Scouting is basically a guessing game where the stakes are worth millions of dollars and your job. But every few years, a group of kids comes along that makes the "guessing" part feel a lot less like a coin flip. We are currently looking at that exact scenario.
The 2027 draft class is already being called "generational" by people who usually hate using that word. Why? Because the sheer density of blue-chip talent at premium positions—quarterback, wide receiver, and edge rusher—is higher than anything we've seen since at least 2021, and maybe even 2011.
You've got names like Arch Manning and Jeremiah Smith that feel like they've been in our living rooms for years. Honestly, the hype is actually backed up by the tape. If you’re an NFL GM with a roster that's aging out, you’re probably looking at your 2027 first-round pick like it’s a bar of gold.
Arch Manning and the Quarterback Gold Mine
It is impossible to talk about an NFL mock draft 2027 without starting in Austin, Texas. Arch Manning is the sun that the rest of this class orbits.
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He didn't just inherit the most famous last name in football; he inherited the processing speed. Scouts are obsessed with how he’s handled the redshirt-then-starter path. While guys like Dante Moore (Oregon) and DJ Lagway (Florida) offer more "wow" athleticism, Manning's ability to layer the ball deep and identify blitzes before they happen makes him the safest bet for No. 1 overall.
But don't sleep on Moore. He essentially bet on himself by returning to Oregon for another year of seasoning. NFL evaluators have a "25-start rule"—basically, they want to see you start at least 25 college games before they trust you with a franchise. Moore is hitting that milestone, and his 30-touchdown season in 2025 has him neck-and-neck with Manning for the top spot.
Then there's the wild card: Julian Sayin at Ohio State. He’s smaller, sure. Some scouts compare him to a more athletic Drew Brees. If he lights up the Big Ten this year, the "he’s too short" narrative will evaporate faster than a bad 40-time.
The Jeremiah Smith "Problem"
Usually, you don't take a wide receiver in the top three unless they are a freak of nature. Think Calvin Johnson or Julio Jones.
Jeremiah Smith is that.
The Ohio State star put up 1,300+ yards as a true freshman. That is not supposed to happen in the Big Ten. He’s 6'3", 215 pounds, and runs like a track star. He makes catches that look like they belong in a video game. Honestly, if he were eligible tomorrow, he’d be the first receiver off the board in the 2025 or 2026 drafts.
Teams are already looking at him as a "X" receiver who can win 1-on-1 against any corner in the league. Alabama's Ryan Williams is the lightning to Smith's thunder. Williams reclassified—he should still be in high school, basically—and he's already torching SEC secondaries. These two are going to be top-10 locks.
Dylan Stewart and the Defensive Monsters
If you want to win in the NFL, you have to hit the quarterback. South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart is the guy who does that.
He’s 6'5" and 245 pounds of pure muscle. As a freshman, he looked like a man playing against middle schoolers. He finished top-10 nationally in pressures. That's insane for a kid who was just at senior prom a year prior.
- Dylan Stewart (South Carolina): The undisputed top edge. His "bend" around the corner is something scouts haven't seen since Myles Garrett.
- Colin Simmons (Texas): A pure speed rusher. He’s the guy you put on the field when it’s 3rd and long and you need a strip-sack.
- Jordan Seaton (OT): You need someone to block these monsters. Seaton is the best tackle prospect in the class. He’s massive, mobile, and—most importantly—mean.
Why Teams Are Hoarding 2027 Picks
We saw a weird thing happen at the last trade deadline. Teams weren't just asking for picks; they were specifically asking for 2027 picks.
The depth isn't just at the top. Look at the running backs. Ahmad Hardy (Missouri) and Isaac Brown (Louisville) are legitimate three-down threats. In an era where the "running back doesn't matter" mantra has taken over, these two might actually be good enough to force their way into the late first round.
There’s also the secondary. KJ Bolden at Georgia is the best safety prospect since Kyle Hamilton. He allowed eight receiving yards in over 130 coverage snaps as a freshman. Read that again. Eight yards. That’s basically one play.
Predicting the Top 5
Look, a lot can happen. Injuries, bad coaching, or just plain old stagnation. but if the draft were today, the top of the board would likely look like this:
- Arch Manning (QB, Texas): The pedigree and the poise are too much to pass up.
- Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State): A true "can't-miss" weapon.
- Dylan Stewart (EDGE, South Carolina): The cornerstone for any defense.
- Dante Moore (QB, Oregon): High-floor starter with elite production.
- Ryan Williams (WR, Alabama): The most explosive playmaker in the country.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Dynasty Owners
If you're following the NFL mock draft 2027 for your dynasty league or just to see if your NFL team has a chance at a rebuild, keep an eye on the transfer portal.
Players like Cam Coleman moving from Auburn to Texas shows how these top prospects are positioning themselves to play with elite quarterbacks to boost their draft stock. If a guy you like is playing with a sub-par QB, his stats might lag, but the NFL scouts are watching the traits, not just the box score.
Watch the "starts" count. For the QBs, whoever finishes the 2026 season with the most experience and the fewest "processing errors" on film will be the one who climbs. Right now, it's Manning's world, but the gap between him and the rest of the field is smaller than the media makes it out to be.
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Start tracking offensive tackle PFF grades now. The 2027 class is top-heavy with skill players, but the real value for NFL teams will be finding the guys like Jordan Seaton who can actually protect the $200 million quarterbacks. If you see a tackle who hasn't given up a sack in 10+ games, write their name down. They're going on Thursday night in 2027.