2027 NFL Draft Prospects: Top QBs, Rankings and Players to Watch

The 2027 NFL Draft prospects class is already drawing major attention, led by Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith, Leonard Moore and Dylan Stewart. Early rankings suggest strong talent at premium positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, edge rusher and cornerback.

There is still no clear consensus, however. Different draft analysts have already produced contrasting boards, and the 2026 college football season could significantly change evaluations. Injuries, breakout performances and underclassman declarations will all influence how the 2027 NFL Draft prospects rankings develop before draft day.

Quick Answer

The 2027 NFL Draft prospects class is headlined by Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith, Leonard Moore, Dylan Stewart, Colin Simmons and Dante Moore. Early evaluations suggest strong talent at quarterback, wide receiver, edge rusher, offensive tackle and cornerback.

The 2027 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 29–May 1, 2027, in Washington, D.C., with rankings expected to change significantly during the 2026 college football season.

Key Takeaways

• Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith and Leonard Moore are among the leading 2027 NFL Draft prospects.
• Quarterback remains unsettled, with Dante Moore, Drew Mestemaker and Julian Sayin among the key names to watch.
• Jeremiah Smith currently stands out as one of the strongest non-quarterback prospects.
• Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons give the class high-end edge-rushing potential.
• Trevor Goosby and Jordan Seaton headline a promising offensive tackle group.
• Leonard Moore and Ashton Hampton could make cornerback one of the strongest positions in the class.

Why the 2027 NFL Draft Class Is Getting So Much Attention

The 2027 NFL Draft prospects are generating excitement because many of the top players compete at premium positions. CBS Sports believes the class has exceptional first-round potential, with quarterback, wide receiver, edge rusher and offensive tackle particularly strong near the top.

Depth is another reason the 2027 NFL Draft prospects stand out. CBS Sports gave the early cornerback class a 9/10 strength rating and the offensive tackle group an 8/10, while its wide receiver class also earned a 9/10. Leonard Moore, Trevor Goosby, Jordan Seaton, Jeremiah Smith and Cam Coleman are among the leading names.

The biggest uncertainty is which eligible underclassmen actually declare. NIL opportunities, another year of development and changing draft projections could convince some highly rated players to remain in college.

How We Rank the 2027 Draft Class

Our 2027 NFL Draft prospects rankings consider college production, physical traits, athletic ability, positional value, NFL translatability, consistency, starting experience and long-term upside. These rankings are an early watch list rather than a prediction of the exact draft order.

Key evaluation factors include:

• College production
• Physical and athletic traits
• NFL positional value
• Technical development
• Performance against strong competition
• Consistency and experience
• Remaining upside

Early Top 25 2027 NFL Draft Rankings

Important: These are editorial rankings based on current evaluations and positional value. They are not official NFL rankings and will change throughout the 2026 college football season.

Early 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Tiers

A tier system is more useful this early than debating small differences between individual rankings. The best 2027 NFL Draft prospects can move quickly as the 2026 season provides more production, medical information and high-level game tape.

The gaps between tiers matter more right now than whether a player ranks 10th, 11th or 12th.

1. Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Arch Manning enters 2026 at the top of CBS Sports’ preseason big board and is one of the most closely watched 2027 NFL Draft prospects. He completed 248 of 404 passes for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2025 while adding 399 rushing yards and 10 scores. His arm talent, mobility and late-season improvement create No. 1 overall upside, but consistency with accuracy, footwork and processing remains important.

2. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Jeremiah Smith may be the strongest non-quarterback among the 2027 NFL Draft prospects. He recorded 87 catches for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, bringing his two-year totals to 2,558 yards and 27 receiving scores. His size, speed, hands, route running and contested-catch ability give him legitimate top-three potential. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein also placed Smith first among his players to watch from the Senior Bowl Top 300.

3. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

Leonard Moore is one of the premier defensive 2027 NFL Draft prospects, combining length, movement skills and advanced coverage ability. CBS Sports gives him an early top-five grade after he allowed only 201 yards on 48 targets last season. His press coverage, instincts and ball skills give him a realistic chance to become the first defensive player selected.

4. Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina

Few 2027 NFL Draft prospects offer Dylan Stewart’s combination of size and explosiveness. Zierlein ranked him second on his preseason watch list, highlighting his first-step burst, inside moves and disruption against the run. Improved pass-rush technique and finishing production could push Stewart firmly into top-five consideration.

5. Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas

Colin Simmons is another premium edge defender with top-10 potential. His quick first step, speed and pass-rushing production already stand out, while continued improvement with counters, run defense and power will determine how high he rises.

6. Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas

Trevor Goosby enters the season as CBS Sports’ OT1. At 6-foot-7 and 325 pounds, he combines excellent size, movement skills and power, earning an early top-10 grade. Another strong season against SEC pass rushers could make him the first offensive tackle selected.

7. Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU

Jordan Seaton transferred from Colorado to LSU after starting 22 games at left tackle. LSU lists him at 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds, while CBS highlights his quick feet, length and active hands. Improving his run-game power could strengthen his first-round case.

8. Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson

Ashton Hampton gives the cornerback class another potential early first-round selection. CBS Sports praises his unusual combination of size, fluid movement and tackling ability and believes he has a chance to enter the top-10 conversation alongside Leonard Moore.

9. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Dante Moore remains one of the most important 2027 NFL Draft prospects to monitor. He completed 296 of 412 passes for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2025, producing a 71.8% completion rate. His mechanics, accuracy, touch and pocket passing have earned him QB1 consideration from CBS analyst Ryan Wilson.

10. Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State

Drew Mestemaker transferred from North Texas to Oklahoma State after leading the FBS with 4,379 passing yards in 2025 while throwing 34 touchdowns. His accuracy and pocket composure make him a major breakout candidate, but performing against stronger competition will be critical to his NFL projection.

11. Cam Coleman, WR, Texas

Cam Coleman transferred from Auburn to Texas in spring 2026 after recording 56 catches for 708 yards and five touchdowns last season. At 6-foot-3 and 204 pounds, his size, catch radius and vertical ability give him clear first-round upside if his route running becomes more consistent.

12. David Stone, DT, Oklahoma

David Stone enters 2026 as one of the leading defensive tackles in the class. CBS Sports gives him an early first-round grade and highlights his power, quickness and ability to play multiple positions along the defensive interior. A stronger pass-rushing season could push him into the top-10 discussion.

Top 2027 NFL Draft Quarterback Prospects

Quarterback is the biggest variable in this class. Several 2027 NFL Draft prospects have first-round potential, but Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Drew Mestemaker and Julian Sayin still have important questions to answer during the 2026 season.

Early 2027 NFL Draft QB Rankings

Among the 2027 NFL Draft prospects, quarterback rankings vary significantly by evaluator. CBS Sports’ current database lists Manning, Mestemaker and Moore as its top three quarterbacks, while an earlier CBS summer evaluation had Moore and Manning as the consensus top two and Sayin appearing in both evaluators’ top five.

2027 NFL Draft QB Strengths and Questions

Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Julian Sayin is one of the most difficult 2027 NFL Draft prospects to rank. He completed 301 of 391 passes for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2025, producing an exceptional 76.98% completion rate. His accuracy, patience and processing stand out, while creating consistently outside structure remains an area to monitor.

Darian Mensah, Miami

Darian Mensah transferred to Miami after throwing for 3,973 yards and 34 touchdowns with only six interceptions at Duke in 2025. His mechanics, touch and production create NFL potential, but scouts will watch how efficiently he adapts to Miami’s offense.

Jayden Maiava, USC

Jayden Maiava returns as USC’s starter after passing for 3,711 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2025. His arm talent and downfield passing are appealing, but accuracy and decision-making under pressure will be important to his draft stock.

CJ Carr, Notre Dame

CJ Carr could become one of the class’s biggest risers. His timing, accuracy and command of Notre Dame’s offense provide a strong foundation, while another full season of starting experience should give NFL evaluators a clearer picture of his ceiling.

LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

LaNorris Sellers remains one of the most physically intriguing 2027 NFL Draft prospects. At roughly 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds, he offers a powerful combination of arm strength, size and mobility. Faster processing, anticipation and improved passing consistency could move him significantly higher during the season.

Best 2027 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Prospects

Wide receiver could become one of the deepest positions among the 2027 NFL Draft prospects. Jeremiah Smith is the clear headliner, while Cam Coleman and Charlie Becker currently have strong early first-round cases.

Early WR Rankings

CBS Sports’ September receiver evaluation ranks Smith, Coleman and Becker as its top three wideouts and gives the overall class an early 9/10 strength rating.

Charlie Becker, Indiana

Charlie Becker is one of the fastest-rising 2027 NFL Draft prospects after producing 522 yards on 27 catches from Week 11 through Indiana’s championship run. At roughly 6-foot-4, his size and late-season production give him legitimate first-round potential.

Nick Marsh, Indiana

Nick Marsh transferred from Michigan State to Indiana after recording more than 1,000 career receiving yards during his first two seasons. His size, physicality and yards-after-catch ability make improved route separation a key area to watch.

Tony Diaz, Iowa

Tony Diaz is an intriguing sleeper after transferring from UTRGV to Iowa. He recorded 875 yards and 11 touchdowns at the FCS level in 2025, making his performance against Big Ten competition particularly important.

Best 2027 NFL Draft Running Back Prospects

Running back is another promising area among the 2027 NFL Draft prospects, with Ahmad Hardy, Jadan Baugh and Kewan Lacy leading a group that could produce multiple early-round selections.

NFL scouts will evaluate receiving ability, pass protection, vision, explosiveness, contact balance, durability and ball security alongside rushing production.

Hardy currently holds CBS Sports’ RB1 position, while Baugh and Lacy also carry early first-round potential. Brown adds elite big-play ability, giving the running backs one of the more intriguing groups of 2027 NFL Draft prospects entering the season.

Best Offensive Tackle Prospects

Offensive tackle could be one of the strongest positions among the 2027 NFL Draft prospects. CBS Sports gives the class an 8/10 early strength rating, with Trevor Goosby and Jordan Seaton carrying the strongest first-round cases.

Offensive Tackles to Watch

1. Trevor Goosby, Texas
2. Jordan Seaton, LSU
3. Lance Heard, Kentucky
4. Trevor Lauck, Iowa
5. Ian Moore, Ohio State
6. Niki Prongos, Stanford
7. Cayden Green, Missouri

Goosby combines elite size, movement and power, while Seaton’s quick feet and length give him excellent pass-protection upside.

Best EDGE Prospects

EDGE may be one of the premium groups of 2027 NFL Draft prospects, with CBS Sports giving the position a 9/10 early strength rating. Dylan Stewart and Colin Simmons already carry top-10 grades, while Clemson’s Will Heldt has late first-round or early Day 2 potential.

Top EDGE Rushers

1. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
2. Colin Simmons, Texas
3. Will Heldt, Clemson

Stewart offers rare explosiveness and bend, while Simmons is an elite speed rusher. Heldt’s length and athleticism make him a strong breakout candidate.

Best Defensive Tackle Prospects

Defensive tackle provides impressive depth among the 2027 NFL Draft prospects. CBS Sports rated the class 9/10 and believes its top six players have realistic first-round potential.

Top Defensive Tackles

1. David Stone, Oklahoma
2. A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
3. Will Echoles, Ole Miss
4. Justin Scott, Miami
5. Tavion Gadson, Kentucky

Stone brings power and versatility, Washington offers unusual explosiveness at roughly 330 pounds, and Echoles stands out for his strength against the run.

Best Cornerback Prospects

Cornerback is another major strength of the 2027 NFL Draft prospects class. Leonard Moore leads the position, followed by Ashton Hampton and towering Mississippi State corner Kelley Jones.

Early CB Rankings

Jones is especially intriguing at nearly 6-foot-4. CBS reports that opponents completed only 11 passes against his coverage across 13 games last season.

Best Linebacker Prospects

Sammy Brown leads the linebacker group and is one of the more complete defensive 2027 NFL Draft prospects. CBS gives him an early first-round grade because of his speed, strength, tackling and overall athleticism.

Linebackers to Watch

• Sammy Brown, Clemson
• Xavier Atkins, Auburn
• Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
• Tony Rojas, Penn State
• Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss

Coverage ability, range, tackling in space and blitzing versatility will be major evaluation factors.

Best Safety Prospects

Notre Dame’s Brauntae “Tae” Johnson currently headlines the safety group. His ability to play deep, in the slot or near the line of scrimmage gives him valuable NFL versatility.

Other names to watch include:

• Jelani McDonald, Texas
• KJ Bolden, Georgia
• Bray Hubbard, Alabama

Best Tight End Prospects

Oregon’s Jamari Johnson enters the season as CBS Sports’ TE1 and carries an early Day 2 grade. His combination of size, route-running ability and receiving potential could eventually push him toward Round 1 consideration.

Other tight ends to watch include:

• Luke Reynolds, Virginia Tech
• Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech
• Trey’Dez Green, LSU

Blocking, receiving production and alignment versatility will play major roles in determining the final tight end rankings.

2027 NFL Draft Sleepers and Under-the-Radar Prospects

Not every breakout player begins the season near the top of a big board. Several 2027 NFL Draft prospects could significantly improve their stock with strong performances against better competition in 2026.

Tony Diaz, WR, Iowa

Tony Diaz is one of the more intriguing under-the-radar 2027 NFL Draft prospects after transferring from UTRGV to Iowa. CBS Sports currently ranks him ninth among wide receivers and gives him an early Day 2 grade, highlighting his athleticism and ability to create in space.

Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State

Kelley Jones is becoming more than a sleeper. The nearly 6-foot-4 corner allowed just 11 completions across 13 games last season, and CBS currently ranks him third among cornerbacks with a late Round 1/early Day 2 grade.

Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State

Drew Mestemaker threw for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns at North Texas in 2025 before following coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State. His biggest test is proving that his pocket poise and production translate against stronger competition.

Cody Sigler, DT, Auburn

Cody Sigler is one of the defensive 2027 NFL Draft prospects worth monitoring after transferring from Arkansas State to Auburn. CBS highlighted his previous production and noted that similar success against SEC offensive lines could quickly raise his profile.

Trevion Traylor, DT, Central Arkansas

Central Arkansas defensive tackle Trevion Traylor is another small-school name to watch. CBS labeled him its top non-Power Four defensive tackle to monitor, making his 2026 season important for establishing himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.

Biggest 2027 NFL Draft Storylines to Watch

The rankings of the 2027 NFL Draft prospects could change dramatically during the season. These are some of the biggest questions that could reshape the first round.

Can Arch Manning Become the Clear QB1?

Manning has No. 1 overall potential, but consistency with accuracy, processing and decision-making will determine whether he separates from the other quarterbacks.

Can Dante Moore Challenge for QB1?

Moore’s accuracy, mechanics and pocket passing already have supporters. A complete 2026 season could strengthen his case to challenge Manning at the top.

Is Jeremiah Smith the Best Overall Player?

Smith has a legitimate argument as the class’s best pure prospect. The bigger question is whether quarterback value pushes a passer ahead of him on draft night.

Can Drew Mestemaker Become a First-Round Pick?

Another productive season against stronger competition could move Mestemaker from intriguing riser to serious first-round candidate.

How High Can Julian Sayin Rise?

Sayin’s accuracy and efficiency stand out, but scouts will closely evaluate his ability to create when protection breaks down.

Dylan Stewart or Colin Simmons for EDGE1?

Stewart offers extraordinary physical upside, while Simmons brings explosiveness and proven pass-rush ability. Their 2026 performances could determine which defender rises higher.

Can Leonard Moore Become a Top-Five Pick?

Moore’s length, coverage ability and production already give him an elite profile. Another dominant season could establish him as one of the safest defensive players in the class.

Strongest Position Groups in the 2027 NFL Draft

The 2027 NFL Draft prospects class looks especially promising at premium positions, with quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle, EDGE and cornerback offering some of the strongest early talent.

Who Is Eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft?

The 2027 NFL Draft prospects must generally be at least three years removed from high school to become draft eligible. Underclassmen who still have college eligibility can request NFL approval to enter early, meaning preseason big boards are not confirmed draft pools.

How NIL Could Affect the Draft Class

NIL opportunities could significantly influence which 2027 NFL Draft prospects actually declare. Players projected outside the early rounds may choose another college season if staying provides better financial opportunities, development or a chance to improve their draft stock.

Which Players Could Return to College?

Some 2027 NFL Draft prospects, including eligible underclassmen such as Julian Sayin and CJ Carr, could decide to remain in school. Final clarity will come when the NFL approves its special-eligibility entrants in January 2027.

Important 2027 NFL Draft Dates

Several important dates will shape the evaluation of 2027 NFL Draft prospects, including underclassman declaration deadlines, the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine and final pre-draft testing deadlines. The NFL currently lists the January eligibility deadlines as tentative.

Why the 2027 Senior Bowl Matters

The Senior Bowl gives 2027 NFL Draft prospects an opportunity to compete directly against other top players while NFL teams evaluate technique, measurements, football intelligence and practice performance. The 2027 game is scheduled for January 30 in Mobile, Alabama.

When Is the 2027 NFL Draft?

The 2027 NFL Draft prospects who officially enter the class will hear their names called from April 29 through May 1, 2027, in Washington, D.C. The National Mall will anchor the Draft Theater, with additional fan activities along Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

How the NFL Combine Can Change Rankings

The NFL Scouting Combine gives teams another opportunity to evaluate 2027 NFL Draft prospects through athletic testing, measurements, medical examinations, interviews and position drills. The 2027 Combine is scheduled for March 1–8 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Big Board vs. Mock Draft

Rankings of 2027 NFL Draft prospects should not be confused with mock drafts. A big board ranks players by projected NFL value, while a mock draft predicts which teams may select them based on draft order, roster needs and positional value.

What NFL Scouts Evaluate

NFL teams evaluate far more than statistics when studying 2027 NFL Draft prospects. Physical traits, production, technique, processing, competition level, medical history, interviews, versatility and positional value all help determine a player’s final grade, which is why rankings can change dramatically before draft night.

2027 NFL Draft Rankings Update Timeline

The 2027 NFL Draft prospects rankings will continue changing throughout the evaluation process.

• September–November 2026: Regular-season games will identify true risers, breakout players and prospects who need more development.
• December 2026: Conference championships and the College Football Playoff will provide important tape against elite competition.
• January 2027: Underclassman declarations will clarify the draft pool, while Senior Bowl practices will offer direct prospect comparisons.
• March 2027: The NFL Combine will provide official measurements, athletic testing, interviews and medical evaluations.
• March–April 2027: College pro days, private workouts and team visits will help refine final evaluations.
• April 29, 2027: The 2027 NFL Draft begins, with teams working from their finalized big boards.

Conclusion

The 2027 NFL Draft prospects class is compelling not because the rankings are settled, but because they are not. Arch Manning, Dante Moore and Jeremiah Smith headline the conversation, while Leonard Moore, Dylan Stewart, Colin Simmons and several other premium-position players give the class unusual top-end potential.

The next several months will determine which players separate from the hype. Production against elite competition, health, underclassman decisions, postseason evaluation and NFL testing will all reshape the board before April.

For teams, the real question will be less about who leads September rankings and more about which 2027 NFL Draft prospects prove they have the talent, consistency and adaptability to become long-term franchise pieces. By draft night, reputation will matter far less than evidence.

FAQs About 2027 NFL Draft prospects

1. How many rounds are available for 2027 NFL Draft prospects?

The NFL Draft has seven rounds. Each team begins with one selection per round, although trades and compensatory picks can change the final number of selections.

2. Can 2027 NFL Draft prospects be drafted without attending the NFL Combine?

Yes. A Combine invitation is not required to be drafted. Players can still impress teams through college film, pro days, private workouts, interviews and medical evaluations.

3. What do Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3 mean for 2027 NFL Draft prospects?

Day 1 covers Round 1, Day 2 includes Rounds 2 and 3, and Day 3 contains Rounds 4 through 7. These terms are commonly used when discussing projected draft ranges.

4. Can FCS players become highly drafted 2027 NFL Draft prospects?

Yes. NFL teams evaluate talent from every level of college football. Strong production, athletic traits and performances against quality competition can help FCS prospects rise significantly.

5. How can transfers affect 2027 NFL Draft prospects?

A transfer can give a player stronger competition, a better offensive or defensive system, and greater national exposure. Scouts still evaluate the player’s complete college résumé rather than only one season.

6. What does blue-chip mean for 2027 NFL Draft prospects?

“Blue-chip” is an informal scouting term for an elite prospect viewed as having rare traits, strong NFL potential and a realistic chance to be selected early in Round 1.

7. Do college awards guarantee high draft positions for 2027 NFL Draft prospects?

No. Awards can strengthen a résumé, but NFL teams also consider film, athletic traits, positional value, medical information, interviews and projected professional development.

8. Can NFL teams trade picks to move up for 2027 NFL Draft prospects?

Yes. NFL teams can trade draft picks before or during the draft, allowing a franchise to move higher when it wants to target a specific player.

Sonia Shaik

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