NFL Mock Draft 2027: Predicting where Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith and more top prospects will go originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.With the 2026 NFL Draft complete, it's time to flip the projections to the first, way-too-early, first-round mock draft for 2027.Next year's class of prospects is just starting to develop its overall pro promise, but there are some NFL-ready talents who stand out as players to watch ahead of next April's first round, with Washington, D.C. playing hostUsing a combination of Sporting News' upcoming updated power rankings and some consensus Super Bowl 61 odds to mock the order, here's looking at where the top QBs and other best players available might come off the board:MORE: Big board of top 50 NFL Draft prospects for '27NFL Mock Draft 20271.
Miami DolphinsJeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State (6-3, 223 pounds)The Dolphins did sign Malik Willis with the intention of him being their franchise QB for a while, but they are bound to take major lumps in their rebuilding everywhere else to the point they land this pick. Smith would be the no-brainer to give him a dominant No. 1.2. Cleveland BrownsArch Manning, QB, Texas (6-4, 225 pounds)The grandson of Archie, the son of Cooper and of course, the nephew of Peyton and Eli, will finally make his much-anticipated leap to the NFL in what can be a Heisman-winning breakout for the Longhorns.
He has a good chance of going from burnt orange to a similar shade of uniform.BENDER:Breaking down the 2027 NFL Draft QB rankings3. Arizona CardinalsDante Moore, QB, Oregon (6-3, 206 pounds)The Cardinals drafted Carson Beck, which will make their post-Kyler Murray QB mess even messier with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. Moore's return to school will pay off with a high pick right behind Manning with a call to the desert to clean up in Arizona.4.
Atlanta FalconsColin Simmons, EDGE, Texas (6-3, 240 pounds)The Falcons revived their pass rush under Raheem Morris, but he's now with the 49ers, and they will need to go back to adding help next year. Simmons is a very productive sack artist and won't have to wait long after fellow Longhorn Manning.5. New York JetsC.J.
Carr, QB, Notre Dame (6-3, 210 pounds)The Jets did take a shot on Cade Klubnik to develop behind Geno Smith, but neither feels like a long-term franchise solution for Aaron Glenn. Carr makes sense to take over the pocket passing after New York invested well in receiving weapons in 2026.IYER:2026 NFL Draft grades6. Tennessee TitansJordan Seaton, OT, LSU (6-5, 330 pounds)The Titans did address their offensive line to help Cam Ward after giving him Carnell Tate at wide receiver, but here's their chance to land a lock of a pass blocker in the Colorado transfer.7.
Las Vegas RaidersDylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina (6-5, 245 pounds)The Raiders did add a little pass rush help in the draft with Maxx Crosby still on the roster. They can get a true starter for Rob Leonard's defense in this explosive Gamecock.8. New Orleans SaintsLeonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame (6-2, 195 pounds)The Saints will be in the market more for edge rush help, too, but it will be tough to pass up this big corner with shutdown potential, the early Mansoor Delane of this class.9.
Carolina PanthersJamari Johnson, TE, Oregon (6-5, 257 pounds)The Panthers didn't land Kenyon Sadiq for some help at a receiving position of weakness in 2026, but they should be targeting his teammate to help Bryce Young in 2027.BENDER:2026 NFL Draft winners and losers10. Minnesota VikingsJulian Sayin, QB, Ohio State (6-1, 208 pounds)Will the Kyler Murray experiment work? He's on a one-year deal as the team seems to be giving up on J.J.
McCarthy. Here's saying it won't pan out in the system of Kevin O'Connell, leading to the Vikings trying again with the Buckeyes' best passing prospect in a while.11. Washington CommandersCam Coleman, WR, Texans (6-3, 201 pounds)The Commanders got some help for their receiving corps with speedy Antonio Williams.
Next year they can go get another big big-play target for Jayden Daniels to support Terry McLaurin on the outside.12. Tampa Bay BuccaneersA'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon (6-3, 330 pounds)The Buccaneers are battling some free-agency issues at this position, including big Vita Vea and A'Shawn Robinson, so Washington would make sense to reload Todd Bowles' defense.13. New York Jets (from Colts for Sauce Gardner)Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas (6-7, 312 pounds)The Jets went to work with offensive weapons early in 2026, so now they can focus on getting better protection should they invest in Carr early in 2027.14.
Pittsburgh SteelersEllis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia (6-0, 180 pounds)The Steelers will be due for some cornerback help next year. Robinson, a classic ballhawk, would be a big boost to their secondary playmaking.15. New York Jets (from Cowboys for Quinnen Williams)Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri (5-10, 206 pounds)The Jets did bring back Breece Hall on the franchise t