Post-Trade Deadline 2027 NFL Mock Draft: The QB class controversy continues while Patriots and Ravens find new offensive weapons
Multiple first-round picks changed hands at the NFL trade deadline. How many fast risers crack the first round in this projection?
The NFL trade deadline is behind us, and it is the first major event that helps set the stage for the 2027 NFL Draft. Multiple first-round picks have changed hands around the league, so the latest 2027 NFL mock draft from the Best Pod Available crew factors all of that in.
This mock draft was constructed alongside my co-host Joe DeLeone on Best Pod Available using the A to Z Sports Mock Draft Simulator (Joe had odds, and I had events). We worked through all 32 first-round selections, factoring in the updated draft order, team needs, and the available talent in the 2027 class.
There are plenty of interesting storylines in this week’s projection. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith remains the projected No. 1 overall pick, five quarterbacks come off the board in the first round, and several teams find potential franchise cornerstones. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr also lands inside the top three, while Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss falls to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 26.
Nothing about a November mock draft is meant to be set in stone. A lot can change over the next few months, and that is exactly why these projections shift from week to week. Remember when Fernando Mendoza going first overall in a preseason mock drew plenty of laughs? That one aged just fine.
Here is how the first round shook out.
Picks 1-10
1. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
I can’t imagine the Chargers moving off quarterback Justin Herbert, even with the inconsistencies we’ve seen from him this season. When you’re picking first overall, you take the best player available and figure out the rest later. Smith is arguably the most talented prospect in this entire class, and pairing him with Herbert would give Los Angeles a potentially dominant offensive weapon for years to come. The Chargers need another difference-maker in their receiving room, and Smith would immediately fill that role.
2. Tennessee Titans: CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
Tennessee gets an opportunity to land one of the best defensive players in the draft. The Titans have some pieces in their secondary, but adding a true outside cornerback would make a significant difference. Moore has the length, athleticism, ball skills, and coverage ability to develop into a shutdown corner at the next level. Some might argue that taking a cornerback this early isn’t the best positional value, but Moore is one of the best overall players in this class. Tennessee shouldn’t overthink it.
3. Miami Dolphins: QB CJ Carr, Notre Dame
The Dolphins get their potential quarterback of the future. Carr has continued to establish himself as one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in college football, and his ability to operate an offense, make difficult throws, and deliver in big moments gives him a legitimate first-round ceiling. Miami needs to figure out its long-term direction at quarterback, and this would be a major investment in the position. There is still plenty of development ahead, but Carr’s upside is difficult to ignore.
4. New York Jets: QB Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
The Jets double down on finding their long-term answer at quarterback after landing at No. 4 overall. At 6-foot-3 or 6-foot-4 and around 215-220 pounds, Mestemaker has the physical tools and athleticism that teams covet at the position. His combination of size, mobility, and arm talent gives him one of the higher ceilings among this quarterback class. New York has been searching for stability under center for far too long. Mestemaker would give the organization another opportunity to get that decision right.
5. Philadelphia Eagles: EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
Howie Roseman has never been afraid to invest in elite physical traits, and Stewart certainly checks that box. He might be the most physically gifted edge defender in this class, bringing an explosive first step and the length to consistently create problems for opposing offensive tackles. There are other pass rushers with more polish, but Stewart’s ceiling is incredibly high. Philadelphia continues to prioritize building a defensive front that can overwhelm opposing offenses.
6. New York Jets: LB Chris Cole, Georgia
The Jets use their second top-10 selection to address another defensive need. Cole is an extremely athletic linebacker who can cover ground sideline to sideline and match up with the increasingly versatile tight ends and running backs in today’s NFL. The value of athletic linebackers continues to evolve as offenses create more matchup problems with personnel groupings and pre-snap movement. Cole has the physical profile to become an important piece of New York’s defense.
7. Washington Commanders: EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas
Simmons falling to No. 7 would be a significant win for Washington. He’s one of the most talented defensive prospects in this class and has the ability to become a disruptive pass rusher at the next level. The Commanders need more difference-makers on their defensive front, particularly players who can consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks without needing additional blitzers. Getting a player with Simmons’ talent outside the top five would be outstanding value.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Charlie Becker, Indiana
Tampa Bay adds another weapon to its receiving corps with Becker. He’s a physical receiver who consistently competes for the football at the catch point and has the frame to make difficult catches in traffic. Baker Mayfield would benefit from having another big-bodied target who can win contested situations and provide a different element to the passing game. Becker has the potential to become a reliable NFL receiver early.
9. Arizona Cardinals: QB Darian Mensah, Miami
Arizona gets its quarterback of the future with Mensah. His timing, accuracy, and ability to deliver the football with touch make him an intriguing fit for an offense that wants to operate efficiently through the passing game. The Cardinals have some pieces to build around, but finding a long-term answer at quarterback remains the most important part of their roster construction. Mensah has the tools to become that player.
10. Atlanta Falcons: OT Zereoue Williams, Utah
Williams is an intriguing developmental offensive tackle with an enormous physical profile. At approximately 6-foot-7 and over 320 pounds, he has the size and core strength that NFL teams covet at the position. He’s relatively inexperienced after spending time behind Caleb Lomu and Spencer Fano, but the physical tools are there. Atlanta gets an opportunity to develop a potential long-term starter along its offensive line.
Picks 11-21
11. Houston Texans: OT Jordan Seaton, LSU
Houston finally invests significant draft capital in its offensive line. Protecting the quarterback has been an ongoing priority for the organization, and Seaton has the athleticism and physical foundation to develop into a high-level NFL tackle. The Texans have invested heavily in their offensive weapons. Making sure those players have consistent protection should be the next step.
12. New Orleans Saints: DT Xavier Gilliam, Tennessee
The Saints add some much-needed help along the defensive interior. Gilliam is an intriguing defensive tackle who can provide disruption against the run while also offering some interior pass-rush ability. New Orleans needs more consistent production up front, and adding a young defensive tackle with starting potential would be a worthwhile investment.
13. New York Jets: CB Ashton Hampton, Clemson
The Jets continue their defensive overhaul by adding Hampton to the secondary. After addressing linebacker earlier in the round, New York lands a cornerback who has steadily gained attention as one of the better defensive backs in this class. Hampton brings the coverage ability and athleticism to compete for a starting role, giving the Jets another important building block on defense.
14. Baltimore Ravens: TE Trey’Dez Green, LSU
Baltimore adds another versatile weapon to its offense with Green. Mark Andrews has been a major part of the Ravens’ passing game for years, but the organization eventually needs to think about the future at tight end. Green has the athleticism and receiving upside to create matchup problems for opposing defenses. His versatility would give Baltimore another interesting option in an offense that already knows how to utilize tight ends.
15. Las Vegas Raiders: WR Reed Harris, Arizona State
The Raiders need more reliable playmakers at wide receiver, and Harris gives them another potential difference-maker. His speed and ability to create separation make him an intriguing addition to the passing game. Las Vegas has several areas to address on its roster, but giving its quarterback another weapon should be a priority. Harris has the opportunity to develop into a productive NFL receiver.
16. Cleveland Browns: EDGE Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame
Cleveland adds an athletic edge defender who has continued to build momentum throughout the season. Traore has the length, explosiveness, and pass-rush potential that NFL teams covet at the position. He’s still developing as a complete player, but the flashes have been impressive. The Browns need more young talent along their defensive front, and Traore would give them another piece to build around.
17. Seattle Seahawks: TE Jamari Johnson, Oregon
Seattle has consistently valued versatility at tight end, and Johnson would fit nicely into that philosophy. He’s an athletic pass catcher who can create matchup problems against linebackers and safeties while also giving the offense flexibility with different personnel groupings. The Seahawks could use another dependable weapon in the middle of the field, and Johnson has the potential to become an important part of their passing attack.
18. Cleveland Browns: QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Cleveland takes another swing at finding its quarterback of the future. Sellers is a fascinating prospect because of his combination of size, athleticism, and arm talent. He can create outside of structure and offers a rushing element that not every quarterback in this class possesses. There are developmental questions to answer, but Todd Monken’s offensive background could make this an interesting pairing. The Browns have enough uncertainty at quarterback that taking a chance on Sellers makes sense.
19. Carolina Panthers: LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
Carolina adds a young linebacker with the physical tools and leadership qualities to develop into a long-term starter. Viliamu-Asa has continued to show his ability to handle more responsibility defensively, including taking over the communication duties for Notre Dame’s defense. His athleticism and instincts make him an intriguing prospect, and Carolina could use another player who can provide stability at the second level.
20. New England Patriots: RB Jadan Baugh, Florida
The Patriots add some physicality to their backfield with Baugh. He’s a powerful downhill runner who can create yards after contact and bring a different element to the rushing attack. New England has several areas to address offensively, and adding a young running back who can handle a significant workload would give the offense another dimension. Baugh has the potential to become a productive early-down option.
21. Dallas Cowboys: EDGE Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
Dallas continues investing in its defensive front with Pierre. He’s a well-rounded edge defender who offers more than just traditional pass-rush ability. His combination of athleticism, strength, and versatility gives him the potential to contribute in multiple defensive situations. The Cowboys need to continue adding young talent to their defense, and Pierre would be another player capable of making an impact.
Picks 22-32
22. New York Giants: DT Will Echoles, Ole Miss
The Giants land one of the more intriguing defensive prospects in the entire class. Echoles is a 6-foot-3, 310-pound defensive tackle who can impact the game against both the run and the pass. His versatility along the defensive interior makes him an appealing fit for New York. Adding another disruptive presence up front would help the Giants continue building a defense capable of controlling the line of scrimmage.
23. Cincinnati Bengals: S KJ Bolden, Georgia
Cincinnati addresses one of its biggest defensive needs by selecting Bolden. He’s a talented safety who brings the instincts, athleticism, and versatility to contribute in multiple roles. Georgia has developed a reputation for producing NFL-caliber defensive backs, and Bolden fits that mold. The Bengals need more consistency in their secondary, and this would be a significant addition.
24. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Nick Marsh, Indiana
Kansas City continues looking for another reliable target in its passing game. Marsh brings the size and physicality to win contested catches and give Patrick Mahomes another option outside the numbers. The Chiefs have always been creative about finding ways to get their playmakers involved, and adding a bigger-bodied receiver would give the offense a different look. Marsh has the potential to become a valuable piece of that group.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Trevor Lauck, Iowa
Philadelphia uses its second first-round selection to address the offensive line. The Eagles have consistently prioritized building one of the league’s strongest offensive fronts, and Lauck would continue that tradition. He has the potential to develop into a starting right tackle, but his versatility could also allow him to move inside to guard if needed. Adding another young offensive lineman gives Philadelphia options for the future.
26. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Chambliss is an intriguing value selection for Pittsburgh this late in the first round. He’s experienced a few ups and downs recently, but his playmaking ability and comfort operating an offense make him an interesting quarterback prospect. The Steelers have continued searching for long-term stability at the position, and Chambliss offers a potential solution without requiring a top-10 investment. His ability to create outside the pocket adds another element to his game.
27. Detroit Lions: CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia
Detroit gets an opportunity to add a premium defensive back after Robinson falls outside the top 10. He’s one of the most talented cornerback prospects in this class, with the athleticism and coverage ability to develop into a starting NFL corner. The Lions need to continue investing in their secondary, and landing Robinson at No. 27 would be an excellent addition to their defense.
28. Tennessee Titans: DT Devan Thompkins, Alabama
Tennessee doubles up on defense after selecting Leonard Moore earlier in the first round. Thompkins projects as an interior defensive lineman who can provide disruption as a three-technique. His ability to attack gaps and create pressure from the interior would give the Titans another young player to build around. Adding talent at multiple levels of the defense should be a priority for Tennessee.
29. Denver Broncos: DT Ahmad Moten, Miami
Denver has built a roster with plenty of talent, which gives the organization some flexibility when approaching the draft. Adding another defensive tackle would help strengthen an already impressive defensive front. Moten has the physical profile to contribute against the run while also offering some pass-rush upside. The Broncos can afford to take a developmental player with starting potential at this stage of the first round.
30. Minnesota Vikings: S Kingston Lopa, California
Minnesota adds an intriguing defensive back with Lopa. At 6-foot-5 and approximately 210 pounds, he has an unusual physical profile for the safety position. His size and versatility give him the potential to contribute in multiple roles, whether that’s closer to the line of scrimmage or in coverage. The Vikings could use another playmaker in their secondary, and Lopa offers an interesting combination of physical tools and positional flexibility.
31. Buffalo Bills: CB Kelley Jones, Mississippi State
Buffalo adds another potential starting cornerback to its secondary. Jones has the coverage ability to compete for playing time, and the Bills could use additional depth and talent at the position. Finding reliable cornerbacks is never easy, particularly for teams that consistently expect to compete deep into the postseason. Jones would give Buffalo another young player to develop.
32. San Francisco 49ers: IOL Greg Johnson, Minnesota
San Francisco closes out the first round by strengthening its offensive line. Johnson has the versatility to play both guard and center, which makes him an appealing addition for a team that values flexibility up front. The 49ers have consistently found ways to maximize their offensive personnel, and adding another young interior lineman would help protect the quarterback while improving the depth of the offensive line. Johnson could end up being one of the better values in this first round.
Final thoughts
There are several interesting takeaways from this week’s mock draft.
Quarterbacks dominate the conversation, with five coming off the board in the first round. Carr, Mestemaker, Mensah, Sellers, and Chambliss all land in different situations, highlighting just how much the quarterback market could influence the 2027 draft. The Steelers getting Chambliss at No. 26 is particularly interesting, especially considering the potential upside he offers.
The defensive line and secondary are also heavily represented, with four cornerbacks, four defensive tackles, and four edge defenders selected. That’s a reflection of how important it is for teams to build around disruptive defensive fronts and versatile defensive backs.
There are also four Notre Dame prospects represented in the first round, with Moore, Carr, Traore, and Viliamu-Asa all finding homes. That’s a strong showing for the program, but the bigger story is how many different positions and programs are represented throughout what looks like a talented draft class.
There is still plenty of football to be played, and the draft order itself will continue to evolve. We’ll be back next week with a two-round mock draft from the Best Pod Available crew.
