

Minnesota is another team doubling down at the same position in back-to-back drafts. Echoles is the distinct opposite from Caleb Banks in not only his frame as a shorter 3-tech type, but also in his on-field performance as he comes NFL ready.

Heard has been slowly making his way up toward Cincinnati in his college career anyways, starting at LSU before transferring to Tennessee and then Kentucky. He'd fit right in on a quietly physical offensive line. Orlando Brown Jr.'s dwindling play and higher cap numbers may make him expendable after this year.

Offensive line is one of the positions the Jets have nailed in the first round as of late, and Pieper would be yet another home run pick. He's almost a clone of Tyler Linderbaum at Iowa with high-end athleticism to bring flexibility to a rushing attack.

Pairing Lacy with Javonte Williams would give the Cowboys backfield a David Montgomery-Jahmyr Gibbs sort of feel. Lacy has the dynamism to be a full-time back, but he's going to come into the NFL with a ton of tread on his tires, so easing him into a limited role would be a good thing.

After trading away Gervon Dexter, the Bears have one of the worst and oldest defensive tackle units in the NFL. That's a bad combo. Scott would give them a massive infusion of athleticism. He is the kind of athlete who is made to get into opposing backfields.

With Hunter Henry in his early 30s, the Pats could opt to add some dynamism back to their tight end position. Johnson has the kind of wingspan that would pair perfectly with Drake Maye's creativity in the red zone.

West is a Steve Spagnuolo kind of defensive end. At nearly 280 pounds, he can be an early down edge-setter and money down interior rusher. Even though they loaded up on defensive linemen in last year's draft, R Mason Thomas doesn't profile to an early down run defender in that scheme.

The Jaguars were forced to let Devin Lloyd walk this offseason for cap purposes and will likely do the same next spring with Foye Oluokun. That's not only a talent drain, but a leadership one as well. Brown could fill those shoes with ease.

The Bills let David Edwards walk this past offseason and, while I think they're in good hands with Alec Anderson, he's in a contract year now. Johnson is a plug-and-play left guard who would keep this top-five offensive line chugging.

Jones is the kind of press-corner who would thrive in defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's scheme. While Detroit's last first-round corner didn't work out too well, Jones is a distinctly different type of corner altogether at nearly 6-foot-4.

Ross was a former five star who looked like one at Tennessee (prior to LSU) when given the opportunity. He's the kind of athlete who Howie Roseman loves to collect along his defensive line.

The Broncos' offensive line has been a top-five unit the past couple of seasons, but it's worth wondering how long that will last with Garett Boles turning 35 next year and Mike McGlinchey turning 32. Prongos is a high-upside tackle prospect who could benefit from a year backing up

We'll see if Hardy plays this season after being shot at a concert this offseason. Based on his sophomore tape, though, Hardy looked like a shoo-in for round one. The Texans have steadily built one of the better run-blocking offensive lines in the league. Now, they just need the bell cow behind it.

Pierre is the kind of rangy edge athlete who the Ravens have made a killing on drafting and developing in the Ozzie Newsome-Eric DeCosta eras. He may not be a polished product, but he has all the tools to get there.

Drafting more of an inline tight end would let the Browns relegate Harold Fannin Jr. to more of the movable role he's comfortable in. It would also give Todd Monken incredible flexibility in his two tight end sets as both Fannin and Reynolds can split wide and run routes like receivers.

Given the injury history of the Seahawks offensive tackles, this would be a sharp insurance selection. While I think Green is better suited at guard, where he could take Anthony Bradford's job tomorrow, he could certainly kick out to tackle in a pinch, if injury struck.

Moore would have been the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft had he not decided to return to Oregon. He plays with high-end pocket composure, handles pressure well -- and once the play breaks down, is elite out of structure. He showed up in big moments throughout the '25 season (until they ran into the Hoosiers in the CFP) and he's my QB1 because he outplayed Arch Manning -- and every other QB -- in the '26 class.

Manning got off to a sluggish start in 2025 but finished strong. If he picks up where he left off late last fall, he'll be in the No. 1-overall-pick conversation. Again.

Maiava was one of my favorite players to watch last season; he's a well built, big-armed QB who shows good touch on layered throws, but needs to play with more consistency from start to finish.

Smith is better than Marvin Harrison Jr. coming out of Ohio State. And I'm guessing we'll be comparing him more to the likes of Julio Jones or Megatron by next spring.

Simmons can win with power, speed and twitch -- he was unstoppable for much of '25 and I only expect him to get better this season.

Goosby, who would've likely been a first-rounder had he declared for the '26 draft, has a huge frame and high-end athletic traits that allow him to anchor effectively against power, though he remains a raw prospect who can struggle with quicker pass rushers.

tewart uses his long frame, tenacity and overpowering strength to set the edge against the run. He's also surprisingly twitched up as a pass rusher, consistently collapsing the pocket with an explosive blend of length and suddenness.

Mensah is a sturdy, big-armed passer who has both touch and accuracy on deep throws, consistently layers the ball on second-level throws, can rip intermediate and deep throws out of structure and with accuracy, but he can also get himself into trouble when he tries to extend plays instead of taking what the defense gives him. He has a chance to be the latest Miami QB transfer to be in the Round 1 conversation, following Cam Ward and Carson Beck.

Moore is a fluid athlete who stays in phase and uses his length to be consistently disruptive downfield. His smooth change of direction allows him to play both outside and in the slot, which will make his transition to the next level even smoother.

A high-motor D-lineman with quick feet who can get off blocks early in the rep to be a consistent disruptive presence in the backfield. Stone can line up anywhere along the D-line and often finds himself around the ball vs. the run.

Uiagalelei has an NFL frame who wins with power and a high motor, particularly when aligning wide. That said, he lacks bend and needs to add to his pass-rush arsenal. His 2025 tape wasn't nearly as far along as Tuli Tuipulotu coming out of college and he was a second-round pick (54th overall) of similar age and with similar tools. Looking for a big leap in '26.

Carr is a Bo Nix-style game manager and I mean that in the most laudatory terms possible. He's a steady-as-she-goes QB, who doesn't make mistakes, shows consistently good touch on deep balls, can throw with anticipation on intermediate throws, has the athleticism to play out of structure and finds ways to make plays -- and that's all just from one year of starting experience.

Coleman is a physically imposing wideout who pairs elite contact balance with the suddenness to make defenders miss in the open field. He runs routes with the nuance of a much smaller receiver and possesses the play strength to consistently punish DBs after the catch.

Mestemaker is a big-armed QB who layers the ball well on downfield throws but can also step on it when he needs to fit it in a tight window. He shows the ability to get through his reads while standing tall in the pocket, though he'll need to limit his interceptions (he had 11 in '25), some of which came on poor decisions, or throws in which he didn't set his feet. He'll see a step up in competition going from North Texas to Oklahoma State, and if he makes that jump, he'll be a name to watch in the fall.

Washington is a powerful, athletic defensive lineman who can collapse the pocket or blow up a run play when he fires off low and plays with leverage. He's at his best attacking gaps, where his burst, strength, and motor let him disrupt plays before they develop. When he's locked in, he looks like a true difference-maker who can overwhelm blockers with both quickness and power.

Daley wins through superior hand usage and a diverse pass-rush arsenal that includes an impressive spin move that often leaves OTs flat-footed. He also plays with the leverage and strength necessary to reset the line of scrimmage against the run.

Green plays with a sturdy anchor against power rushers, and while he needs to play with lower pads in the run game, his high-level awareness makes him a reliable blindside protector whose NFL future could be inside at guard.

A powerful edge rusher who leverages a low center of gravity to collapse the pocket and physically overwhelm blockers. Ross displays impressive lateral agility to redirect in space; inline TEs will struggle to block him in the run game.

Becker didn't see the field consistently unitl midway through the 2025 season when an injury to Elijah Sarratt led to more playing time. And he took full advantage; he's a huge target who can win with speed and contested-catch ability -- and he can also contort his body in ways to make the impossible catch look routine.

Rhodes offers a rare physical profile, combining massive size with the athleticism to serve as a versatile chess piece across the defensive front. He is immovable at the point of attack and generates significant power as a pass rusher.

Smith is a high-level athlete at LT who shows natural talent for moving defenders in the run game and anchoring against power. While he needs to sharpen his technique against nuanced speed rushers, his physical tools provide a high floor for development.

An explosive straight-line rusher who can close quickly on the QB because of his downhill juice. Though Wilson isn't bendy around the edge, he wins through pure power and leverage.

Pieper is an athletic interior lineman who shines in pass protection and in zone schemes. As he continues to improve functional strength, he has the potential to become one of the best interior OL in the class.

Coleman-Williams' tape in 2025 looked nothing like what we all witnessed during his freshman season in '24. If he can return to that player, he'll have a chance to be a top-10 pick and battle Jeremiah Smith for WR1.

Lubin marries high-end power-rush capabilities with the discipline to shut down the run. His rare ability to drop into zone coverage makes him an ideal hybrid player in the ever-evolving defensive schemes that rely more and more on "positionless" play.

Carter Jr. is a long-striding playmaker who threatens all three levels of the field and runs like a power back after the catch. While he struggles with focus drops at times, his combination of vertical speed and high-effort blocking makes him a dynamic weapon as offenses continue to use more multiple TE sets.

The Colorado transfer has an enormous frame with a thick build yet he plays light on his feet, has high-end lateral mobility and anchors well vs. bull rushers. Seaton plays with heavy hands and once he locks on, edge rushers struggle to disengage. Don't be fooled by his size -- his high-end athleticism shines, especially in space, where he can excel as a second-level blocker, and on the perimeter as a lead blocker.

Robinson is a physical corner who excels at reading the QB and being consistently disruptive at the catch point. He plays with the confidence and technical traits to thrive on an island, whether in man or off-coverage.

Echoles is a disruptive interior bulldozer who plays with a low center of gravity and also has surprising twitch that often finds him in the backfield making plays on the ball.

A physically imposing cornerback who consistently puts himself in a position to make plays at the catch point, Brown's ability to mirror receivers in man or react in off-coverage makes him a highly reliable presence in the secondary.

Marsh transferred from Michigan State where he was targeted 102 times in 2025. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, he looks like the natural replacement for Elijah Sarratt (and like Sarratt, he lined up outside about 95% of the time). Despite his size, Marsh can put his foot in the ground and get in and out of breaks, creating separation at the route stem. Like Sarratt, he won't consistently create separation on vertical routes, but he has legit contested-catch and YAC ability, and he uses his frame to shield defenders.

Hardy is built low to the ground, runs with a low center of gravity, is incredibly difficult to get on the ground as a result, and has home run ability once he gets to the second level. He excels in outside/wide zone schemes that allow him to one-cut-and-go once he sees daylight. He didn't give Mizzou much in the pass game last season -- he was targeted just seven times and had six catches.

Arch Manning is far from a finished product, so this is not meant to prop him up as a clear and obvious No. 1 overall selection. Manning offers the greatest combination of production and potential in the class. Despite signing Malik Willis this offseason, quarterback is expected to be a need for the franchise next offseason.

The same situation, but a year later. If Dante Moore had remained in the 2026 NFL Draft, he likely would have been the No. 2 overall selection by the Jets. New York would not have had David Bailey, but they would be equipped to use three first-round picks in any manner they choose.

Jeremiah Smith is the best prospect eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft right now. South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart could be an equally talented player at his position by next April, but he is not as far along as Smith. Wide receiver isn't Arizona's biggest need, but Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. should not deter them from taking a superior player. The remaining available quarterbacks are also not refined enough to pass up Smith.

LaNorris Sellers is still very much a vision rather than a finished product. Cleveland would have a difficult time passing up a potential heir apparent to Myles Garrett, but how long can they continue trotting out quarterback play that is insufficient to win football games?

Dan Moore Jr. would still have two years left on the contract he signed last off-season, but moving on from him would save the franchise roughly $10 million towards the salary cap. Trevor Goosby represents an upgrade at the position.

Maxx Crosby and Dylan Stewart would be paired together for essentially one season unless he were traded prior. After the 2027 season, Crosby does not have any guaranteed money and is owed roughly $27.5 million each of the final two seasons. As the Raiders embrace a new era, and having already attempted to move on from Crosby once, it would not be a surprise if they explored their options.

Leonard Moore is one of the best 2027 prospects, but is still available because of the depth in the class. The Saints were thought to be interested in Mansoor Delane and that is why Kansas City traded in front of them. A year later, New Orleans gets its cornerback in the first round.

Leonard Moore is one of the best prospects in this draft class, but is still available because of the depth in the class. The Saints were thought to be interested in Mansoor Delane and that is why Kansas City traded in front of them. A year later, New Orleans gets its cornerback in the first round.

Cam Coleman is the best prospect available at this stage. He is a bigger body to pair with Malik Nabers. The Giants will have another year to gather information about what the future may hold for Jaxson Dart.

Pittsburgh is once again in a sort of no man's land at the quarterback position. Cameron Heyward cannot play forever, and the Steelers will eventually need additional help along the defensive line, so they take A'Mauri Washington

The secondary was considered a high priority for the Panthers this year, and they ultimately selected Will Lee III and Zakee Wheatley on Day 3. Carolina attacks the position more aggressively in the 2027 NFL Draft.

If Colin Simmons were 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, he may be the first non-quarterback drafted. Although incredibly talented, he is a bit smaller, and that renders him available a little later than he would have been in this year's draft.

Trey'Dez Green has unorthodox measurables at 6-foot-7, but he is fluid, serviceable as a blocker. He has the size and speed to threaten vertically. Drafting a wide receiver is not the only way to create explosives in the pass game.

Baker Mayfield has not received a contract extension at this time, which means Tampa Bay does not have its starter on the books for 2027. Drake Lindsey is not as refined as Fernando Mendoza was coming out of California, but there is a lot to like about the way he processes the field.

New York knew it was not going to be able to fill all of its needs in one offseason. The Jets addressed the skill rooms with Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq, but must replenish the defense. The Hurricanes produced two first-round edge rusher picks in 2026, but it may be the interior's year in 2027, with Justin Scott also being a top prospect.

Jacksonville returns to the first round after not having a pick in 2026. David Stone is a gifted athlete who is hoping to put it all together for the Sooners. Playing time should be more readily available now that Gracen Halton and Damonic Williams have moved on to the NFL.

Orlando Brown Jr. will be 31 prior to the 2027 season, and there is an opportunity for Cincinnati to move on and save money toward the salary cap. The possibility becomes even more likely the following year, so if Carter Smith had to sit on the bench for a year or play a different position, it is not the worst outcome.

Kewan Lacy can break defenders down in open space and has become a more impactful performer in the pass game this season. Ben Johnson has shown the team is not afraid to be aggressive in building out the offensive skill talent.

The outcome of New York's draft haul would be Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, Miami defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Jr. and now Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker, whose size and speed make him a more consistent vertical threat for the offense.

Houston has not had a difference-making tight end, and perhaps that is not by design, but it has always been a key element to the San Francisco offenses. There was some criticism of Kenyon Sadiq's production this season, but it was partly due to Jamari Johnson's inclusion.

Ryan Williams struggled with drops this season and is no longer mentioned in the same breath as Jeremiah Smith and Cam Coleman as wide receiver prospects in this class. However, he moves differently than most at the position. If he returns to freshman form or takes a step forward, he will reassert himself as one of the best in this class.

Sean Payton always heavily invested in the offensive line while with the Saints. If the Broncos were looking for an off-ramp to right tackle Mike McGlinchey, who will turn 33-years-old prior to the 2027 season, then PJ Williams would be an option.

There was talk of Philadelphia moving on from Jalen Carter this offseason. They recently re-signed Jordan Davis to a massive extension. Would they do the same with Carter or use him as a bargaining chip to accomplish other team goals? Will Echoles is the contingency plan.

Detroit drafted Derrick Moore to go along with Aidan Hutchinson, but the position has been such a problem for the organization that they may want more aid. In theory, Matayo Uiagalelei and Hutchinson would start with Moore as depth.

Zach Lutmer has positional versatility to play on the boundary, over the slot or at safety. It will be easy to find a role for the natural talent in the secondary.

Kansas City addressed needs on the defense, but put offensive woes on the back burner. They need to identify long-term pieces to the unit and Omarion Miller is dynamic with the ball in his hands.

Los Angeles currently has failed first-round picks Trevor Penning and Cole Strange, as well as former Florida center Jake Slaughter, competing for the starting offensive guard positions. There is no reason to believe offensive guard may not once again be in the crosshairs next offseason.

New England has gotten by with veteran journeymen at the linebacker position, but now identifies a green dot of the future.

It will be interesting to see how Buffalo deploys Jalon Kilgore this season, but KJ Bolden is a better fit at safety.

Zabien Brown has played extensively for a talented Alabama team and registered five interceptions over the past two seasons. Ball production often translates to the NFL and Seattle may still be looking for assistance at the cornerback position.

Baltimore may have considered cornerback here as well, but instead tab Kyngston Viliamu-Asa to pair with Roquan Smith. Viliamu-Asa is a part of a young linebacker class with tremendous upside.

Byron Young is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will be 29-years-old prior to next year's draft. Los Angeles keeps the cupboards stocked with the selection of Damon Wilson.