The ink has not dried on the 2026 draft yet, but it is never too early to look ahead to 2027. Especially if, like me, you are a Dolphins fan.
I am still in the process of putting together my big boards, so things will change, but here is my first stab on how the 2027 draft will absolutely not play out.
As far as quarterbacks, I have CJ Carr and Darian Mensah in my 2028 class, so they will not be included in pre-season mocks.
Draft order based on a quick ranking of teams. Do not worry about that too much.
1. Miami Dolphins
QB Arch Manning, Texas
6’4, 219 lbs
2025 Stats: 246-404, 3163 yards, 26 TD, 7 INT
College quarterbacks are always so volatile, that it is rare for a Trevor Lawrence or Caleb Williams to go wire-to-wire as a top prospect. Right now, it looks like Arch Manning, Dante Moore and Julian Sayin. Do not pencil any of those guys at the top. Someone else could emerge. One thing is certain, if Miami is picking this high, then they will select their quarterback of the future next year. Arch Manning has franchise changing, star potential. It was a rough go of things at times at Texas, but he looked more and more like a blue chipper as the season went on. He has the arm strength and size to be a superstar, and Texas is locked and loaded for a championship run.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
6’3, 223 lbs
2025 Stats: 83 rec, 1243 yards, 12 TD
Jeremiah Smith has been a match up nightmare, target hog since the second he stepped onto the Ohio State campus. He is built like a tight end, and can do everything you ask from a wide receiver. He is the most talented prospect in this class, and should be the first non-quarterback taken. Well, as much as you can say a year before the draft. New quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be praying to the football gods that his team can land a talent like Smith for him to throw to.
3. Arizona Cardinals
QB Dante Moore, Oregon
6’3, 206 lbs
2025 Stats: 296-412, 3565 yards, 30 TD, 10 INT
Arizona has the makings of a special offense. Jeremiyah Love was drafted, to go along with Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson. All they are missing is that quarterback. Dante Moore could have been a top ten pick in 2026, but could put all uncertainty to rest if he builds upon that year and leads Oregon deep into the College Football playoffs. He has everything you look for in an elite signal caller, and started to clean up a lot of messes he made at UCLA. He could easily be the first overall pick next year.
4. Cleveland Browns
QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State
6’1, 208 lbs
2025 Stats: 301-391, 3610 yards, 32 TD, 8 INT
Make it three for three with quarterbacks at the top of this draft. Julian Sayin may not have the size that the other two quarterbacks have, but he will have almost 30 games of experience by the time his junior season wraps up,, and has enough arm strength to be successful. While he will continue to be surrounded by NFL talent, he did complete 77 percent of his passes, and is the engine that makes Ohio State go. The Browns have built up the trenches and skill positions on offense, as they wait for their next and hopefully last quarterback of the future for a while.
5. Tennessee Titans
EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas
6’3, 240 lbs
2025 Stats: 43 tackles, 12 sacks
The Titans added Jeremiah Johnson during the off-season, and drafted Keldric Faulk in the first round, but they still lack that true pass rusher that can instill terror in opposing quarterbacks. Colin Simmons can definitely do that. While he may be undersized and might not be an elite run defender, he is up over 20 sacks for his Texas career already, and is an elite, athletic freak at the edge. Guys like him go high, every year.
6. Atlanta Falcons
OT Jordan Seaton, LSU
6’5, 330 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
WIth Kaleb McGary retiring, and Jake Matthews entering his mid-30’s, offensive tackle could quickly become a need in Atlanta. Jordan Seaton would be a steal this late. I am a Colorado fan, and it hurts to see Seaton leave, but that is the reality of college football. He outgrew that program, and will finish his development at LSU. He is as talented as any player in this class, and early reports out of Louisiana say he is transforming his body and game, and should be a very high pick.
7. New York Jets
CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
6’2, 195 lbs
2025 Stats: 31 tackles, 5 INT, 1 FF
The Jets added a ton of players, both through free agency, and the draft, and, during the 2027 draft, will have three first round picks for a second straight year. Leonard Moore is a big time playmker at cornerback, with great size at 6’2, 195 lbs. According to CBS Sports, Moore is the only All-American defender from 2025 who will return to college football in 2026.
8. New Orleans Saints
CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia
6’0, 180 lbs
2025 Stats: 20 tackles, 4 INT
The Saints are still in the early stages of rebuilding a roster that got old and expensive, and will go best player available. Ellis Robiinson IV was en elite recruit who sat his first year at Georgia, but showed what he was capable of with four interceptions as a part time cornerback. He is expected to be an every down starter as a redshirt sophomore, and has the look of a true shut down corner at the next level.
9. Carolina Panthers
EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
6’5, 245 lbs
2025 Stats: 33 tackles 4.5 sacks, 3 FF
Other than Jaelan Phillips, Carolina did not do much to address a troublesome pass rush. Dylan Stewart is one of the most talented players in college football. He could flirt with double digit sacks in the NFL, and is an adequate run defender as well. It will be tough going in the SEC, but he could have an All-American season for the Gamecocks.
10. Washington Commanders
WR Cam Coleman, Texas
6’3, 201 lbs
2025 Stats:56 rec, 708 yards, 5 TD
If the Commanders want to get the most out of Jayden Daniels, they need more explosive skill position talent. Cam Coleman showed flashes of greatness at Auburn, and he hopes transferring to Texas will unlock his potential. With he and Ryan Wingo, Arch Manning will have an elite receiver duo to throw to. Coleman has the required speed and size combination to be a WR1 at the NFL level
11. New York Giants
WR Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama
6’0, 178 lbs
2025 Stats: 49 rec, 689 yards, 4 TD
With two top ten picks, the Giants went offensive line and pass rush, just like they did during the ill-fated Kayvon Thibodeaux/Evan Neal draft. The offense could use another skill position talent. Ryan Williams added Coleman to his name, and will hope to add more to his game. He is a “99 speed” demon, but struggled with conssitency and drops a bit during his sophomore season. But he has game changing speed and ability, and was still one of the younger receivers in college in 2025.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars
OT Trevor Goosby, Texas
6’7, 312 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Trevor Goosby could have been a first round pick in 2026, but chose to return to Texas, where he will be a part of a loaded roster with several first round prospects. He has elite size for the left tackle position, and could be the answer to a long term question mark for the Jaguars.
13. Minnesota Vikings
CB Brice Pollock, Texas Tech
6’0, 195 lbs
2025 Stats: 48 tackles, 5 INT
I will keep mocking cornerbacks to Minnesota until they actually draft one. Brice Pollock might be the top senior prospect in the country. He is comparable to Mansoor Delane, who was the sixth overall pick the other day. He has adequate size and skills, and picked off five picks as a junior. Texas Tech is as talented as any team in the country, and Pollock is right at the top of the pile.
14. New York Jets (from IND)
QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
6’3, 240 lbs
2025 Stats: 178-293, 2437 yards, 13 TD, 8 INT
I am willing to give LaNorris Sellers one more chance. He still has that rare combination of strength, size and speed that had scouts so interested before last season. South Carolina was a disaster, and Sellers played a part, but they are set to bounce back in 2026. There is still time for him to find the first round again. The Jets have three first round picks, and could use one of them on a developmental quarterback if the elite options are off the board.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
QB Brendan Sorsby, Texas Tech
6’3, 235 lbs
2025 Stats: 207-336, 2800 yards, 27 TD, 5 INT
I am usually not a fan of mocking a thousand quarterbacks, like a lot of other publications like to do. I know quarterbacks generate clicks, but all of these guys will likely not pan out. But there are years where five or six are first round picks, and 2027 could be that year. The Steelers need to figure out a long term option for the position. Brandan Sorsby will stay in the Big 12, but move from Cincinnati to Texas Tech for his fifth year. He has great size and a cannon or an arm. He does have some Ben Roethlisberger-like qualities.
16. Chicago Bears
EDGE Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame
6’4, 247 lbs
2025 Stats: 23 tackles, 6.5 sacks
After years of drafting offense in the first round, Chicago turned towards its defense in 2026. Expect that trend to continue next year, especially with pass rush a continued need. After two years on the bench, Notre Dame redshirt sophomore Boubacar Traore came on strong, notching 6.5 sacks in a part time role. He is expected to start next year, and could flirt with double digit sacks.
17. New York Jets (from DAL)
LB Sammy Brown, Clemson
6’2, 235 lbs
2025 Stats: 106 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF
According to Pro Sports Transactions, the Jets will get the higher of the Dallas or Green Bay pick. This will be their sixth first round pick of the past two years. This is another best player available situation. Sammy Brown is a throw back, do-it-all off the ball linebacker. Players like him are still mid-first round picks. Brown had triple digit tackles, 5 sacks and even picked off a pass.
18. Cincinnati Bengals
CB Zabien Brown, Alabama
6’0, 192 lbs
2025 Stats: 39 tackles, 2 INT, 1 FF
Cincinnati splurged during free agenty and trades, adding three new defensive lineman. That should put the focus on improving the secondary next year. Zabien Brown may not have elite size, but the former top recruit had a very good sophomore year, picking off two passes and playing solid man coverage. He should develop into a solid starter with the upside for more.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TE Jamari Johnson, Oregon
6’5, 257 lbs
2025 Stats: 32 rec, 510 yards, 3 TD
Kenyon Sadiq got all the pub for Oregon, but fellow Ducks tight end Jamari Johnson was nearly as productive. He has great size, and averaged over 15 yards per reception. With Sadiq out of the way, Johnson could explode as a junior. Tampa Bay does have Cade Otton, but ore and more teams are running two tight end sets, and Johnson should be quite productive.
20. New England Patriots
TE Trey’Dez Green, LSU
6’7, 240 lbs
2025 Stats: 33 rec, 433 yards, 7 TD
Back-to-back tight ends come off the board here. Trey’Dez Green has the size of a tight end but runs like a wide receiver. He needs to get stronger to play more inline, but could be a matchup nightmare outside. The Patriots are expected to land AJ Bown via trade in a month or so, but should not stop there, as they try to return to the Super Bowl with Drake Maye.
21. Los Angeles Chargers
DT Jayden Jackson, Oklahoma
6’2, 322 lbs
2025 Stats: 28 tackles, 3 sacks
The Chargers know they need to continue to fortify both lines. Jayden Jackson is built like a nose tackle, but offers some pass rush ability as well. He should be a solid all around defensive lineman, who can play on the inside no matter the defensive scheme.
22. Detroit Lions
DT David Stone, Oklahoma
6’3, 310 lbs
2025 Stats: 43 tackles, 1.5 sacks
Back-to-back Oklahoma defensive tackles come off the board here. The Lions are still trying to rebuild a porous defense. David Stone was a high recruit who really took his game to another level as a sophomore. Even though he only had 1.5 sacks, he routinely caused havoc in the opposing offenses backfield. He is a very solid all around defensive tackle that could shoot up the board with another dominant season.
23. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
WR Ryan Wingo, Texas
6’2, 214 lbs
2025 Stats: 54 rec, 834 yards, 7 TD
The Cowboys have an elite set of wide receivers, but George Pickens is playing on the franchise tag, and Dallas may not be able to afford him long term. Ryan Wingo will be one of many NFL caliber players on the Texas roster for 2026. He is big, strong, and still scratching the surface as far as a route runner and end zone threat. He has everything you look for in an alpha wideout.
24. Kansas City Chiefs
CB Kelley Jones, Mississippi State
6’4, 195 lbs
2025 Stats: 34 tackles, 2 INT
Kansas City drafted Mansoor Delane early in the 2026 draft, but should not stop there. Kelley Jones would be a great long-term counterpart. He has great size, is a solid tackler and intercepted two passes as a sophomore.
25. Seattle Seahawks
EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
6’5, 272 lbs
2025 Stats: 34 tackles, 6 sacks
Seattle is one of the deeper teams in the league, and could afford to go with the best talent available here. Matayo Uiagalelei could have been a first round pick in 2026, but chose to stay at Oregon for his senior year, where he hopes to further improve as a run defender, and compete for a national championship. He is an NFL ready pass rusher, and refining his overall game could make him a solid first rounder.
26. Philadelphia Eagles
DT A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
6’3, 330 lbs
2025 Stats: 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks
A’Mauri Washington is another Oregon defensive line prospect who could have been a first round pick, but will also return for his senior season. He has great size, and could be more than just a run plugging nose tackle, though that will be his specialty. The Eagles will have decisions to make on all of their defensive tackles, starting with Momo Ojoro, who will be a free agent after the season.
27. Buffalo Bills
S KJ Boden, Georgia
6’0, 185 lbs
2025 Stats: 76 tackles, 2 INT
Buffalo signed CJ Gardner-Johnson, who should be a decent one year option, but they need a long term option at safety. KJ Boden might not have the size you look for in a starting safety, but he is a ball hawk, play-maker and solid tackler. He should also excel in nickel packages, as more and more teams are playing three safeties on passing downs.
28. Houston Texans
RB Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
5’11, 200 lbs
2025 Stats: 306 rushes, 1567 yards, 24 TD
The Texans traded for and extended David Montgomery, but he is 28 years old, and we know that running backs could fall off at any time as they near 30. There is not a Jeremiyah Love in this class, but the group of halfbacks should be a lot deeper than 2026. Kewan Lacy put together a fantastic year, after barely playing as a freshman. He had almost 1600 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns, though he struggled as a pass catcher. He is one of a few fringe first round running backs.
29. San Francisco 49ers
OT Carter Smith, Indiana
6’5, 308 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
It seems like Trent Williams has been year-to-year since he arrived in San Francisco. Eventually, the 49ers will have to think about the future of the position. Carter Smith was instrumental in protecting Fernando Mendoza for the Champs. He is athletic, agile and, with continued development, has the chance to be drafted a lot higher than this.
30. Baltimore Ravens
OG Cayden Green, Missouri
6’5, 324 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Baltimore could easily go back-to-back interior lineman. Cayden Green has played guard in the past, but had a great junior season at tackle. That versatility will only make him even more attractive to scouts. He has great size, and the experience to be a quick plug-and-play option.
31. Denver Broncos
OT Austin Siereveld, Ohio State
6’5, 325 lbs
2025 Stats: N/A
Denver may be the deepest team in the NFL. Without any glaring needs, they draft a potential replacement for either Garet Bolles or Mike McGlinchey. Austin Siereveld is a strong, experienced pass blocker that only committed two penalties in 2025.
32. Los Angeles Rams
WR KJ Duff, Rutgers
6’6, 225 lbs
2025 Stats: 60 rec, 1064 yards, 7 TD
Analysts that think slamming NFL teams for their draft is still popular are all over the Rams for selecting Ty Simpson, but whatever. That was their chance to find a long term option at quarterback. This is still a Super Bowl caliber roster. KJ Duff would make a fantastic third wideout and eventual Davante Adams replacement. He has an unfair combination of size and shiftiness, and averaged over 18 yards per reception. The only thing holding him back may be his quarterback play.
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