The promise doesn't stop there, however. Several other marquee figures shape up as promising early picks, and more top talent could emerge this fall.If there were any doubts about whether teams are buying into the forthcoming group being stronger than this year's edition, teams' refusal to part with early 2027 draft picks should speak volumes.Projecting the course of the first round a year out is an exercise in futility, of course. But our way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft attempts to make sense of where every team – in our projected order – could turn a year from now:2027 NFL mock draft1.

New York Jets – Arch Manning, QB, TexasA year ago, Manning was a staple of these exercises despite having only a minimal body of work. Those projections proved premature, but they weren't off base. After a tumultuous start to taking over the reins for the Longhorns, Manning settled down and showcased the tantalizing skill set that puts him at the head of the class for next year.

There's still work to be done, particularly in becoming much more precise when throwing on the move, but Manning would provide an unparalleled level of hope and excitement to a franchise that doesn't look equipped to end the lengthiest active postseason drought in North American men's team sports anytime soon.2. Miami Dolphins – Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio StateTaking a wide receiver this early certainly isn't part of the roster-building playbook to which Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan subscribed when he was with the Packers. Smith, however, is no ordinary pass catcher.

The Buckeyes star has looked pro-ready since he arrived in Columbus, setting himself apart from his peers with his 6-3, 223-pound frame and elite track record for coming down with contested catches. This would make Smith the highest-drafted pure receiver since Calvin Johnson went No. 2 overall in 2007, but he looks fully worthy of such a lofty investment.3. Arizona Cardinals – Dante Moore, QB, OregonEven with Jeremiyah Love in the fold, Arizona's offense likely won't take off until it can find a true catalyst behind center.

Outside of his College Football Playoff meltdown, Moore exhibited remarkable poise in piloting the Ducks' attack. If he cuts down on his lapses under pressure, the 6-3, 206-pound signal-caller could help make the Cardinals relevant in the hypercompetitive NFC West.4. Atlanta Falcons – Leonard Moore, CB, Notre DameArthur Blank ran out of patience and blew up the Falcons' leadership team, choosing to bring president of football Matt Ryan, general manager Ian Cunningham and coach Kevin Stefanski aboard to oversee a new day for the franchise.

The roster could be next up on the demolition list. While Atlanta already added cornerback Avieon Terrell alongside brother A.J., it probably would stand to benefit greatly by adding Moore, a coverage maven who recorded five interceptions last year and is the only consensus All-American on defense set to return to college football in 2026.5. Tennessee Titans – Trevor Goosby, OT, TexasThe Carnell Tate pick revealed how much of a premium Tennessee is placing on equipping Cam Ward with the help that was absent throughout his rookie campaign.

The next step might be revisiting his protection plan after big-ticket left tackle Dan Moore Jr. flopped in his first season with the Titans. Had he declared, Goosby would have had a solid case to be the top offensive lineman selected. Instead, he's the clear front-runner for that honor in 2027.6.

Las Vegas Raiders – Jordan Seaton, OT, LSUSeems safe to say that all of the Raiders' plans will be colored by a desire to safeguard and support Fernando Mendoza. Picking up Seaton would certainly serve that end, as the Colorado transfer has carved out a deserved reputation as one of college football's premier pass protectors. He still has work to do to become a more consistent force in the run game, but he could team with Kolton Miller to prevent edge rushers from throwing Mendoza off his rhythm.7.

Cleveland Browns – CJ Carr, QB, Notre DameThe nightmarish Deshaun Watson ordeal can finally come to a close after this season, though its specter will remain even beyond the dead cap hits that Cleveland is set to carry in future years. Moving on would be a lot easier if the Browns could pull themselves out of quarterback pu