2027 NFL Mock Draft: Never-Too-Early 1st-Round Projection
The dust is still settling from this year's NFL Draft, but it's never too early to look ahead to next year.
The 2027 NFL Draft class will be one of the more highly anticipated groups in recent memory, headlined by a quarterback class that carries massive expectations heading into the 2026 college football season.
Texas' Arch Manning is obviously the biggest name, but Oregon's Dante Moore surprised many by returning to the Ducks for the 2026 season when he could have been the No. 2 overall pick this past weekend. Ohio State's Julian Sayin could-be in the first-round conversation, along with Notre Dame's C.J. Carr, South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers, and others.
None of them head into the 2027 NFL Draft cycle as the top overall player on most draft boards, though. That title most often goes to Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has dominated for the Buckeyes since first getting to campus as a true freshman. He's the easy pick to be the first non-quarterback off the board next April.
As we take in all the results from Pittsburgh this weekend, here's an early look at how the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft could turn out, using the latest Super Bowl odds to determine the pick order:
1. Miami Dolphins
Arch Manning | QB | Texas
Malik Willis gives the Dolphins a solid starting option in the short-term, but if the Dolphins end up with the top pick, his presence likely wouldn't prevent them from making Manning their franchise quarterback of the future.
2. New York Jets
Dante Moore | QB | Oregon
Moore likely would've been the Jets' pick at No. 2 this year, and if they land in that same spot again in 2027, it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up in Florham Park after all. Moore is a poised, polished passer who is surgical from the pocket.
3. Arizona Cardinals
Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State
We could very well end up with a worthy QB3 for this spot, but someone will have to emerge with a high level of consistency to warrant a team like the Cards passing up a generation receiver prospect in Smith.
4. Cleveland Browns
Colin Simmons | Edge | Texas
It's possible the Browns could end up taking another young quarterback here, but unless a clear candidate emerges, it would make more sense to add another explosive edge rusher to line up across from Myles Garrett.
5. Tennessee Titans
Leonard Moore | CB | Notre Dame
The Titans will still be in "gather as much elite talent as humanly possible" mode next offseason, and Moore is an elite corner who was dominant last season. He already looks the part of a top-five pick.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Jordan Seaton | OT | LSU
Protecting their investment in 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will remain the Raiders' top priority in the coming years, and that should always start in the trenches, where Seaton could be their new franchise left tackle.
7. New Orleans Saints
Dylan Stewart | Edge | South Carolina
It looks like the Cam Jordan era is over in New Orleans, so they'll be on the lookout for the next generation of productive pass rusher in next year's draft. Stewart is an absolute menace off the edge, and could end up being a steal if he doesn't go in the top five.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
Julian Sayin | QB | Ohio State
The Steelers just spent a third-round pick on Drew Allar, but he's a project who won't prevent them from spending next year's top selection on another quarterback if one like Sayin proves worthy of top-10 consideration.
9. Carolina Panthers
Cam Coleman | WR | Texas
More help for Bryce Young is never a bad thing, and Coleman brings an exciting blend of size and athleticism to the receiver position. If he's able to live up to the hype with improved quarterback play in Austin this year, he could be a top-10 lock.
10. Atlanta Falcons
Trevor Goosby | OT | Texas
A youth movement is needed along the offensive line in Atlanta, and they could be on the lookout for their next franchise left tackle in 2027. Goosby still needs a ton of refinement in terms of technique, but the physical traits are off the charts.
11. New York Giants
A'Mauri Washington | DL | Oregon
After trading away Dexter Lawrence, the Giants now have a gaping hole along the interior of their defensive line. Washington is a dominant run-stuffer with impressive pass-rushing upside for his size, and could be the perfect fit.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Ahmad Hardy | RB | Missouri
Aaron Jones has been one of the NFL's most complete running backs throughout his career, but the Vikings could look for his successor next offseason. Hardy is a dynamic, explosive runner with home-run ability who can take any touch to the house.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
David Stone | DL | Oklahoma
The Bucs have reloaded their defensive front this offseason, but don't be surprised if they keep it going next year. Stone is a dominant run defender who could unlock another level to his game by turning his explosiveness into more pass-rushing production.
14. Washington Commanders
Ellis Robinson IV | CB | Georgia
The Commanders failed to fill their massive need at cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft, so it'll be an imperative next time around. Robinson is a high-upside prospect who has all the traits to develop into a shutdown player at the next level.
15. New York Jets (from IND)
Zabien Brown | CB | Alabama
The Jets got this pick by trading away Sauce Gardner, and they could use it to help replace his impact at the corner position. Brown is a big-play defender with impressive athleticism and ball skills who could be up to the challenge.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
KJ Bolden | S | Georgia
This roster doesn't have too many glaring needs, which could allow the Jags to make somewhat of a luxury pick at safety next year. Bolden isn't huge, but he's a versatile defender who can make big plays all over the field.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa | LB | Notre Dame
The Bengals weren't able to address their need for an upgrade at linebacker this offseason, so it'll remain at the top of the wish list in 2027. Viliamu-Asa is the early favorite atop next year's class at the position, with the complete skill set to make a three-down impact.
18. Chicago Bears
Quincy Rhodes Jr. | Edge | Arkansas
The Bears largely ignored their needs along the defensive front in this year's draft, but they should attack it early next year, whether along the interior or out on the edge. Rhodes was a borderline first-round prospect this year before deciding to return to school.
19. New York Jets (from DAL)
Kewan Lacy | RB | Ole Miss
Breece Hall is back for the 2026 season on the franchise tag, but the Jets don't have a long-term plan at the top of their depth chart in the offensive backfield. Lacy is a dangerous offensive weapon who can make big plays as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.
20. Houston Texans
Austin Siereveld | OT | Ohio State
Houston would be wise to continue to load up on high-end upgrades for the offensive line to keep C.J. Stroud protected. Siereveld has ideal physical traits, and another year of experience against top competition should make him pro-ready heading into 2027.
21. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
Ryan Coleman-Williams | WR | Alabama
It doesn't look like George Pickens will be staying in Dallas long-term, so the Cowboys will need to find a new WR2 opposite CeeDee Lamb. Coleman-Williams struggled to live up to the preseason hype last year, but he's still got first-round talent and potential.
22. Denver Broncos
Ahmad Moten Sr. | DL | Miami (FL)
The Broncos would benefit from early investments in the depth and future of their defensive front, especially if they want to remain one of the league's most dominant units. Moten would give them a fantastic building block for the future along the interior.
23. Philadelphia Eagles
Matayo Uiagalelei | Edge | Oregon
You can never have too many high-end edge rushers, and the Eagles know this as well as any team in the league. Uiagalelei could have been a fairly early pick in this year's draft, but he'll be even more prepared to make a big impact at the next level after another year with the Ducks.
24. Detroit Lions
Cayden Green | OL | Missouri
The Lions are well-known for their explosive weapons on offense, but the engine doesn't run if they don't hold things down in the trenches. Green has a ton of upside with his physical traits, and the versatility to slide inside to guard, where Detroit would have a more immediate need.
25. San Francisco 49ers
Kelley Jones | CB | Mississippi State
This defense could use more high-end talent in the secondary, and having multiple top-flight corners makes the pass rusher more effective. Jones has rare size for the position, and could easily play his way into a much higher draft slot this season.
26. Kansas City Chiefs
Trey'Dez Green | TE | LSU
Travis Kelce will be a year-to-year situation for the Chiefs at this point in his legendary career, which will always put the team in a place where spending a high pick on his potential successor makes sense. Green's combination of size and athleticism would make him an ideal replacement.
27. New England Patriots
Anthony Smith | DL | Minnesota
The Pats still need to load up on defensive tackle as much as possible, and building out any unit should always focus on the trenches first. Smith has the frame and versatility to line up at multiple spots along the defensive front, and his physical traits give him a ton of upside.
28. Los Angeles Chargers
Will Heldt | Edge | Clemson
This will obviously depend on whether or not Tuli Tuipolotu gets a long-term contract extension this year, but if that doesn't happen, the Chargers will need to spend a second-straight first-round pick on another edge defender who can make an instant impact.
29. Baltimore Ravens
Damon Wilson II | Edge | Miami (FL)
Even after spending this year's second-rounder on Zion Young, the Ravens could still target another edge rusher at the top of next year's board. Wilson flashed first-round upside at Missouri last year, and will no doubt benefit from Jason Taylor's coaching with the Canes.
30. Seattle Seahawks
Chris Peal | CB | Syracuse
The Seahawks love big, athletic corners with length and physicality, and you can never have too many guys who check all of those boxes. Peal has those traits, and could prove to be worthy of a first-round pick with a strong 2026 campaign.
31. Buffalo Bills
Nick Marsh | WR | Indiana
Don't be surprised if the Bills keep chasing a No. 1 receiver with some size to help out Josh Allen and the passing game. Marsh didn't put up huge numbers at Michigan State, but he showed flashes of potential that should be maximized with the Hoosiers.
32. Los Angeles Rams
Koi Perich | DB | Oregon
Modern NFL defenses benefit from versatile defensive backs who can line up all over the field and make big plays. That's exactly what Perich did at Minnesota, and if he continues to do the same for the Ducks, he could play his way into being a first-rounder.
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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 3:42 PM.