Some described the 2026 NFL Draft as a "weak" class, but the same cannot be said about the 2027 NFL Draft. Several top quarterback prospects are expected to headline next year's draft as Arch Manning and other QBs hope to find their NFL home.
The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, so the obvious next step would be to sit back, relax, and enjoy the offseason, right? Wrong. Our A to Z Sports NFL Draft staff is already working on the 2027 NFL Draft class, and it's time for our first collaborative mock draft for next year.
Will the 2027 NFL Draft class actually offer better quarterback options? Which position groups look stacked ahead of the 2026 college football season? Who are the most important names to know? You'll find answers to those questions here.
The draft order for this mock was set by using the inverse of 2027 Super Bowl odds. If you don't like where your team is picking, take it up with your favorite sports book. Let me know if you have questions or comments @FF_TravisM on X
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Three of the last five NFL Draft classes have had just one or two first-round quarterbacks. The 2027 NFL Draft is expected to have up to five or more.
The Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets both already have multiple first-round picks. The Jets actually have three first-round selections in the 2027 NFL Draft as of this writing.
The Arizona Cardinals , Cleveland Browns , Miami Dolphins , and New York Jets could all be selecting quarterbacks next year as they're all projected to finish with top-10 (if not top-five) picks.
If Manning would have considered declaring for the 2026 NFL Draft, there would have been an interesting debate between him and Fernando Mendoza. There's no questioning that Manning has tremendous physical tools, and he showed great improvement down the stretch last season. The 6-4, 220-pound passer is expected to take a huge jump in 2026 in his second year as the starter for the Longhorns. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
When you consider that Dante Moore likely would have gone second overall if he had declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, this is an easy projection. He only had one year of starting experience in college, which made it a smart decision to go back. Moore is a poised thrower from the pocket with the arm talent to attack all three levels of the field. He would be a nice fit for Todd Monken's offense in Cleveland. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota Vikings
The physical traits for Simmons are unbelievable, and he's already tabbed as a top-five prospect in an exciting class for a multitude of reasons. The Longhorns pass rusher has totaled 21 sacks over the first two years of his college career, and his athleticism and power at prototypical size will almost surely lure a team into picking him early. The Dolphins EDGE group is less than gleaming for the long-term, and he would make an immediate impact. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans Saints
Taking a quarterback over Jeremiah Smith feels wrong, but the Jets have no choice. After 2027, they lose the additional firsts they banked from their trades of Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams . They passed on the top quarterbacks, knowing they've positioned themselves to make their move at the position in 2027. In reality, if they finish the year at four like this mock, I would expect they'd try to trade up. However, for this exercise, they stay put and land the Ohio State quarterback try to get the most out of him and help him reach his potential. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis Colts
If Jeremiah Smith somehow falls to pick five of the 2027 NFL Draft, some general manager is likely getting fired quickly. Smith is the best wide receiver prospect to enter the NFL since Julio Jones back in 2011, and he might actually be better. He's 6-3, 200+ pounds, with excellent burst, bend, and ball skills. He's already racked up more than 2,500 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns through his first two college seasons, finishing last year as a unanimous All-American and sixth in Heisman voting. The Titans may have just drafted his teammate Carnell Tate, but they would sprint to the podium here to take Smith if he was somehow available. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
The Las Vegas Raiders added their franchise quarterback, but forgot to give him any real wide receiver weapons. They make up for that in the 2027 NFL Draft by selecting Cam Coleman here at six overall. Coleman has been a slam-dunk first-round pick kind of player for years now. A former five-star recruit, Coleman's talents have largely been wasted by Auburn, but he's still flashed greatness through two seasons. Now he'll pair up with Arch Manning to put on a show in what will likely be his final collegiate season and most explosive showing ever. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
Sure, I'll take the pass rush monsters that help headline the defensive class. New Orleans added Tyree Wilson via a trade during this year's draft, but the pass rush could still use more juice. Chase Young is projected to be in the fold for quite awhile, but past him, there's little proven upside in that room for the Saints. Stewart is listed at 6'5 and 245 pounds. His blend of length and athleticism is rare, and there is plenty of hype surrounding him entering his third year as a Gamecocks defender. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans Saints
There's an argument to be made that Leonard Moore should be a top-five pick next year. He's that special of a corner prospect and is going to be a fantastic pro. The Steelers can put him outside with Joey Porter on day one and feel good about their corner position going forward. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis Colts
With the future of Michael Penix Jr . in doubt, a quarterback makes a lot of sense here. Sellers didn't have the kind of junior season we were expecting him to have, but the talent is still there. If he can take a step forward over the next year with his processing and pocket presence, the Falcons could get themselves a true difference maker. If not, it's a peak Falcons pick, so win-win. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota Vikings
At 6-7 and 240 pounds, Green is a mismatched weapon from the tight end position. Having also played basketball for LSU, he is an insanely springy athlete who makes some insane acrobatic catches. Even if Green never provides huge impact in the running game, his upside as a pass-catcher is elite. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
A'Mauri Washington's return to school was a shocker in the last cycle. He would have had a strong argument to be the first defensive tackle off the board. And he will be in that discussion again in 2027. The Giants moved on from Dexter Lawrence ahead of this year's draft, and replacing him with Washington long term would help to soften that blow. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis Colts
If you haven't heard of Drake Lindsey, I completely understand. He was a redshirt freshman for the Golden Gophers last season with inconsistent tape, but the 6-5, 230-pound quarterback flashed elite level traits on tape. He showed the ability to stay patient in the pocket and work through his progressions, while also displaying plus arm talent to drive the ball and also layer it over the middle. He's arguably the biggest projection in the first round, but make no mistake: Lindsey's got the goods. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota Vikings
What if I told you that Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq may not have been the best player at his position last season? Yes, the one that went in round one of this year's draft. Johnson is over 250 pounds at 6'5, but his route running is crisp at his size. He's got fantastic hands and may end up being a consensus top 15 selection by the 2027 draft process. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans Saints
The Commanders could use some major edge defender help and Yhonzae Pierre would be the perfect answer. He racked up nine sacks and 45 pass-rush pressures last season for Alabama in his breakout sophomore season. He's a twitched-up athlete with great size, speed, and power. If he follows up last season's performance by adding a couple more moves and adding perhaps just a bit more weight, he'll be a first-round pick. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
After going quarterback, the Jets add to their secondary. KJ Bolden is one of the best players returning to college football next season. He's a special athlete and probably would have been the second-best safety behind only Downs in the 2026 NFL Draft class. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis Colts
Jordan Seaton has five-star pedigree. He's 6-5, 330 pounds with solid arm length. Now he's transferring from Colorado to LSU to help lead a Lane Kiffin offense that will no doubt be extremely explosive. He's likely going to be a top-10 pick when it's all said and done, so the Bears grabbing him here at the 16th overall pick is a wild steal. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
Johnson is one of the best kept secrets in college football, but odds are that won't last long. Playing next to another good safety in Adon Shuler, Johnson has some unreal ball skills and range. 2025 was just scratching the surface for how good the Indiana native could become. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
Despite taking Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter in back-to-back first rounds, the wide receiver position is in flux moving forward. Marsh would be a fascinating add to the mix. He is an X-receiver who can work through contact and create separation with his speed and frame, something that the Indiana Hoosiers understand how to maximize. There are some concerns with his high drop rate and contested catch inconsistency, but he's got the goods to thrive in the NFL. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota Vikings
Damon Wilson was one of the most dominant pass rushers last season at Missouri. Now he goes to Miami, which just produced two first-round picks. An edge duo of David Bailey and Damon Wilson, with Will McDonald IV sprinkled in, would have a ton of potential going forward. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis Colts
The high-end flashes for Stone are as good as anyone in the 2027 class. The big key for him is to be a whole lot more consistent next season. Stone's movement skills make him such a unique defensive tackle prospect. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
While the Cowboys have both CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens at wide receiver, the Cowboys could use a third threat on the outside. Craver would be a fascinating player to add to the room. An elite-level YAC player, Craver is explosive and can create separation with his explosiveness on all three levels. There are some size concerns, but he's a threat everywhere on the field to take it to the house, something every NFL team could use more of. – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota Vikings
When Kewan Lacy transferred in from Missouri, he wasn't even guaranteed the starting job last year. Then he took it by the horns and put up over 1,700 yards from scrimmage and shattered Ole Miss Rebels touchdown records (24 last season). The Texans need to get their ground game back, and Lacy is a feature running back talent who can help them do it. Over 1,000 yards after contact in 2025. Nearly 40 runs of 10+ yards just last year. Lacy is a difference-maker. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
Smith has a prototypical build at offensive tackle and surprised some folks with a return to the Hoosiers this year, rather than jumping into the draft. The Indiana OT has allowed only four sacks over three seasons as a starter on their OL. He's got a strong anchor and possibly even stronger hands in protection. A consistent force who will gain favor from NFL teams due to his consistency. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans Saints
The Lions landed Derrick Moore in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that's hardly a reason to pass on the position next year. Finding a long-term running mate for Aiden Hutchinson needs to be a priority. Quincy Rhodes had eight sacks in 2025 and could have a special season in 2026 on deck. If he's able to get into the double-digit sacks, I think it'll be fair to pencil him in as a first-rounder. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis Colts
The processing can be a bit hit or miss for Brown at times, but there is no question that he's a great athlete. The range he brings from the second level is special. There's optimism that he puts it all together as a junior. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
While we expect the New England Patriots to trade for A.J. Brown , they currently need to add receivers to their wide receiver room. Wingo is a fascinating player to add. A true height/weight/speed player, Wingo is a vertical threat who thrives with the ball in his hands and would be maximized by Drake Maye . – Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota Vikings
Cayden Green quickly established himself as one of the best offensive guards in the country in his first season with Missouri back in 2024. Then he transitioned to offensive tackle, and became one of the best at that position in all of college football too. Regardless of whether he plays inside or outside, the 49ers will gladly take the most well-rounded offensive lineman in the 2027 NFL Draft class. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
Talk about a dynamic physical ceiling. Jones is a 6-4 cornerback with fluid movement and legit top-end speed for his size. He's a strong CB who has become more of a willing tackler as he has developed for the Bulldogs. His profile may help him go even earlier than this with a strong season in 2026 for Mississippi State, but this sort of swing is one with a ton of potential for the Chargers. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans Saints
Trevor Goosby is an impressive athlete who will rise up teams' boards. He has the flexibility to play either tackle spot. Ronnie Stanley will be 33 years old by next year's draft. So this pick would allow the Ravens to get proactive about replacing him. – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis Colts
Playing on a loaded Oklahoma defense this past season, Jackson went under the radar due to an injury and the position he plays. While Jackson does a lot of the dirty work at nose tackle, he has also shown some unique penetration upside from that alignment. If Jackson puts together a healthy and consistent season in 2026, he has a chance to skyrocket up boards. – Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports Notre Dame
Rojas has an athletic build at 6-2 and around 230 pounds as of now. He's a quick-footed linebacker who makes plays in both the pass and run game. The Nittany Lions defender has been impactful since he was a true freshman and will look to bolster his draft stock this season. Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald would do wonders with this sort of speed at the LB position. – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports New Orleans Saints
Ryan Coleman-Williams (he let it be known he wanted to add the "Coleman" this offseason) flashed elite upside as a true freshman in 2024 when he was still just 17 years old. Unfortunately, he seemed to take a step back in 2025, fighting through some lingering injuries and not quite looking like his explosive self. If he bounces back this season, the Rams will definitely be excited to add a YAC-generating offensive weapon like him. Coleman-Williams is averaging 7.5 yards after the catch per reception throughout his two-year career, which is on-par with the most impressive first-round prospects in recent memory. – Travis May, A to Z Sports College Football & NFL Draft Managing Editor
