The NFL Draft cycle is an ever-evolving narrative, but one constant remains: the overwhelming influence of the quarterback position. After a 2024 class that saw six signal-callers taken in the top 12, the focus now shifts to the 2027 crop. Early projections suggest this group could be equally top-heavy, with as many as five quarterbacks potentially securing first-round status. Rather than a set-in-stone prediction, this exercise serves as a strategic watchlist, identifying the traits and trajectories of the players expected to dominate the 2026 college football season.
This draft order is established using the latest Super Bowl odds, reflecting a landscape where the New York Jets hold significant leverage with three first-round picks. These selections come courtesy of high-profile trades involving Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. Additionally, the Dallas Cowboys hold an extra pick from the Green Bay Packers via the Micah Parsons trade. While much will change over the next year, these prospects represent the current blue-chip foundation of the 2027 class.
1. Miami Dolphins – Dante Moore, QB (Oregon)
Dante Moore stands as the premier signal-caller in this projection. Had he entered the 2026 draft, Moore likely would have been a top-two selection, but his return to Oregon only strengthens his resume. He possesses rare poise within the pocket and demonstrates elite “off-platform” creativity when plays break down. Moore’s ability to perform in high-pressure moments has placed him ahead of his peers in the QB1 conversation.
2. New York Jets – Arch Manning, QB (Texas)
Despite a localized period of inconsistency during the 2025 season, Arch Manning finished the year with significant momentum. The NFL has historically valued elite athletic bloodlines as a hedge against the volatility of the quarterback position. If Manning maintains his late-season form, he will remain a primary contender for the first overall pick throughout the coming year.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Jayden Maiava, QB (USC)
Jayden Maiava is one of the most physically gifted passers in the country. He features a sturdy frame and a powerful arm capable of layering throws into tight windows. For Maiava to solidify this high ranking, he must focus on play-to-play consistency, but his ceiling as a franchise cornerstone is undeniable.
4. Cleveland Browns – Jeremiah Smith, WR (Ohio State)
Jeremiah Smith is already drawing comparisons to legendary receivers like Julio Jones and Calvin Johnson. Many scouts believe he is a more advanced prospect than even Marvin Harrison Jr. was at the same stage. Smith’s combination of size, speed, and catch radius makes him a generational talent at the wideout position.
5. Tennessee Titans – Colin Simmons, EDGE (Texas)
Colin Simmons is a disruptive force who wins with a blend of explosive twitch and functional power. After a dominant 2025 campaign where he proved nearly impossible to block, the expectation is that Simmons will continue to refine his pass-rush moves to become the most feared defender in college football.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Trevor Goosby, OT (Texas)
Trevor Goosby offers the ideal physical profile for a blindside protector. While still somewhat raw in his technique against elite speed rushers, his massive frame and natural anchor allow him to neutralize power. His developmental upside makes him a lock for the top ten if his footwork continues to improve.
7. New Orleans Saints – Dylan Stewart, EDGE (South Carolina)
Dylan Stewart is a prototypical edge setter with the length and strength to dominate the point of attack. Beyond his run-stopping capabilities, he possesses a sudden burst that allows him to collapse the pocket from the outside. His versatility and motor are his calling cards.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers – Darien Mensah, QB (Miami)
Following in the footsteps of recent Miami success stories, Darien Mensah has the tools to be a first-round mainstay. He is a vertical passer who can rip intermediate throws with high-level accuracy. While he occasionally takes unnecessary risks when trying to extend plays, his raw arm talent is among the best in the class.
9. Carolina Panthers – Leonard Moore, CB (Notre Dame)
Leonard Moore is a fluid, long-limbed cornerback who excels in man coverage. His ability to stay in phase with receivers and his versatility to move into the slot make him a scheme-friendly asset. Moore’s knack for disrupting passes at the catch point sets him apart as the top corner in this exercise.
10. Atlanta Falcons – David Stone, DT (Oklahoma)
David Stone is a high-energy interior defender with the quickness to penetrate gaps before blockers can set their feet. He is a constant presence in the backfield and possesses the lateral range to chase down ball carriers from the interior. Stone’s motor never stops, making him a nightmare for offensive coordinators.
11. New York Giants – Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE (Oregon)
Matayo Uiagalelei is a power-based rusher with a professional-grade frame. To reach his full potential, he needs to develop more “bend” and expand his repertoire of pass-rush moves. If he takes a significant step forward in 2026, his physical tools will likely keep him in the mid-first-round range.
12. Minnesota Vikings – CJ Carr, QB (Notre Dame)
CJ Carr projects as a highly efficient “game manager” in the best sense of the term, drawing comparisons to the steady playstyle of Bo Nix. He is a rhythmic passer who avoids turnover-worthy plays and shows great anticipation on intermediate routes. His maturity as a first-year starter suggests a very high floor at the next level.
13. Washington Commanders – Cam Coleman, WR (Texas)
Cam Coleman combines the physical dominance of a large receiver with the route-running nuance of a much smaller player. He is exceptional after the catch, using his contact balance to shrug off defenders. Coleman is a true “alpha” wideout who can punish defensive backs in contested situations.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Drew Mestemaker, QB (Oklahoma State)
Transitioning to a higher level of competition at Oklahoma State, Drew Mestemaker will be a name to watch. He has a live arm and the ability to work through full-field progressions. If he can cut down on the decision-making errors that led to interceptions in 2025, his stock will soar.
15. New York Jets – A’Mauri Washington, DL (Oregon)
A’Mauri Washington is an athletic interior lineman who plays with excellent leverage. He is at his most dangerous when attacking gaps, using a quick first step to disrupt plays before they can develop. His strength and motor allow him to be a factor in both phases of the defense.
16. Cincinnati Bengals – John Henry Daley, EDGE (Michigan)
John Henry Daley is a technician on the edge, utilizing sophisticated hand work to disengage from tackles. His signature spin move is one of the best in college football, and he possesses the functional strength to hold his ground against the run.
17. Chicago Bears – Caden Green, OL (Missouri)
Caden Green is a reliable protector who anchors well against power. While he may eventually move inside to guard at the professional level, his high football IQ and awareness make him a standout on the Missouri line. Improving his pad level in the run game will be his primary goal this fall.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jordan Ross, EDGE (LSU)
Jordan Ross uses a low center of gravity to generate immense power as a rusher. He is particularly effective at overwhelming tight ends in the run game and shows the lateral agility to stay with elusive ball carriers in space.
19. New York Jets – Charlie Becker, WR (Indiana)
Charlie Becker emerged as a breakout star after stepping into a larger role due to injuries. He is a massive target who specializes in contested catches and possesses the body control to make difficult grabs along the sideline. His vertical speed for his size is a major concern for opposing secondaries.
20. Houston Texans – Quincy Rhodes, EDGE (Arkansas)
Quincy Rhodes is a versatile “chess piece” for any defensive front. He has the size of an interior lineman but the athleticism of a traditional edge rusher. He is virtually immovable at the point of attack, making him a premier run-stuffer with pass-rush upside.
21. Philadelphia Eagles – Carter Smith, OT (Indiana)
Carter Smith is a high-upside left tackle with natural movement skills. While his technique against speed rushers needs refinement, his ability to move defenders in the run game is elite. Smith’s raw physical profile makes him a classic developmental prospect for a team that values offensive line depth.
22. Denver Broncos – Damon Wilson II, EDGE (Miami)
Damon Wilson II is a straight-line speed rusher who closes on the quarterback with incredible urgency. Though he doesn’t possess elite bend around the corner, his ability to convert speed to power allows him to win consistently at the collegiate level.
23. Dallas Cowboys – Kade Pieper, OL (Iowa)
Kade Pieper is the latest in a long line of technically sound Iowa offensive linemen. He shines in zone-blocking schemes and shows excellent footwork in pass protection. As he adds functional mass, he could become the top interior lineman in the 2027 class.
24. New England Patriots – Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR (Alabama)
After a somewhat disappointing sophomore campaign, Ryan Coleman-Williams is looking to reclaim the form he showed as a freshman. At his best, he is a top-10 talent who can challenge for the WR1 spot. His 2026 season will be pivotal for his draft stock.
25. Detroit Lions – Clev Lubin, EDGE (Louisville)
Clev Lubin is a modern hybrid defender who can rush the passer, stop the run, and even drop into coverage. This “positionless” versatility is highly valued in the NFL today, making Lubin an ideal fit for creative defensive coordinators.
26. San Francisco 49ers – Terrance Carter Jr., TE (Texas Tech)
Terrance Carter Jr. is a dynamic threat at tight end who runs like a wide receiver. He is a mismatch nightmare in the middle of the field and a dedicated blocker in the run game. His vertical speed forces safeties to respect him as a deep threat.
27. Kansas City Chiefs – Jordan Seaton, OT (LSU)
Jordan Seaton is a massive tackle who surprisingly excels in space. He has heavy hands and the lateral mobility to mirror edge rushers. Seaton’s ability to act as a lead blocker on the perimeter makes him a unique asset for a high-powered offense.
28. Los Angeles Chargers – Ellis Robinson IV, CB (Georgia)
Ellis Robinson IV is a technically sound cornerback who thrives in man-to-man situations. He plays with a level of confidence that allows him to mirror the opponent’s best receiver. His ability to read the quarterback’s eyes leads to frequent disruptions at the catch point.
29. Baltimore Ravens – Will Echoles, DL (Ole Miss)
Will Echoles is a powerful interior presence who specializes in collapsing the pocket. He plays with a low center of gravity and a surprising amount of twitch, allowing him to navigate through traffic and make plays in the backfield.
30. Buffalo Bills – Zabien Brown, CB (Alabama)
Zabien Brown is a physical defender who uses his size to disrupt the timing of routes. He is reliable in both man and off-coverage, showing the discipline to stay deep while remaining aggressive enough to break on the ball.
31. Seattle Seahawks – Nick Marsh, WR (Indiana)
Nick Marsh is a large-framed receiver who excels at the intermediate level. While he may not blow past defenders on vertical routes, he uses his body to shield the ball and creates significant yardage after the catch through sheer strength and balance.
32. Los Angeles Rams – Ahmad Hardy, RB (Missouri)
Ahmad Hardy is a compact, powerful runner who is exceptionally difficult to bring down on first contact. He is a perfect fit for wide-zone rushing attacks, where his “one-cut” ability allows him to find daylight and accelerate into the second level.
While the 2027 NFL Draft is still over a year away, the foundation of the class is built on high-ceiling quarterbacks and elite defensive line talent. As the 2026 college football season unfolds, these prospects will have the opportunity to solidify their rankings or give way to emerging stars. For now, this watchlist highlights the players who possess the physical traits and early production that NFL front offices covet in a franchise-altering draft class.
