Don't blame anyone for looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft as this year's event wraps up. Decision-makers in the league have already had their eye out on next spring's proceedings for some time.
The NFL draft annually gives rise to a "wait-'til-next-year" mentality, with heightened scrutiny around the current class dovetailing with optimism about future prospects who haven't been picked apart. This time, however, the dynamic might at least be partially justified.
With quarterbacks Arch Manning and Dante Moore returning to their respective schools this fall and star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith becoming draft eligible, the stars have aligned for the 2027 class to be a special one. The promise doesn't stop there, however. Several other marquee figures shape up as promising early picks, and more top talent could emerge this fall.
If there were any doubts about whether teams are buying into the forthcoming group being stronger than this year's edition, teams' refusal to part with early 2027 draft picks should speak volumes.
Projecting the course of the first round a year out is an exercise in futility, of course. But our way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft attempts to make sense of where every team – in our projected order – could turn a year from now:
A year ago, Manning was a staple of these exercises despite having only a minimal body of work. Those projections proved premature, but they weren't off base. After a tumultuous start to taking over the reins for the Longhorns, Manning settled down and showcased the tantalizing skill set that puts him at the head of the class for next year. There's still work to be done, particularly in becoming much more precise when throwing on the move, but Manning would provide an unparalleled level of hope and excitement to a franchise that doesn't look equipped to end the lengthiest active postseason drought in North American men's team sports anytime soon.
Taking a wide receiver this early certainly isn't part of the roster-building playbook to which Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan subscribed when he was with the Packers. Smith, however, is no ordinary pass catcher. The Buckeyes star has looked pro-ready since he arrived in Columbus, setting himself apart from his peers with his 6-3, 223-pound frame and elite track record for coming down with contested catches. This would make Smith the highest-drafted pure receiver since Calvin Johnson went No. 2 overall in 2007, but he looks fully worthy of such a lofty investment.
Even with Jeremiyah Love in the fold, Arizona's offense likely won't take off until it can find a true catalyst behind center. Outside of his College Football Playoff meltdown, Moore exhibited remarkable poise in piloting the Ducks' attack. If he cuts down on his lapses under pressure, the 6-3, 206-pound signal-caller could help make the Cardinals relevant in the hypercompetitive NFC West.
Arthur Blank ran out of patience and blew up the Falcons' leadership team, choosing to bring president of football Matt Ryan, general manager Ian Cunningham and coach Kevin Stefanski aboard to oversee a new day for the franchise. The roster could be next up on the demolition list. While Atlanta already added cornerback Avieon Terrell alongside brother A.J., it probably would stand to benefit greatly by adding Moore, a coverage maven who recorded five interceptions last year and is the only consensus All-American on defense set to return to college football in 2026.
The Carnell Tate pick revealed how much of a premium Tennessee is placing on equipping Cam Ward with the help that was absent throughout his rookie campaign. The next step might be revisiting his protection plan after big-ticket left tackle Dan Moore Jr. flopped in his first season with the Titans. Had he declared, Goosby would have had a solid case to be the top offensive lineman selected. Instead, he's the clear front-runner for that honor in 2027.
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
1 / 6Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stageThe NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Seems safe to say that all of the Raiders' plans will be colored by a desire to safeguard and support Fernando Mendoza. Picking up Seaton would certainly serve that end, as the Colorado transfer has carved out a deserved reputation as one of college football's premier pass protectors. He still has work to do to become a more consistent force in the run game, but he could team with Kolton Miller to prevent edge rushers from throwing Mendoza off his rhythm.
The nightmarish Deshaun Watson ordeal can finally come to a close after this season, though its specter will remain even beyond the dead cap hits that Cleveland is set to carry in future years. Moving on would be a lot easier if the Browns could pull themselves out of quarterback purgatory with a figure like Carr. The 6-3, 210-pound passer will have to prove this season that he can drive an offense without Jeremiyah Love and Jadrian Price, but his poise and efficiency already stand out.
Maybe Malik Nabers would be satisfied with the Giants' draft plan in John Harbaugh's second go-around if it included a major weapon to take pressure off him. Coleman would further enhance Jaxson Dart's ability to attack deep, with few cornerbacks proving themselves capable of matching his speed and jump-ball prowess. He's not likely to catch up to Smith's draft stock, but he's far from a consolation prize.
A Saints defense in transition is overdue for the youth movement that's helped reinvigorate the offense. Simmons has quickly established himself as one of college football's premier pass rushers after compiling 21 sacks in his first two years. He could be a cornerstone for a unit that was long propped up by Cameron Jordan.
What a homecoming this would be for the Washington D.C. native. As a true freshman, he looked the part of a potential No. 1 pick, with a truly rare burst off the line of scrimmage. If the 6-5, 245-pounder rediscovers his form after something of a letdown campaign last year, he'll no doubt be in the mix to be off the board very early. The Commanders could team him with Odafe Oweh to give themselves the supreme athleticism off the edge that they lacked in Dan Quinn's first two seasons at the helm.
Taking a safety this early might seem like a luxury for a Jets roster with so many unsettled spots. Bolden, however, can be a load-bearing asset for a secondary that lacks much in the way of dependability. Despite being listed at 6-0 and 185 pounds, he makes his presence felt in the run game and can handle a variety of coverage assignments.
The post-Mike Evans life might quickly reveal how badly the Buccaneers miss having a supersized option in the passing game. At 6-5 and 257 pounds, Johnson can handle in-line work and win contested catches while also stretching defenses vertically and doing damage after the catch. He could be in for a star turn with Kenyon Sadiq off to the Jets.