2027 NFL Mock Draft: Miami Dolphins make controversial No. 2 selection while the Jets, Steelers, Cardinals, and Falcons find QBs
The latest 2027 NFL mock draft includes some early controversial selections, and a lot more quarterback discourse.
The 2027 NFL Draft conversation is heating up with two weeks of college football and one week of NFL action in the books. On the latest episode of Best Pod Available, the full first-round mock draft brought plenty of intrigue, debate and at least one pick designed to get people talking.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning strengthened his case for the No. 1 overall pick following his performance against Ohio State, while Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker emerged as one of the biggest wild cards in the class. Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore also continued his rapid rise, landing inside the top six.
Here’s a complete look at the 2027 first-round mock draft.
1. Arizona Cardinals: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Manning’s grip on the No. 1 overall selection continues to tighten. His performance against Ohio State wasn’t perfect, particularly in the first half, but the second half showed the type of progression NFL evaluators will want to see from the Texas quarterback.
Dropped passes from Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo also contributed to some of the criticism surrounding his performance. If Manning can stack a couple more strong performances against elite competition, the conversation surrounding the No. 1 pick could become much less complicated.
Projection: Manning remains the quarterback at the top of the 2027 class and has a chance to make the No. 1 pick a relatively easy decision.
2. Miami Dolphins: Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
This was easily the most polarizing selection of the mock.
Mestemaker isn’t necessarily QB2 on every board, but there are legitimate people in NFL scouting circles who believe he could eventually emerge as the second quarterback selected. Dane Brugler of The Athletic recently discussed Mestemaker as a legitimate candidate for that distinction.
There have been plenty of highs and lows already. Mestemaker struggled against Tulsa and showed flashes against Oregon, but two ugly turnovers against the Ducks can’t simply be ignored.
Projection: This is a projection based heavily on the upside and NFL buzz surrounding Mestemaker. His remaining schedule will be critical to determining whether he belongs this high.
3. New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Moore’s stock took a hit after a poor performance against Oklahoma State. The entire Oregon offense struggled, but Moore needed to elevate the team when things weren’t going well and didn’t provide the answer.
There has also been discussion surrounding a potential tendency in Moore’s footwork that could tip off defenses regarding whether Oregon is throwing or running. Still, the physical tools that made Moore one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the class remain. Two games aren’t enough to erase an entire offseason of evaluation.
Projection: Moore remains a high-end first-round quarterback despite the early-season concerns.
4. Cleveland Browns: Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
Cleveland passes on the quarterbacks and adds one of the most talented pass rushers in the country. If Stewart remains healthy, he possesses the athletic profile and pass-rushing traits to become a premier NFL edge defender. Putting him opposite Jared Verse would give Cleveland an extremely intriguing combination off the edge.
Projection: Stewart has the potential to become a high-end NFL pass rusher and gives Cleveland a premium defensive building block.
5. Las Vegas Raiders: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Smith falling to No. 5 might qualify as a slide for a player many expected to be in the mix at the very top of the draft.
But if a receiver with Smith’s physical talent is available, Las Vegas would have an opportunity to add an elite weapon to its offense. His ability to win contested catches would also pair well with Fernando Mendoza’s ability to throw back-shoulder balls, particularly given Mendoza’s experience at Indiana.
Projection: Smith’s early-season dominance matches the extraordinary physical talent that has made him a potential top-three selection.
6. Carolina Panthers: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
One of the biggest names in the early 2027 draft cycle, Moore lands with Carolina at No. 6.
The Panthers surrendered 59 points to the Chicago Bears in Week 1, making help in the secondary an obvious area of need. Moore opposite Jaycee Horn would give Carolina a potentially formidable young cornerback tandem.
Mike Jackson’s age also makes adding another long-term option at corner increasingly important. Meanwhile, Bryce Young showed enough against Chicago to make another quarterback investment this early difficult to justify.
Projection: Moore has the talent to become one of the first defensive backs selected in 2027.
7. Tennessee Titans: Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
Simmons brings a combination of pass-rushing ability and every-down versatility that should make him one of the premier defensive prospects in the class. His ability to impact the game against both the run and pass makes him more than simply a third-down specialist.
Projection: Simmons profiles as a potential cornerstone defensive lineman with three-down value.
8. New Orleans Saints: Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss
Echoles becomes the first defensive tackle off the board. His selection comes just before a major opportunity against LSU, where a strong performance could significantly accelerate his draft stock. Interior defensive linemen who can consistently disrupt from the middle have enormous value at the next level.
Projection: Echoles has a chance to establish himself as the premier interior defensive prospect in the class.
9. Atlanta Falcons: CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
Carr’s connection to Atlanta makes this selection particularly interesting. Tommy Rees was a key recruiter for Carr during his time at Notre Dame and previously compared the quarterback to former Falcons star Matt Ryan. That familiarity could become an important factor if Carr continues developing throughout the season.
Projection: Carr remains one of the most intriguing quarterbacks outside of the Manning tier and could continue climbing with strong play.
10. Washington Commanders: Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
Becker jumps into the top 10 as Washington adds a productive receiver with plenty of room to continue improving his stock. The selection also comes at the expense of Cam Coleman, whose early-season performance has raised questions about whether his reputation has outpaced his current production.
Projection: Becker’s early play has him firmly in the first-round conversation.
11. New York Giants: Reed Harris, WR, Arizona State
The Giants add another weapon to their passing game with Harris, who has emerged as an intriguing receiver prospect early in the 2026 season. At this point in the evaluation cycle, Harris’ selection this high is about projecting continued development. His combination of receiving ability and upside gives New York another potential difference-maker to build around.
Projection: Harris has an opportunity to establish himself as one of the premier receivers in the 2027 class.
12. New York Jets (via IND): Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
The Jets address their secondary with Hampton, giving them another young cornerback capable of developing into a long-term starter. Hampton’s selection reflects the value placed on athleticism and coverage ability at a premium position. With the Jets already selecting Dante Moore at No. 3, this pick allows them to address the defense without reaching for another offensive piece.
Projection: Hampton’s continued development in Clemson’s defense will determine whether his first-round momentum continues.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers: Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
Pittsburgh takes another quarterback in the first round, adding Miami’s Mensah to a roster that has consistently been searching for long-term stability at the position. Mensah’s physical tools and early production make him an intriguing developmental prospect. The Steelers would be betting on his ability to translate his college success into a more NFL-ready passing game.
Projection: Mensah has the opportunity to establish himself as one of the class’s biggest risers at quarterback.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU
Green becomes the first tight end selected in the mock draft. His combination of size, athleticism and receiving ability makes him an intriguing matchup problem. Tampa Bay could use a player capable of creating mismatches against linebackers while also providing a reliable target in the middle of the field.
Projection: Green’s receiving production will be one of the biggest factors in determining whether he ultimately becomes a first-round lock.
15. Minnesota Vikings: Jelani McDonald, S, Texas
McDonald sneaks into the top half of the first round as the first safety selected in the mock. His inclusion could be the beginning of a larger conversation surrounding the safety class. If McDonald and other prospects at the position continue making plays early in the season, the 2027 draft could feature more defensive backs than initially anticipated.
Projection: McDonald has an opportunity to elevate the safety position throughout the season.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU
Jacksonville adds Seaton to its offensive line, giving the Jaguars another high-upside building block up front. Offensive tackle remains one of the most important positions to address in the modern NFL, and Seaton’s athletic profile gives him the tools to develop into a starting-caliber player.
Projection: Seaton’s consistency and development in the run and pass games will determine just how high his eventual draft ceiling becomes.
17. Chicago Bears: Justin Scott, DT, Miami
Chicago goes into the trenches with Scott, adding an interior defender who can bring more physicality and disruption to the defensive line. The Bears have invested heavily in improving their defense, and a disruptive interior presence would complement their talent on the edge.
Projection: Scott has the physical profile to develop into an important piece of an NFL defensive front.
18. New York Jets (via DAL): Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB
Viliamu-Asa earns the linebacker selection after showing an impressive level of explosiveness in his return from an ACL injury. His athleticism immediately stands out, and his continued development throughout the season could push him even higher on draft boards.
Projection: Viliamu-Asa’s post-injury explosiveness makes him one of the more intriguing linebackers to monitor.
19. Dallas Cowboys: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
The Cowboys return to the trenches with Goosby, addressing the offensive line with a prospect who has the athleticism and physical tools to develop into an NFL starter. Dallas has historically placed significant value on building its offense from the line outward, and adding a potential long-term tackle fits that philosophy. This is the Terrence Steele future replacement at right tackle.
Projection: Goosby’s continued development against high-level pass rushers will be crucial to his first-round evaluation.
20. Denver Broncos: Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
Denver adds another weapon to its offense with Johnson, an Oregon tight end who brings receiving upside to the position. The modern NFL increasingly values tight ends who can line up all over the formation, and Johnson’s versatility gives him an opportunity to carve out that type of role.
Projection: Johnson’s ability to consistently create separation and contribute after the catch will be key to his evaluation.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
The Bengals address the secondary with Jones, adding a cornerback with the opportunity to develop into a high-level coverage player. Cincinnati’s defense needs young talent capable of handling NFL receivers on the perimeter, making cornerback a logical position for the Bengals to address in the first round, even if they sign DJ Turner to a new contract.
Projection: Jones has the rest of the season to demonstrate that his coverage ability translates against increasingly difficult competition.
22. Houston Texans: Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa
Houston invests in the offensive line with Lauck, adding another powerful blocker to an offense that needs to keep its quarterback protected. Lauck’s Iowa background provides plenty of experience playing within a physical offensive system, and his development as a pass protector will be closely monitored.
Projection: Lauck has the traits to become a valuable NFL offensive lineman if his pass protection continues to develop.
23. San Francisco 49ers: Melvin Siani, OT, Texas
With Trent Williams’ Hall of Fame career nearing the end, there will be attention needed for the left tackle spot for the long term. San Francisco’s offensive identity places significant importance on blocking, particularly in the run game, making an athletic tackle an intriguing fit.
Projection: Siani’s ability to handle NFL-caliber edge rushers will be a major component of his eventual evaluation.
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Greg Johnson, OG, Minnesota
Philadelphia continues its tradition of investing in the offensive line with Johnson.
The Eagles have built one of the NFL’s most respected offensive lines, and adding another interior blocker gives them a potential long-term replacement for Landon Dickerson while maintaining depth up front.
Projection: Johnson’s strength and ability to move defenders in the run game make him an intriguing fit in Philadelphia.
25. Detroit Lions: Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia
Detroit addresses its secondary with Robinson, bringing another highly recruited defensive back into the first-round conversation.
Robinson’s combination of size, athleticism and experience in Georgia’s defensive system gives him a strong foundation for the NFL level.
Projection: Robinson has the physical tools to rise considerably if he puts together a consistent season in coverage.
26. Kansas City Chiefs: Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn
Coleman’s fall from the top 10 to No. 26 is one of the biggest surprises of the mock.
There is a growing concern that evaluators may currently like the idea of Coleman more than his actual production warrants. However, his vertical ability and ball-winning skills still make him an intriguing fit in Kansas City.
Coleman’s ability to attack the football downfield would give Patrick Mahomes another outside weapon with a skill set the Chiefs have long sought.
Projection: Coleman has plenty of time to reverse his early-season slide and re-establish himself as a potential top-10 talent.
27. New England Patriots: Mario Craver, WR, Texas A&M
New England adds another explosive target with Craver, giving its offense a receiver capable of adding speed and big-play potential.
The Patriots have an opportunity to continue surrounding their young quarterback with weapons, and Craver’s upside makes him an intriguing late-first-round selection.
Projection: Craver’s ability to consistently produce explosive plays could determine whether he remains in the first-round conversation.
28. Los Angeles Chargers: David Stone, DT, Oklahoma
The Chargers address the defensive interior with Stone, adding another disruptive piece to their defensive front.
Stone’s athleticism for the position gives him the potential to create pressure from the interior rather than relying solely on traditional run-stuffing ability.
Projection: Stone could become a valuable three-down defensive lineman if his consistency catches up with his physical tools.
29. Baltimore Ravens: Kade Pieper, OC, Iowa
Baltimore adds Pieper to the interior offensive line, continuing the franchise’s emphasis on building a physical offense.
Pieper’s experience at Iowa gives him a strong foundation in a system known for developing offensive linemen. His intelligence, technique and ability to handle interior pressure will be important parts of his evaluation.
Projection: Pieper has the potential to develop into a starting NFL center.
30. Seattle Seahawks: Brauntae Johnson, S, Notre Dame
Seattle selects Notre Dame safety Johnson late in the first round, giving the Fighting Irish another potential first-round defensive back.
Johnson’s versatility and athleticism make him an intriguing fit for a Seattle defense that has historically placed significant value on defensive backs capable of playing multiple roles.
Projection: Johnson could become one of the biggest risers in the safety class with a strong season.
31. Buffalo Bills: KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
Buffalo adds the Georgia defensive back with Bolden, giving the Bills an athletic safety who can potentially contribute in multiple areas.
Bolden’s versatility is particularly valuable in a league where safeties are increasingly asked to rotate between deep coverage, the box and slot responsibilities.
Projection: Bolden has the skill set to continue rising if he demonstrates consistent coverage and tackling ability throughout the season.
32. Cleveland Browns (via LAR): Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
The mock concludes with Chambliss landing in Cleveland.
A major upcoming matchup against LSU represents an important opportunity for Chambliss. A strong performance could further solidify his case as a first-round quarterback and potentially push him significantly higher in future mock drafts.
Projection: Chambliss enters the LSU matchup with a chance to make one of the biggest statements of the early 2027 draft cycle.
Early 2027 NFL Mock Draft: Full First Round
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | Arizona Cardinals | Arch Manning | QB | Texas |
| 2 | Miami Dolphins | Drew Mestemaker | QB | Oklahoma State |
| 3 | New York Jets | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon |
| 4 | Cleveland Browns | Dylan Stewart | EDGE | South Carolina |
| 5 | Las Vegas Raiders | Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State |
| 6 | Carolina Panthers | Leonard Moore | CB | Notre Dame |
| 7 | Dallas Cowboys | Colin Simmons | EDGE | Texas |
| 8 | New Orleans Saints | Will Echoles | DT | Ole Miss |
| 9 | Atlanta Falcons | CJ Carr | QB | Notre Dame |
| 10 | Washington Commanders | Charlie Becker | WR | Indiana |
| 11 | New York Giants | Reed Harris | WR | Arizona State |
| 12 | New York Jets | Ashton Hampton | CB | Clemson |
| 13 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Darian Mensah | QB | Miami |
| 14 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Trey’Dez Green | TE | LSU |
| 15 | Minnesota Vikings | Jelani McDonald | S | Texas |
| 16 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Jordan Seaton | OT | LSU |
| 17 | Chicago Bears | Justin Scott | DT | Miami |
| 18 | New York Jets | Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa | LB | Notre Dame |
| 19 | Dallas Cowboys | Trevor Goosby | OT | Texas |
| 20 | Denver Broncos | Jabari Johnson | TE | Oregon |
| 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | Kelley Jones | CB | Mississippi State |
| 22 | Houston Texans | Trevor Lauck | OT | Iowa |
| 23 | San Francisco 49ers | Melvin Siani | OT | Texas |
| 24 | Philadelphia Eagles | Greg Johnson | OG | Minnesota |
| 25 | Detroit Lions | Ellis Robinson IV | CB | Georgia |
| 26 | Kansas City Chiefs | Cam Coleman | WR | Auburn |
| 27 | New England Patriots | Mario Craver | WR | Texas A&M |
| 28 | Los Angeles Chargers | David Stone | DT | Oklahoma |
| 29 | Baltimore Ravens | Kade Pieper | OC | Iowa |
| 30 | Seattle Seahawks | Brauntae Johnson | S | Notre Dame |
| 31 | Buffalo Bills | KJ Bolden | S | Georgia |
| 32 | Cleveland Browns | Trinette Chambliss | QB | Ole Miss |
