In the world of NFL scouting, the conversation almost always revolves around the quarterback position. After a 2024 draft that saw six signal-callers taken in the first 12 picks, the subsequent two years saw a total of only four quarterbacks reach the first round. However, the 2027 cycle appears poised to break that trend. Early projections suggest we could see four or five quarterbacks selected on the first day of the draft next April.
Leading the pack is Dante Moore, a prospect who has already generated significant buzz. Had he stayed in the 2026 pool, he likely would have been a top-two selection. Instead, his return to Oregon sets him up as a potential first-overall pick. Close behind is Arch Manning, whose professional trajectory seems driven by both his elite pedigree and a late-season surge in 2025 that captured the league’s attention. With an NFL scouting community that often views famous football bloodlines as a hedge against risk, Manning remains a central figure in the QB1 debate.
The depth of this class extends beyond the marquee names. Players like Jayden Maiava, Darien Mensah, and CJ Carr are already being evaluated as first-round talents. While the “impossibly deep” label frequently fades as the college season progresses, this list serves as a vital watchlist for the upcoming year. As the 2026 college football season unfolds, these names, traits, and developmental paths will shift, but the current snapshot suggests a draft dominated by high-end passing talent.
The following draft order is based on current Super Bowl odds. Notable trade implications include the New York Jets holding three first-round selections due to previous deals involving Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, while the Cowboys hold an extra pick from the Micah Parsons trade.
1. Miami Dolphins: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Dante Moore stands out for his remarkable poise within the pocket. He remains calm under heavy pressure and possesses the elite “out-of-structure” ability required in the modern NFL. His performance throughout the 2025 season cemented his status as a premier prospect, arguably outperforming every other quarterback in the 2026 and 2027 landscape. If he maintains this level of play, he is the clear favorite for the top spot.
2. New York Jets: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
After a somewhat inconsistent start to the 2025 campaign, Arch Manning found his rhythm down the stretch. He possesses the physical tools and the mental makeup NFL teams crave. If he can carry that late-season momentum into the fall, he will be a perennial candidate for the number one overall selection.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Jayden Maiava, QB, USC
Jayden Maiava is a physically gifted passer with a large frame and a powerful arm. He has shown the ability to make “layered” throws with excellent touch, though NFL scouts will be looking for more consistency across four quarters of play this season. His upside remains among the highest in the class.
4. Cleveland Browns: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
The hype surrounding Jeremiah Smith is reaching historic levels. Some evaluators believe he is a better prospect than even Marvin Harrison Jr. was at the same stage. With a physical profile comparable to legendary receivers like Julio Jones or Calvin Johnson, Smith is the type of transcendent talent who can redefine an offense.
5. Tennessee Titans: Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
Colin Simmons is a versatile pass rusher who can overwhelm offensive tackles with a mix of raw power, explosive speed, and sudden twitch. He was a dominant force for much of the 2025 season, and with continued physical development, he projects as a top-tier defensive cornerstone.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
Trevor Goosby is a massive offensive tackle prospect who combines an elite frame with the athleticism needed to anchor against powerful rushers. While still considered somewhat raw in his technique—occasionally struggling with elite speed—his physical traits make him a high-ceiling protector for any franchise.
7. New Orleans Saints: Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
Dylan Stewart uses his length and physical strength to dictate the line of scrimmage, particularly in the run game. However, his most intriguing trait is his suddenness as a pass rusher. He has a knack for collapsing the pocket quickly by blending his wingspan with explosive first-step quickness.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darien Mensah, QB, Miami
Following in the footsteps of recent Miami standouts, Darien Mensah is a sturdy passer with impressive deep-ball accuracy. He excels at making throws on the move and attacking the intermediate levels of the field. To solidify his first-round standing, he must learn to take what the defense gives him rather than forcing plays out of structure.
9. Carolina Panthers: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
Leonard Moore is a fluid and rangy athlete who excels at staying in phase with receivers. His ability to disrupt plays downfield using his length, combined with the versatility to play both the slot and the perimeter, makes him one of the most polished defensive backs in this cycle.
10. Atlanta Falcons: David Stone, DT, Oklahoma
David Stone is a high-energy defensive lineman characterized by quick feet and an relentless motor. He has the rare ability to shed blocks almost instantly, allowing him to live in the opponent’s backfield. His versatility allows him to be effective from various alignments along the defensive front.
11. New York Giants: Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon
Possessing a prototypical NFL frame, Matayo Uiagalelei wins primarily through power and effort. While he currently lacks elite bend around the edge, his physical tools are reminiscent of high-end second-rounders like Tuli Tuipulotu. NFL teams will be looking for a significant technical leap in 2026 to justify a top-15 pick.
12. Minnesota Vikings: CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
CJ Carr is often compared to a “game manager” in the most positive sense—reminiscent of Bo Nix. He is a steady, efficient quarterback who avoids costly mistakes. Carr shows great anticipation and touch, along with enough athleticism to extend plays, which is impressive given his relatively limited starting experience.
13. Washington Commanders: Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
Cam Coleman is a physically dominant wide receiver who combines elite contact balance with the agility of a much smaller player. He is a nuanced route runner who can punish defensive backs both at the catch point and with his strength after the catch.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
Transferring from North Texas to Oklahoma State, Drew Mestemaker brings a big arm and the ability to fit passes into tight windows. While he needs to cut down on interceptions and improve his footwork under pressure, his ability to process reads from the pocket makes him a high-potential “sleeper” to watch this fall.
15. New York Jets (via Colts): A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon
A’Mauri Washington is an interior force who uses leverage and burst to disrupt offensive rhythm. When he plays with a low center of gravity, he is nearly impossible to block one-on-one. His ability to attack gaps and create havoc in the backfield makes him a premier defensive line prospect.
16. Cincinnati Bengals: John Henry Daley, EDGE, Michigan
John Henry Daley is a technician on the edge. He utilizes a diverse set of pass-rush moves, including a highly effective spin, to beat offensive tackles. Furthermore, he possesses the necessary functional strength to hold his ground against the run and reset the line of scrimmage.
17. Chicago Bears: Caden Green, OL, Missouri
Caden Green is a reliable protector known for his stout anchor against power rushers. While his run blocking could improve by playing with a lower pad level, his high football IQ and awareness suggest he could have a long, successful career as an NFL guard or tackle.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jordan Ross, EDGE, LSU
Jordan Ross is a powerful edge defender who uses a low center of gravity to move offensive linemen backward. He also displays the lateral mobility required to chase down ball carriers in space, making him a difficult matchup for tight ends in the run game.
19. New York Jets (via Cowboys): Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
Charlie Becker emerged as a standout after stepping into a larger role due to injuries on the Indiana roster. He is a massive target who excels in contested-catch situations. His ability to contort his body to make difficult catches, combined with his vertical speed, makes him a dangerous weapon.
20. Houston Texans: Quincy Rhodes, EDGE, Arkansas
Quincy Rhodes offers a rare combination of massive size and athletic versatility. He acts as a “chess piece” for defensive coordinators, capable of playing multiple roles across the line. He is immovable at the point of attack and generates immense power as a pass rusher.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
Carter Smith is a high-upside left tackle prospect with natural movement skills. While he needs to refine his technique against sophisticated speed rushers, his ability to move defenders in the run game provides a very high floor for his professional development.
22. Denver Broncos: Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Miami
Damon Wilson II is an explosive, downhill pass rusher. While he may not possess elite flexibility or “bend,” he compensates with sheer power and a quick close-on-the-quarterback burst that makes him a constant threat in passing situations.
23. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers): Kade Pieper, OL, Iowa
Kade Pieper is an athletic interior lineman who is particularly effective in zone-blocking schemes and pass protection. As he continues to add functional strength to his frame, he could emerge as the premier interior offensive lineman in this draft class.
24. New England Patriots: Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR, Alabama
After an incredible freshman campaign in 2024, Ryan Coleman-Williams saw a dip in production in 2025. However, the talent remains undeniable. If he can recapture his early form, he has the potential to challenge for the top wide receiver spot in the draft.
25. Detroit Lions: Clev Lubin, EDGE, Louisville
Clev Lubin is a hybrid defender who fits the modern “positionless” NFL perfectly. He has the power to rush the passer and the discipline to stop the run, but his rare ability to drop into zone coverage makes him an invaluable asset for creative defensive coordinators.
26. San Francisco 49ers: Terrance Carter Jr., TE, Texas Tech
Terrance Carter Jr. is a dynamic playmaker at tight end who runs like a running back after the catch. While he occasionally struggles with drops, his vertical speed and commitment to blocking make him an ideal fit for offenses that utilize multiple tight end sets.
27. Kansas City Chiefs: Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU
The Colorado transfer Jordan Seaton is a massive individual who moves with surprising lightness. He has heavy hands and excellent lateral mobility, making it very difficult for edge rushers to disengage once he makes contact. He is particularly effective as a lead blocker in space.
28. Los Angeles Chargers: Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia
Ellis Robinson IV is a physical cornerback with a high football IQ. He excels at reading the quarterback’s eyes and breaking on the ball. His technical proficiency allows him to thrive in man-to-man coverage, even when left on an island against top receivers.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Will Echoles, DL, Ole Miss
Will Echoles is a disruptive force in the middle of the defense. He plays with a low center of gravity and possesses a surprising amount of “twitch” for an interior lineman, frequently finding himself in the backfield to blow up plays before they start.
30. Buffalo Bills: Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama
Zabien Brown is a physically imposing cornerback who consistently wins at the catch point. His ability to mirror receivers throughout their routes, whether in press-man or off-coverage, makes him a highly reliable secondary prospect.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana
Standing 6-foot-3, Nick Marsh is a physical wideout who excels at creating separation at the top of his routes. While he might not be a pure vertical burner, his ability to win contested catches and his strength after the catch make him a reliable chain-mover and red-zone threat.
32. Los Angeles Rams: Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri
Ahmad Hardy is a compact, powerful runner who is famously difficult to bring down on the first contact. He is a perfect fit for outside-zone schemes where he can make one cut and explode into the secondary. While he has yet to prove himself as a consistent pass-catcher, his home-run ability as a runner is top-tier.
Final Considerations on the 2027 Draft Class
This early look at the 2027 NFL Draft highlights a class that could be defined by its quarterbacks, much like the historic 2024 group. While prospects like Dante Moore and Arch Manning lead the conversation today, history shows that at least one or two names will emerge from obscurity to challenge for a first-round spot. This list serves as a living watchlist; as the 2026 season progresses, the performances on the field will inevitably reshape these rankings. For now, the focus remains on the high-end talent at the premium positions of quarterback, edge rusher, and wide receiver.
