Now that the 2026 NFL Draft has come to a close, let’s look ahead to the 2027 iteration before any games have been played. Obviously nothing will change in the next 51 1/2 weeks, so mark these picks down in sharpie! The draft order for the first round is based on Super Bowl odds according to ESPN (DraftKings Sportsbook).
If Arch Manning does anything positive this year, the media will never shut up about him. The Cardinals will also like the genes and production.
The Dolphins will find out quick if Malik Willis is that dude. If not, Moore might be next in line for Miami.
The Jets are another team that brought in a veteran QB, but the long term answer is still missing. Mensah is a Duke transfer who could put up huge numbers in Miami’s offense.
The Raiders add the player who would have been the best wide receiver in the last two drafts had he been eligible. Out of all the Ohio State receivers to come to the league recently, Smith is almost unanimously considered the best.
The Browns have desperately needed a QB for the last several years, and I don’t see any of the quarterbacks on their roster playing well enough to leave no doubt about the future. Chambliss could have been a day two pick after the Rebels run in the playoffs. Another year of film against SEC defenses could vault him into the top of the first round.
The Titans need more help on defense despite adding some highly touted front seven prospects this past Draft. Moore is a long, rangy corner with good ball skills to help the back end of the defense.
The Falcons did not have a first round pick last year because they traded up for James Pearce Jr (whose future is in doubt at the moment). Simmons is a little on the shorter side (6’3”), but his 21 career sacks in 26 games is production that can’t be ignored.
If the Panthers are picking this high next year, that likely means Bryce Young is not the guy. Sellers could have entered this past draft, but a down year led to him returning to the Gamecocks. He has his weaknesses, but a new offensive coordinator should help him get back to the dynamic player he was in 2024. If he does get back to that player, the Panthers might look to draft the exact opposite style of quarterback that they have now.
Stewart is a young, raw pass rusher who has elite size. If he can put together a more consistent season, he’ll be in the top ten conversation. Meanwhile, the Saints are taking chances on previous first round picks at edge, so they’ll need to address the future of the position at some point.
The former Colorado transfer is a downfield threat, averaging 18 yards per catch last season. If he can keep that type of production up with a new team, he’d be the type of deep threat the Giants would love to have opposite Malik Nabers.
The Commanders took their green dot linebacker in Sonny Styles, so next year why not take the captain of the secondary?
Knapp is projected to be one of the best pass blockers in next year’s draft. Though he’s very light (294 lbs) for the position, the Jets need to protect their investment from earlier in the round.
While Robinson is still extremely young, he has a penchant for turning the ball over. Brian Flores would love that type of playmaker on the back end.
The Steelers would love to get their defense back where they think it belongs, and Brown is that type of player. He is young, but has already had a season with over 100 tackles and five sacks, showing his versatility.
The Bucs could use more receivers after the departure of Mike Evans. After dominating lesser opponents at North Texas, Young transferred to Oklahoma State. If he can continue to dominate there, he’ll be a first round pick.
The Jags made some questionable choices in this past Draft, but here they take a player who could be the next playmaking tight end to come out of Oregon. The Jags were rumored to consider trading up for Kenyon Sadiq, so if Johnson puts up numbers relatively similar, he could be the pick.
The Jets already solidified their QB and blindside protector. With their third first round pick, they add Rhodes. He notched eight sacks last year, and if he can add the production to the physical traits he’ll be a high pick.
The Bears might look to upgrade over Braxton Jones depending on how this season goes. Goosby is a good pass protector who is now going to protect Arch Manning, meaning more eyeballs and exposure.
The Bengals know they have to improve their defense while they still have Burrow, Chase, and Higgins. Johnson is a playmaker on the back end of the Fighting Irish defense who could really help Cincinnati.