2027 NFL Mock Draft: 6 QBs go in the top-15 picks, an early run on WRs, and the Trinidad Chambliss massive rise continues
The latest Best Pod Available mock draft features QB movement at the top, a Jeremiah Smith landing spot, and several rising prospects across the board.
The 2027 NFL Draft continues to take shape as more college football is played, and the latest version of the Best Pod Available mock draft features a dramatically different top of the board.
Quarterbacks dominate the first four selections, while Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith remains one of the premier non-quarterback prospects in the class. Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore, Texas EDGE Colin Simmons and South Carolina EDGE Dylan Stewart also remain firmly in the early portion of the first round.
Perhaps the biggest change is the continued rise of several prospects who weren’t considered locks for this range entering the season, including Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris, Indiana wide receiver Nick Marsh, Georgia linebacker Chris Cole and Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson.
Here’s the full first round. Note: The draft order is still based on preseason Super Bowl odds. It will change once we get a bigger sample size for just how good (and real) these teams are. I had the odd picks, while Joe DeLeone had the evens.
1. Arizona Cardinals — Arch Manning, QB, Texas
The Cardinals start the quarterback run by selecting Arch Manning No. 1 overall.
Manning possesses essentially every physical trait NFL teams look for in a franchise quarterback. His arm talent, mobility, size and pedigree have always made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the class, and his continued development as a passer will determine whether he ultimately becomes the consensus QB1.
After his performance against Ohio State, Manning remains firmly in the conversation for the top selection. The consistency of his supporting cast will be important, but the ceiling is obvious.
Projection: Manning has the physical tools and developmental trajectory to remain in contention for the No. 1 overall pick throughout the 2026 season.
2. Miami Dolphins — Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
This is one of the most aggressive selections in the entire mock.
Chambliss has quickly moved from an intriguing college quarterback into legitimate first-round territory. His mobility, creativity outside the pocket and ability to generate explosive plays make him an extremely difficult player to defend.
The biggest question is whether his physical limitations and consistency as a passer will prevent him from remaining this high. But the upside is significant, and the early-season production has made him impossible to ignore.
Projection: Chambliss has a chance to turn himself into one of the biggest quarterback stories of the 2027 draft cycle.
3. New York Jets — Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
The Jets get their quarterback of the future with Dante Moore.
Moore entered the season as one of the most polished passers in the class, and his combination of arm talent, accuracy and pocket movement gives him a legitimate first-round foundation. His performance against Oklahoma State raised some questions, but one difficult game isn’t enough to erase the body of work.
The physical tools remain extremely appealing, particularly when Moore is operating from a clean pocket and attacking vertically.
Projection: Moore remains firmly in the first-round quarterback conversation and has the talent to compete for the top quarterback spot.
4. Cleveland Browns — Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
The Browns make another quarterback investment, selecting Miami’s Darian Mensah.
Mensah’s stock has skyrocketed since arriving at Miami. His accuracy, smooth delivery and ability to distribute the ball efficiently immediately made him one of the most fascinating quarterbacks in the class.
The question now is whether he can maintain that level against better competition. His early production has already forced evaluators to take him seriously, even if his physical tools bring some questions about his overall upside.
Projection: Mensah has emerged as one of the biggest risers in the 2027 quarterback class.
5. Las Vegas Raiders — Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
The Raiders get arguably the most talented non-quarterback in the draft.
Smith’s combination of size, explosiveness, body control and ball skills is extremely difficult to find. Even if his production fluctuates from week to week, the physical profile remains that of a potential elite NFL receiver.
Las Vegas would be giving Fernando Mendoza an enormous weapon on the outside.
Projection: Smith remains one of the safest bets in the class to hear his name called extremely early.
6. Carolina Panthers — Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
The Panthers address their secondary with Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore.
Moore has emerged as one of the most impressive defensive backs to come out in recent memories. His combination of size, instincts, physicality and coverage ability gives him the profile of a potential No. 1 corner at the NFL level.
What stands out most is Moore’s ability to play with confidence without sacrificing his discipline. He has shown the versatility to match receivers vertically while also possessing the instincts necessary to make plays when the ball comes his way.
Carolina gets a premium defensive prospect who could immediately become the centerpiece of its secondary.
Projection: Moore has a legitimate chance to become the first cornerback selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.
7. Tennessee Titans — Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
The Titans follow with another elite edge defender.
Stewart’s combination of length, explosiveness and twitch makes him one of the most physically gifted defenders in the class. There are still areas of his game that need refinement, but the upside is enormous.
A player with Stewart’s athletic profile doesn’t need to be perfect at this stage of the evaluation process.
Projection: Stewart has the physical traits to become a high-end NFL EDGE if his consistency continues to improve.
8. New Orleans Saints — Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
The Saints add one of the most explosive pass rushers in the country with Colin Simmons.
Simmons has the kind of first-step quickness that immediately stresses offensive tackles. He can win with speed around the corner, possesses impressive bend for his size and has shown the ability to turn his initial burst into consistent pressure.
The Saints would be betting on Simmons developing into a defensive cornerstone capable of affecting the quarterback on a weekly basis.
Projection: Simmons has the physical tools, pass-rush upside and production profile to develop into a premier NFL EDGE.
9. Atlanta Falcons — CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
Carr lands with Atlanta in a selection that has plenty of connections.
Carr’s familiarity with former Notre Dame personnel and his relationship with members of Atlanta’s coaching infrastructure make this an especially interesting fit. More importantly, Carr’s actual quarterback traits are beginning to separate him from the rest of the class.
His accuracy, anticipation and pocket operation give him a strong foundation.
Projection: Carr remains one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the class and could continue climbing with another strong season.
10. Washington Commanders — Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
Becker’s emergence has completely changed the wide receiver conversation.
The Indiana receiver possesses the size and athleticism to be a legitimate outside weapon at the NFL level. His continued development has pushed him into the top-10 conversation.
Washington gets a big-bodied target who can complement its existing offensive weapons.
Projection: Becker has established himself as a legitimate first-round receiver and could continue moving up boards.
11. New York Giants — Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
The Giants add one of the most physically gifted receivers in the class.
Coleman’s combination of size, speed and catch-point ability makes him a nightmare matchup when he’s playing at his best. There have been some inconsistencies early in the season, but his ceiling remains extremely high.
New York would be betting on the talent eventually translating into more consistent production.
Projection: Coleman still has the physical profile of a potential top-10 receiver despite some early-season volatility.
12. New York Jets (via Indianapolis) — Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
The Jets continue rebuilding their secondary with Mississippi State cornerback Kelley Jones.
Jones is an intriguing combination of size and athleticism at the position. At roughly 6-foot-4, he provides the kind of length NFL teams covet on the outside while possessing enough movement ability to stay competitive in coverage.
New York gets another young defensive building block after already addressing quarterback earlier in the round.
Projection: Jones has the physical profile to become a starting NFL corner if his consistency continues to develop.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers — Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
The Steelers take a chance on one of the fastest-rising quarterbacks in the class.
Mestemaker transferred to Oklahoma State after a productive run at North Texas, where he threw for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2025. His combination of accuracy, arm strength and willingness to attack vertically gives him an intriguing NFL foundation.
There is still plenty of development required, particularly as he adjusts to the increased level of competition and pressure that comes with being viewed as a potential first-round quarterback. But the talent is becoming increasingly difficult to overlook.
Projection: Mestemaker has positioned himself as a legitimate first-round quarterback and could continue climbing with a strong season at Oklahoma State.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Reed Harris, WR, Arizona State
Tampa Bay adds a big-bodied receiver with intriguing NFL potential.
Harris has the size, athleticism and ball skills to become a legitimate weapon on the outside. His ability to win at the catch point gives him a particularly interesting skill set in the red zone and on contested throws.
The Buccaneers would be adding another young offensive weapon capable of developing into a major part of their passing game.
Projection: Harris has the physical profile and receiving upside to remain firmly in the first-round conversation.
15. Minnesota Vikings — Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU
The Vikings add one of the most physically gifted tight ends in the country.
Green’s size immediately creates matchup problems. At nearly 6-foot-7, he gives quarterbacks an enormous target who can win above the rim while possessing enough athleticism to threaten defenses vertically.
His development as a blocker will be important, but his receiving ability could make him a valuable piece of an NFL passing game.
Projection: Green has the rare physical profile to become one of the first tight ends selected in 2027.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars — Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
Jacksonville adds one of the biggest risers at running back.
Baugh has been outstanding early in 2026, rushing for 438 yards and eight touchdowns through Florida’s first three games while forcing 27 missed tackles on 55 carries. His combination of power, balance and elusiveness has quickly turned him into one of the most intriguing backs in the class.
Baugh isn’t simply a straight-line power runner. His quick feet allow him to make defenders miss, while his contact balance allows him to continue creating yardage after initial contact.
Projection: Baugh’s explosive start has put him firmly in the first-round conversation and given him a chance to become one of the first backs selected.
17. Chicago Bears — Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss
The Bears add a powerful interior defender in Ole Miss’ Will Echoles.
Echoles has the size and strength to occupy multiple blockers while still showing enough quickness to create disruption. He has experience playing across the defensive front and has shown the ability to control blockers, read the play and shed into the running lane.
His quickness has also been noticeable early in 2026, giving Chicago a potential interior disruptor rather than simply a run-stuffing nose tackle.
Projection: Echoles has the physical profile and developmental upside to become a starting NFL defensive tackle.
18. New York Jets (via Dallas) — Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson
The Jets add an explosive linebacker in Clemson’s Sammy Brown.
Brown has been a highly productive defender throughout his Clemson career, recording 106 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2025. His combination of speed, physicality and downhill aggression allows him to impact the game in multiple ways.
The biggest part of his evaluation will be his continued development in coverage. If he can become more consistent in that area, his athletic profile gives him legitimate three-down potential.
Projection: Brown has the athleticism and production profile to develop into a starting NFL linebacker.
19. Dallas Cowboys — Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU
Dallas addresses the offensive line with one of the most talented tackles in the class.
Seaton possesses the athleticism and movement skills necessary to operate in both zone and gap concepts. His ability to mirror pass rushers gives him significant upside as a blindside protector, while his physicality allows him to create movement in the running game.
The Cowboys would be investing in another premium offensive tackle to help stabilize the front.
Projection: Seaton has the talent to develop into a starting NFL tackle with long-term left tackle potential.
20. Denver Broncos — Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
Denver adds a versatile tight end with intriguing receiving upside.
Johnson has the size and movement skills to create matchup problems against linebackers and safeties. He also has enough physicality to contribute as a blocker, giving him the versatility necessary to remain on the field in multiple personnel packages.
Projection: Johnson has the traits to develop into a starting NFL tight end and become one of the more complete players at the position in this class.
21. Cincinnati Bengals — Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
The Bengals add a physical cornerback in Clemson’s Ashton Hampton.
Hampton’s combination of size, athleticism and competitive toughness gives him an intriguing profile on the outside. He has the physical tools to match NFL receivers while continuing to develop his instincts and technique.
Cincinnati would be betting on Hampton becoming another long-term piece of its secondary.
Projection: Hampton has the physical traits to develop into a starting NFL corner and compete for significant snaps early in his career.
22. Houston Texans — Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss
The Texans add one of the most complete running backs in the 2027 class.
Lacy has already demonstrated the ability to handle a significant workload while maintaining his explosiveness. He combines patience and vision with excellent contact balance and the ability to make defenders miss. His 2025 season included 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns at Missouri before transferring to Ole Miss.
His receiving and pass-protection development will be important, but the foundation is there for him to become a featured NFL back.
Projection: Lacy has the talent to become an early-round running back and could develop into a three-down NFL starter.
23. San Francisco 49ers — Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa
The 49ers continue to build around the offensive line with Iowa tackle Trevor Lauck.
Lauck brings the toughness and technical development associated with Iowa’s offensive line program. His physicality in the run game and experience against high-level competition give him a strong foundation.
San Francisco would be betting on Lauck developing into a reliable long-term starter in an offense that places significant demands on its offensive linemen.
Projection: Lauck has the tools to become a starting NFL offensive tackle and has established himself as a legitimate early-round prospect.
24. Philadelphia Eagles — Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
Philadelphia adds another talented offensive lineman with Trevor Goosby.
Goosby has the length, athleticism and movement skills necessary to develop into a starting NFL tackle. He has experience playing both tackle spots and has steadily developed into a high-level player at Texas.
His ability to move in space makes him particularly intriguing in a scheme that asks its offensive linemen to consistently operate in the run game.
Projection: Goosby has the physical profile to become a starting NFL left tackle and remains one of the more intriguing offensive linemen in the class.
25. Detroit Lions — Brauntae Johnson, S, Notre Dame
The Lions add Notre Dame safety Brauntae Johnson.
Johnson’s range and ball skills make him one of the more intriguing safeties in the class. At around 6-foot-2, he has excellent length for the position and has demonstrated the ability to cover ground from the back end.
His versatility would fit extremely well in Detroit’s defensive structure.
Projection: Johnson has the talent to emerge as one of the first safeties selected in 2027.
26. Kansas City Chiefs — Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana
Kansas City adds another big-bodied receiver.
Marsh’s combination of size, strength and after-the-catch ability gives him an intriguing profile as an outside target. His move to Indiana has given him an opportunity to show that he can consistently produce in a different offensive environment.
Putting him alongside Patrick Mahomes would give the Chiefs another big-play option.
Projection: Marsh has the physical profile to remain in the first-round conversation throughout the season.
27. New England Patriots — Chris Cole, LB, Georgia
New England adds one of the most athletic linebackers in the class.
Cole’s background and athleticism give him impressive range, particularly when he’s allowed to attack downhill. He also has enough coverage ability to remain on the field in passing situations.
The Patriots would be betting on his physical gifts translating into more consistent production.
Projection: Cole has the athletic profile of a potential three-down NFL linebacker.
28. Los Angeles Chargers — Kade Pieper, IOL, Iowa
The Chargers reinforce the interior offensive line with Iowa’s Kade Pieper.
Pieper has developed into one of the more intriguing interior linemen in the class thanks to his combination of athleticism, leverage and technical ability. Iowa’s move to center has also given him valuable positional versatility.
His ability to move in space makes him particularly appealing in an offense that asks its offensive linemen to operate in the screen and outside-zone games.
Projection: Pieper has the versatility and technical foundation to become a starting NFL center or guard.
29. Baltimore Ravens — Greg Johnson, IOL, Minnesota
The Ravens continue their tradition of building through the trenches.
Johnson brings enormous size and power to the interior offensive line. His ability to move defenders in the running game makes him an intriguing fit for Baltimore’s physical offensive identity. He also has experience playing center, which could be key.
Projection: Johnson has the physical tools to compete for an NFL starting job early in his career.
30. Seattle Seahawks — Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame
Seattle adds an explosive linebacker in Viliamu-Asa.
KVA’s athleticism immediately stands out. His ability to attack downhill, rush the passer and operate in coverage gives him an intriguing three-down profile.
His continued development following his return from injury will be one of the biggest parts of his evaluation.
Projection: Viliamu-Asa has the athletic ceiling to become one of the first linebackers selected.
31. Buffalo Bills — KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
The Bills land one of the most versatile defensive backs in college football.
Bolden has experience playing multiple roles in the secondary and possesses the instincts and closing speed necessary to make plays all over the field. His versatility is particularly valuable in today’s NFL.
Projection: Bolden has the skill set to become a starting safety capable of handling multiple assignments.
32. Cleveland Browns (via LAR) — Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama
The Browns close out the first round by adding Alabama EDGE Yhonzae Pierre.
Pierre is one of the more versatile defensive prospects in the class. Alabama has used him as a traditional edge defender, off-ball linebacker and even in coverage, allowing him to showcase his athleticism and football intelligence in a variety of roles.
As a pass rusher, Pierre still has room to develop his arsenal, but his first-step quickness, length and ability to affect the game against the run give him a strong foundation. He recorded eight sacks and three forced fumbles in his first full season as a starter in 2025.
Projection: Pierre has the versatility and physical tools to become a starting NFL EDGE, with his pass-rush development potentially determining how high he ultimately rises.
2027 NFL Mock Draft: Full First Round
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | Arizona Cardinals | Arch Manning | QB | Texas |
| 2 | Miami Dolphins | Trinidad Chambliss | QB | Ole Miss |
| 3 | New York Jets | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon |
| 4 | Cleveland Browns | Darian Mensah | QB | Miami |
| 5 | Las Vegas Raiders | Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State |
| 6 | Carolina Panthers | Leonard Moore | CB | Notre Dame |
| 7 | Tennessee Titans | Dylan Stewart | EDGE | South Carolina |
| 8 | New Orleans Saints | Colin Simmons | EDGE | Texas |
| 9 | Atlanta Falcons | CJ Carr | QB | Notre Dame |
| 10 | Washington Commanders | Charlie Becker | WR | Indiana |
| 11 | New York Giants | Cam Coleman | WR | Texas |
| 12 | New York Jets (via IND) | Kelley Jones | CB | Mississippi State |
| 13 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Drew Mestemaker | QB | Oklahoma State |
| 14 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Reed Harris | WR | Arizona State |
| 15 | Minnesota Vikings | Trey’Dez Green | TE | LSU |
| 16 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Jadan Baugh | RB | Florida |
| 17 | Chicago Bears | Will Echoles | DT | Ole Miss |
| 18 | New York Jets (via DAL) | Sammy Brown | LB | Clemson |
| 19 | Dallas Cowboys | Jordan Seaton | OT | LSU |
| 20 | Denver Broncos | Jamari Johnson | TE | Oregon |
| 21 | Cincinnati Bengals | Ashton Hampton | CB | Clemson |
| 22 | Houston Texans | Kewan Lacy | RB | Ole Miss |
| 23 | San Francisco 49ers | Trevor Lauck | OT | Iowa |
| 24 | Philadelphia Eagles | Trevor Goosby | OT | Texas |
| 25 | Detroit Lions | Brauntae Johnson | S | Notre Dame |
| 26 | Kansas City Chiefs | Nick Marsh | WR | Indiana |
| 27 | New England Patriots | Chris Cole | LB | Georgia |
| 28 | Los Angeles Chargers | Kade Pieper | IOL | Iowa |
| 29 | Baltimore Ravens | Greg Johnson | IOL | Minnesota |
| 30 | Seattle Seahawks | Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa | LB | Notre Dame |
| 31 | Buffalo Bills | KJ Bolden | S | Georgia |
| 32 | Cleveland Browns (via LAR) | Yhonzae Pierre | EDGE | Alabama |
