2027 NFL Mock Draft: Multiple QBs vault over Arch Manning and fast-rising defensive lineman lands in the top 10
The Best Pod Available crew is back with another weekly 2027 NFL mock draft. Which quarterbacks crack the top 10 this time around?
The 2027 NFL mock draft season keeps getting wilder every week. My co-host Joe DeLeone and I sat down again on Best Pod Available for our weekly full first-round mock draft, and the quarterback board looks very different than it did a week ago.
That includes one riser nobody saw coming.
The A to Z Sports mock draft simulator is updated every Tuesday throughout the season, so you can run your own mock draft at www.atozsports.com. Here is how our first round played out, with me picking first and Joe and I alternating from there.
2027 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 1-8
1. Miami Dolphins: WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
There’s a chance a quarterback rises and changes this, but the Miami Dolphins have a really bad roster. I think they need to draft the best player available, and I believe that is the 6-foot-3, 225-pound pass catcher. He also gets to return home to Miami.
Jeremiah Smith has the combination of size, explosiveness, ball skills, and physicality to be an immediate NFL WR1. Unless a quarterback separates himself dramatically, Smith is the kind of blue-chip talent Miami should be willing to build around.
2. Tennessee Titans: EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas
Joe doesn’t think the Titans pull the plug at quarterback without an otherworldly prospect on the board, pointing to Bryce Young’s growth with the Carolina Panthers to defend Cam Ward. Simmons has been phenomenal to start the year. Last week we had him going 12th overall.
This week, the Texas EDGE makes a massive jump. Simmons has the burst, bend, and power to become a premier NFL pass rusher, and Tennessee gets a potential defensive cornerstone rather than forcing a quarterback pick.
3. Arizona Cardinals: QB Austin Simmons, Missouri
I got a little bit weird here. Simmons has had the cleanest tape of any quarterback so far this season, and he has the arm strength and size to keep this run going. To be clear, I don’t think he should declare. He should go back to school.
But we’re projecting the draft, not telling players what they should do. If Simmons continues playing at this level, NFL teams are going to have a very difficult time ignoring the combination of his physical tools and consistency.
4. New York Jets: QB Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
Mestemaker has greatly improved since his bad game against Tulsa. Joe sees a steadier, less erratic option than the Jets’ last early swing on Zach Wilson.
The Jets desperately need to find a long-term answer at quarterback, and Mestemaker’s recent development has put him firmly in that conversation. He doesn’t need to be spectacular every week; if he continues showing improved decision-making and consistency, his stock will continue to climb.
5. Cleveland Browns: QB Arch Manning, Texas
The Haslams and the Mannings have a personal relationship. Arch has been up and down, but when he’s good, he’s quite good. At 6-4, 230 pounds, with a talented arm and legs, there is still a lot of untapped potential.
This would be a fascinating fit for Cleveland. Manning still has plenty to prove, but the physical talent is obvious, and the Browns aren’t in a position to pass on a quarterback with this kind of ceiling if he’s available at No. 5.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
Grabbing an elite corner is never a bad philosophy. Tampa Bay has also struggled to create plays against the pass, and Moore would reunite with former Notre Dame teammate Benjamin Morrison.
Moore has the length, athleticism, and physicality to develop into a true No. 1 corner. If Tampa Bay can add a player capable of taking away one side of the field, that would completely change the ceiling of its defense.
7. New York Giants: WR Charlie Becker, Indiana
I know some will think this is early. Becker is over 6-foot-3, a legit 4.4 athlete, and wins on the vertical plane. He isn’t stiff. He’s just leggy, and I can’t wait to see him run.
The Giants need another legitimate difference-maker at wide receiver, and Becker has the physical profile to become exactly that. This is a projection based heavily on traits, but that’s what the top 10 of a draft is often about.
8. Atlanta Falcons: OT Jordan Seaton, LSU
Joe doesn’t love Atlanta’s offensive tackles. He noted Jake Matthews has started showing signs of slowing down with injuries.
Seaton has been the most intriguing tackle prospect this season and could play either side. His athleticism gives Atlanta the flexibility to move him around while eventually developing him into a long-term cornerstone of the offensive line.
Picks 9-16
9. Los Angeles Chargers: DT Xavier Gilliam, Tennessee
I still think Will Echols is DT1 in this class. However, the Chargers desperately need interior playmakers, and if Gilliam hits, he could be an 8-to-10-sack-a-year penetrator. He has been really good since transferring over from Penn State.
This is a bet on upside and fit. The Chargers need more disruption from the interior of their defensive line, and Gilliam’s quickness could give them something they don’t currently have.
10. Washington Commanders: WR Reed Harris, Arizona State
Stefon Diggs is Washington’s leading receiver right now. Joe wanted a big-framed, elite athlete on the boundary for Jayden Daniels.
Harris gives Washington another potential explosive weapon on the outside. Pairing his physical traits with Daniels’ ability to extend plays could create a dangerous downfield combination.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Dante Moore, Oregon
Moore is dealing with a concussion, and who knows exactly what his timetable is. He’s had some rough moments, including against Oklahoma State. Still, he’s 6-3, up to 220 pounds, a smooth processor, and an easy thrower.
That’s enough for Pittsburgh to bet on the upside. Moore’s arm talent and natural passing ability give him a chance to develop into a franchise quarterback, and the Steelers aren’t going to pass on that opportunity if he’s sitting there at No. 11.
12. Carolina Panthers: TE Trey’Dez Green, LSU
Darren Waller is 34 years old. Joe sees Green as a younger version of Waller, an explosive basketball-style tight end who out-rebounds defenders and runs down the seam.
Green would give Carolina another massive target who can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His receiving ability is what makes this projection particularly intriguing.
13. Las Vegas Raiders: WR Cam Coleman, Auburn
We got pushback for letting Coleman fall out of the first round last week. The Raiders need size on the outside, but Coleman has been very underwhelming. If you ask me, the thought of Cam Coleman is a lot cooler than Cam Coleman right now.
That’s exactly why he falls to No. 13 here rather than going in the top 10. The physical tools are undeniable, but Coleman needs to show more consistency. If he does, the Raiders could be getting a steal here.
14. New Orleans Saints: EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
Joe believes the off-the-field concerns stem more from Stewart’s relationship with Shane Beamer than from Stewart himself. If the back injury isn’t a long-term issue, this is tremendous value.
Stewart was viewed as a potential top-10 pick entering the season, and the Saints would be thrilled if he slides to No. 14. His explosiveness gives New Orleans another potential difference-maker off the edge.
15. New York Jets: CB Ashton Hampton, Clemson
I’m enamored with his size, athleticism, and explosiveness combo. Hampton followed Malachi Toney around the field against Miami and did some really good things. Go watch that tape.
Hampton is going in the first round, so let’s bookmark this until April. The Jets already have one quarterback in this mock, and now they add a long, athletic corner who could eventually become a major piece of their secondary.
16. New York Jets: LB Chris Cole, Georgia
Back-to-back Jets picks. Cole has gone from athletic linebacker to havoc wrecker in the Georgia defense. Aaron Glenn was once part of a staff that drafted Jack Campbell in the top 20.
Cole’s development has been one of the more impressive defensive storylines of the season. He brings the athleticism to cover, but now he’s showing the instincts and aggression to consistently create negative plays.
Picks 17-24
17. Houston Texans: OT Trevor Goosby, Texas
The Houston offensive line is debilitating. Keylan Rutledge is on pace to allow 60 pressures this season. Goosby slides in at right tackle.
The Texans have invested heavily in their roster, and protecting their quarterback has to be one of the biggest priorities moving forward. Goosby’s athleticism and experience at Texas make him a logical fit for what Houston needs.
18. New England Patriots: RB Jadan Baugh, Florida
Joe wants someone explosive with vision and burst. A bell cow would protect Drake Maye from his hero-ball tendencies, much like James Cook does for Josh Allen.
Baugh gives New England a back who can create explosive plays while also handling a significant workload. The Patriots need to make life easier for Maye, and a dynamic run game would go a long way toward accomplishing that.
19. Dallas Cowboys: LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
KVA is still getting back from his ACL tear, but his explosiveness is bananas. I’ll rock with him on the second level.
If Viliamu-Asa gets completely healthy and returns to his pre-injury form, he has the athletic profile to become a three-down linebacker. Dallas could use exactly that kind of player in the middle of its defense.
20. Minnesota Vikings: QB CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Carr has been tremendous to start the year. He’s a cerebral player willing to attack downfield, which fits what Kevin O’Connell wants on offense.
This is one of the most interesting quarterback selections in the entire mock. Carr doesn’t necessarily have the overwhelming physical traits of some of the quarterbacks going earlier, but his processing, accuracy, and willingness to push the ball make him a natural fit in Minnesota.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Trevor Lauck, Iowa
Lane Johnson’s sudden retirement leaves a massive need at right tackle. I’ll admit it’s speculation on my part, but I think Landon Dickerson’s career is nearing the end after this season. Lauck could play either spot.
Philadelphia has always prioritized building through the offensive line, and Lauck fits that philosophy. His versatility would give the Eagles options depending on how the rest of the line develops.
22. Cincinnati Bengals: S KJ Bolden, Georgia
Bolden has quietly had a strong start to the year and adds juice to an improving secondary.
Cincinnati needs more playmaking on the back end, and Bolden’s versatility allows him to play multiple roles. At this point in the first round, the Bengals would be getting excellent value on a player currently viewed as one of the better defensive backs in the class.
23. Denver Broncos: TE Jamari Johnson, Oregon
Even while banged up this past week, he looked like the best player on the field for the Ducks. He moves well, can play detached, and gives effort as a blocker.
Denver needs more dynamic talent at tight end, and Johnson’s ability to line up all over the formation would give Sean Payton another chess piece to work with.
24. Detroit Lions: CB Kelley Jones, Mississippi State
Detroit has needed a new first-round corner since losing Terrion Arnold. Jones can be a lockdown, physical corner on the outside.
Jones brings the kind of physicality the Lions like on defense while also having the coverage ability to survive on an island. This is a relatively clean fit between player, team, and need.
Picks 25-32
25. Chicago Bears: DT Will Echoles, Ole Miss
Chicago traded away Gervon Dexter. Echoles is dense at 310 pounds, physical at the point of attack, and quicker than you would anticipate.
Echoles was my DT1 entering this portion of the mock, so seeing him fall all the way to No. 25 is tremendous value for Chicago. He could immediately give the Bears more disruption and physicality on the interior.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: RB Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
Joe wanted a true dynamic big-play threat alongside Trevor Lawrence. Once Lacy gets back on the field, he expects everyone to remember why he was in the first-round mix.
Lacy’s combination of explosiveness and home-run ability would give Jacksonville another way to stress defenses. The Jaguars need more players who can turn routine touches into explosive plays.
27. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Nick Marsh, Indiana
Marsh has played more of a big-slot role this year, but he has plenty of outside experience. He’s a sneaky good after-catch player at 6-3.
Kansas City doesn’t necessarily need another superstar receiver as much as it needs reliable, versatile weapons who can create after the catch. Marsh’s size and versatility make him an intriguing fit in Patrick Mahomes’ offense.
28. Seattle Seahawks: EDGE Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
DeMarcus Lawrence is 34, so it’s time to find his replacement.
Pierre gives Seattle a young pass rusher with the athletic profile to eventually become a major piece of the front. The Seahawks are getting excellent value if a player with his talent is still available this late.
29. San Francisco 49ers: IOL Kade Pieper, Iowa
Whether it’s at center or guard, Pieper is an ideal fit in Kyle Shanahan’s zone-based system.
The 49ers have always valued offensive linemen who can move, communicate and execute in space. Pieper checks those boxes while also giving San Francisco flexibility along the interior.
30. Baltimore Ravens: DT Devan Thompkins, Alabama
Joe wanted an eventual replacement for Calais Campbell, who is 40. I pitched Thompkins, a riser whose film we both love.
Thompkins isn’t the most obvious name on the board, but this is exactly the type of selection Baltimore has made throughout the years — betting on physical traits and development along the defensive line.
31. Buffalo Bills: S Brauntae Johnson, Notre Dame
I was enamored with Johnson to begin the season, and his versatility in the secondary gives Buffalo an intriguing option late in the first round.
Johnson has the coverage ability to play deep and the athleticism to contribute in different roles. Buffalo gets a player who could eventually become a valuable chess piece in its secondary.
32. Cleveland Browns: CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia
Joe wasn’t in love with the edge options, so he didn’t overthink it.
Instead, Cleveland gets one of the biggest steals of the entire first round. Robinson is a highly talented corner with the size and athleticism to develop into a legitimate No. 1. Pairing him with Arch Manning gives the Browns two massive swings on premium positions in the same first round.
Complete 2027 NFL First-Round Mock Draft
| Pick | Team | Selection |
| 1 | Miami Dolphins | Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State |
| 2 | Tennessee Titans | Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals | Austin Simmons, QB, Missouri |
| 4 | New York Jets | Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State |
| 5 | Cleveland Browns | Arch Manning, QB, Texas |
| 6 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame |
| 7 | New York Giants | Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana |
| 8 | Atlanta Falcons | Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU |
| 9 | Los Angeles Chargers | Xavier Gilliam, DT, Tennessee |
| 10 | Washington Commanders | Reed Harris, WR, Arizona State |
| 11 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Dante Moore, QB, Oregon |
| 12 | Carolina Panthers | Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU |
| 13 | Las Vegas Raiders | Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn |
| 14 | New Orleans Saints | Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina |
| 15 | New York Jets | Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson |
| 16 | New York Jets | Chris Cole, LB, Georgia |
| 17 | Houston Texans | Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas |
| 18 | New England Patriots | Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida |
| 19 | Dallas Cowboys | Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame |
| 20 | Minnesota Vikings | CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame |
| 21 | Philadelphia Eagles | Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa |
| 22 | Cincinnati Bengals | KJ Bolden, S, Georgia |
| 23 | Denver Broncos | Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon |
| 24 | Detroit Lions | Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State |
| 25 | Chicago Bears | Will Echols, DT, Ole Miss |
| 26 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss |
| 27 | Kansas City Chiefs | Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana |
| 28 | Seattle Seahawks | Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama |
| 29 | San Francisco 49ers | Kade Pieper, IOL, Iowa |
| 30 | Baltimore Ravens | Devan Thompkins, DT, Alabama |
| 31 | Buffalo Bills | Brauntae Johnson, S, Notre Dame |
| 32 | Cleveland Browns | Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia |
