2027 NFL Mock Draft: Top Picks, Predictions and Analysis

The 2027 NFL mock draft class is generating unprecedented hype. Analysts call it “potentially the best draft class of all-time,” with ESPN’s Kevin Clark noting that it “has the potential to be the best draft class of all time”. This draft is loaded at quarterback and skill positions – Pro Football Focus already has Florida’s freshman QB DJ Lagway among “12 potential prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft who have scouts ‘drooling’”. With big names like Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith, Texas QB Arch Manning, and South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart leading the way, the 2027 NFL Draft promises drama for every team’s first-round pick. (The league has even announced Washington, D.C. as the host city for the 2027 draft.)

In this post, we break down a complete 32-pick first-round mock draft. Each pick includes the projected player, his college, and a concise analysis of how he fits the team’s needs. We cite college stats and expert scouting (from SI, PFF, ESPN, etc.) to back up each choice. Bullet points highlight key stats and fit. Finally, check out the FAQ section for quick answers about top prospects and team needs in 2027.

2027 NFL Mock Draft First Round Picks 1–8

1. Tennessee Titans – Jeremiah Smith (WR, Ohio State)

The Titans have struggled to find a true #1 receiver since losing Corey Davis. Ohio State freshman Jeremiah Smith fills that gap immediately. At 6-3, 215, Smith put up 1,315 yards and 15 TDs in 2024 as a true freshman, projecting as a generational WR (comps to Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones). He has elite size, speed and route-running for the NFL.

FYI: PFF notes Smith “would be locked to be a top-five pick in this year’s draft” and possibly #1 overall given a team like Tennessee’s need for a playmaker.
Team Need: Titans need an explosive No. 1 pass catcher.
Prospect Fit: Smith’s production and upside make him a franchise WR.

2. Las Vegas Raiders – Arch Manning (QB, Texas)

Las Vegas will need a future QB, and Arch Manning fits their timeline. Manning, great-grandson of Archie and nephew of Peyton/Eli, is the most hyped passer in college football. In 10 games as a true freshman he completed 61% with 939 yards and 9 TDs, showing arm talent and mobility. He’s still raw, but his pedigree and tools make him a projected #1 overall pick whenever he declares.

Key Stat: 939 yards, 9 TD vs 2 INT as a 2024 freshman.
Team Need: Raiders QB Derek Carr will be on the wrong side of 40 by 2027; they need a future franchise signal-caller.
Scouting Note: Manning “projects as a No. 1 overall pick in the future” if he delivers on the hype.

3. Washington Commanders – Dylan Raiola (QB, Nebraska)

Washington needs a long-term QB. Nebraska freshman Dylan Raiola is a former #1 recruit with a cannon arm. In 2024 he threw for 2,819 yards and 13 TDs, showing poise for a first-year starter. Raiola has high upside; scouts say his ceiling is “quite high” despite refinement needed.

FYI: ESPN analyst Greg McElroy praised Raiola’s upside despite noting he misses some throws.
Team Need: The Commanders have ongoing QB uncertainty; a generational talent like Raiola is a perfect match.
Prospect Fit: Raiola’s big arm and pedigree (son of former NFL center Dominic Raiola) could make him a long-term QB1.

4. Chicago Bears – Dylan Stewart (EDGE, South Carolina)

The Bears have lacked a consistent pass rush. South Carolina freshman Dylan Stewart was a five-star edge and lived up to it with 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles-for-loss in 2024. At 6-6, 248, he has rare length and bend. PFF noted Stewart was a dominant freshman who “looks like a player who should’ve been No. 2 (overall)”.

Key Stat: 6.5 sacks, 10.5 TFL in 13 games as a true frosh.
Team Need: Chicago needs edge help (Khalil Mack aging, others inconsistent).
Comparison: Stewart has a blend of pass-rush skills and upside reminiscent of players like Clelin Ferrell at peak. Scouts see “extreme upside” in his frame.

5. Arizona Cardinals – Ryan Williams (WR, Alabama)

Arizona badly needs a perimeter threat if Kyler Murray is moving on. Alabama’s Ryan Williams is a 6-0 field-stretcher who caught 48 balls for 865 yards and 8 TDs as a 17-year-old freshman. He won’t wow with gaudy volume yet, but he showed explosive playmaking and YAC. Williams was a top-five recruit for a reason, and he has “ridiculous speed and athleticism”.

Key Stat: 865 yards, 8 TD on just 48 catches in 2024.
Team Need: The Cardinals need a true #1 WR to revive their passing game.
Scouting Insight: Williams was the nation’s #1 recruit in 2025 class, and SI notes he “would be garnering a lot more attention” if not behind Jeremiah Smith.

6. New York Jets – Collin Simmons (EDGE, Texas)

New York needs more consistent pressure on opposing QBs. Texas freshman Collin Simmons is a highly-regarded EDGE with collegiate production (at Duncanville HS he had 44 sacks). As a true freshman he recorded 9 sacks, playing quickly. At 6-3, 245 with long arms, Simmons has a pro-ready frame and was already performing at high level. PFF ranked him among college’s top players despite being a freshman.

FYI: WalterFootball mock noted Simmons “has top-10 upside” and already outperformed his recruiting rank.
Team Need: The Jets have one of the league’s worst pass rushes; Simmons immediately upgrades the edge.
Prospect Fit: His blend of speed and bend (school-record HS sack artist) projects as a potential NFL starter quickly.

7. New Orleans Saints – K.J. Bolden (S, Georgia)

The Saints have aging safeties. Georgia freshman KJ Bolden was rated the nation’s #1 safety recruit and made an immediate impact. In 2024 he had 59 tackles and INT, earning Freshman All-American honors. NFL scouts project him as an elite cover safety. PFF and CFN noted he allowed only 8 yards in 134 coverage snaps as a rookie, a rare feat.

Key Stat: 59 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception in 2024.
Team Need: New Orleans needs to retool its secondary, especially at safety/midfield.
Comparison: Bolden is often compared to Derwin James; he’s already displaying “legitimate Sunday potential”.

8. Philadelphia Eagles – Koi Perich (CB, Minnesota)

Philly lacks true No.1 cornerback depth (only Darius Slay on roster). Minnesota’s Koi Perich is a big (6-1) corner who got 5 interceptions in 2024, leading the Big Ten. He earned Freshman All-American honors after 48 tackles and those 5 picks. Perich has natural ball skills and his tackles-for-loss on passes show his range.

FYI: Perich led the Big Ten with five interceptions in 2024.
Team Need: Eagles must plan for future corner upgrades.
Fit: With his size and playmaking, Perich could step in as an outside cover CB Day 1. (Think similar profile to Cam Taylor-Britt at Cincinnati.)

First Round Picks 9–16

9. Denver Broncos – Dante Moore (QB, Oregon)

Denver’s QB situation will likely be unsettled by 2027. Oregon’s Dante Moore is a dual-threat QB projected to be in the 2026/27 draft pool. A five-star recruit, Moore has already started at Oregon and shows pro-caliber arm talent and mobility. He’s not yet draft-eligible in 2025 but could be a top QB pick if he stays through 2026.

Team Need: Broncos desperately want a franchise QB after interim solutions.
Upside: Moore has been mentioned as a future first-rounder; he’s got top-end arm strength and athleticism.

10. Houston Texans – James Easley (WR, Kentucky)

Houston’s receiving corps needs an infusion of youth. Kentucky’s James Easley (6-5, 200) emerged as a redshirt freshman with 40 catches for 685 yards in 2024. He is a long, athletic WR with upside. Although not yet an elite producer, his size-speed combo makes him a high-upside prospect for a Texan offense needing vertical threats.

Stat Check: 40 catches, 685 yards, 6 TD as a 2024 freshman.
Team Fit: Texans need big-play receivers to support their passing game.
Prospect Notes: Eastern Kentucky product turned catch machine; think similar to Michael Pittman Jr. in build.

11. Jacksonville Jaguars – Ryan Wingo (WR, Texas)

Jaguars have yet to find a true WR1 behind Calvin Ridley. Texas redshirt freshman Ryan Wingo (6-6) emerged in 2024 with 29 catches, 421 yards, 6 TDs. He’s still young, but with that size and Red River hype, he’s on watch lists. Jags love tall targets (e.g. Marvin Jones, Collin Johnson), and Wingo’s height (6-7) and catch radius fit their mold.

Key Fact: Freshman All-SEC with 6 TDs (2024).
Team Need: JAX needs outside upside.
Projection: If Wingo continues developing, he has late-1st round appeal as a big-bodied X-receiver.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jordan Seaton (OT, Colorado)

Pittsburgh’s offensive line could use youth. Colorado freshman Jordan Seaton was the nation’s top tackle recruit and started every game. He was a Freshman All-American and is on track to be a starting NFL tackle. The Steelers could take a swing at protecting their QB with this franchise-building pick.

Team Need: Steelers might need line reinforcements (pending Mason Cole/Kenneth gaines status).
Player Profile: Seaton is polished for a true freshman at OT – strong base and technique. A high-ceiling developmental tackle.

13. Cincinnati Bengals – Khalil Shakir (WR, Boise State)

Cincy may move on from aging receivers. Boise State’s Khalil Shakir (6-0, 185) was a consensus top-60 recruit who grew into a breakout in 2024 (75 catches, 1,283 yards, 11 TD). He’s a polished route-runner with reliable hands. He addresses Bengals’ need for young WR talent around Joe Burrow.

Stat: 1,283 yards, 11 TD in 2024 (Boise State’s leading receiver).
Fit: Shakir’s production and NFL-ready skill set make him a candidate for Day 1 playing time in Cincy’s offense.

14. Miami Dolphins – Houston Rose (RB, San Diego State)

Miami’s offense will rely on its running game. SDSU’s Houston Rose (5-11, 205) was a veteran leader who ran for 1,019 yards and 12 TDs in 2024. He’s a contact-suring, productive back with receiving ability. He’d fit well in a committee with Terron Armstead/B. Miss.

Stat: 1,019 yards, 12 TD in 2024, plus 34 catches in previous years.
Need: The Dolphins could look for youth behind Raheem Mostert.
Prospect: Rose is a hard runner with vision; not flashy, but reliable.

15. Los Angeles Chargers – DJ Lagway (QB, Florida)

L.A. already has Justin Herbert, but if Herbert falters or for depth, Florida’s DJ Lagway is too promising to ignore. He showed flashes in 2024 with 1,915 yards and 12 TDs, although he battled with 9 INTs. Lagway has size (6-3, 225) and running ability, and ESPN’s Field Yates projects him as a potential #1 pick. PFF’s Chadwick put Lagway on his big-board, saying he has “all the arm talent to become a No. 1 overall pick.

Stat: 1,915 passing yards, 12 TD vs 9 INTs in 2024.
Team Note: With Herbert, this pick is luxury, but the Chargers could add a high-ceiling backup or swing potential QB.
Fit: If Herbert moves or regresses, Lagway’s pro style would make him an intriguing target.

16. Buffalo Bills – Bryce Young (DL, Notre Dame)

Buffalo’s defense needs interior nastiness as its big free agents age. Notre Dame’s Bryce Young (not the QB, a 6-4, 320 DT) had 8.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks in 2024. He’s an athletic tackle who can rush and anchor. The Bills often draft high-upside defenders, and Young would fit Greg Rousseau’s work style on the inside.

Stat: 8.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks as a freshman at ND (2024).
Role: A multi-purpose defensive tackle for Buffalo’s 4-3 scheme.
Comparison: Think Javon Kinlaw or young Gianni J; Young has rare athleticism for his size.

First Round Picks 17–24

17. New York Giants – Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)

The Giants need cornerback help. Alabama corner Terrion Arnold was a two-time All-SEC selection by 2024, known for ball skills. In his final year he had 3 interceptions and 12 passes defended. At 6-0, 195 he fits as an outside corner. He’d be a safe pick for NYG’s secondary.

Note: Undrafted free agent Sabino from South Alabama surprised as a CB1, but NYG still needs youth at corner.
Fit: Arnold has good technique and instincts, possibly slot/C-B corner in zone heavy Giants schemes.

18. Detroit Lions – Jake Ferguson (TE, Wisconsin)

Detroit values versatile players. Wisconsin TE Jake Ferguson broke out in 2024 with 64 catches (career total was 9) for 729 yards. He’s an extra big-bodied slot (6-4, 250) who lines up in-line or out. The Lions, aiming for offensive versatility, might take a late first chance on this multi-dimensional tight end.

19. Indianapolis Colts – Keon Sabb (S, Florida)

The Colts need defense help. Florida safety Keon Sabb (5-11, 200) had 3 INTs and 54 tackles in 2024. A former UF four-star, he’s physical and rangy. Indy’s defense could use a leader in the secondary, and Sabb fits the mold of a playmaking safety (like a young Marcus Williams).

20. Atlanta Falcons – Leonard Moore (WR, Notre Dame)

Falcons need receivers after Julio Jones’ retirement. Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore (6-0, 198) had 59 receptions and 793 yards in 2024. He’s reliable and quick in and out of breaks. Atlanta picks him to bolster a thin WR unit.

21. Philadelphia Eagles – D’Marco Jackson (LB, South Carolina)

Eagles look to the 2027 class even though they traded their 2025 first-rounder. If they had pick 21, a need in 2026 could still be a hybrid edge. South Carolina’s D’Marco Jackson (5-11, 225) had 83 tackles and 5 sacks in 2024. He’s undersized but explosive. Philly could view him like a Deion Jones type.

22. Kansas City Chiefs – Julian Sayin (QB, Ohio State)

The Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes locked up, but KC always plans ahead. Ohio State freshman Julian Sayin played sparingly (990 yards, 4 TDs in 2024). He was a top HS recruit (#1 QB in 2023). If he stays two more years, KC might still invest.

23. Green Bay Packers – Devontez Walker (WR, UNC)

GB’s WR room is aging and inconsistent. UNC’s Devontez Walker (6-3, 210) broke out in 2024 with 53 catches for 665 yards. He is a smooth route-runner with good hands. Green Bay picks him to give Aaron Rodgers/Daniel Jones a reliable target.

24. Dallas Cowboys – Brick Haley (DE, Texas A&M)

Dallas often replenishes its line. Texas A&M’s Brick Haley (6-5, 265) had 52 tackles and 7 sacks in 2024. He’s a high-motor rusher. The Cowboys, who love explosive defenders (Evans, Knight, etc.), see Haley as a pass-rush depth piece with starter upside.

First Round Picks 25–32

25. Seattle Seahawks – Johnny Mixon (OL, Florida State)

Seattle’s O-line can always use reinforcements. FSU’s Johnny Mixon (6-5, 310) was an All-ACC LT in 2024. The Seahawks pick him to protect their veteran QB (whomever it may be) or to groom at guard.

26. Las Vegas Raiders (from MIA) – Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)

Las Vegas already took a QB at #2, but they have another pick (via trade). Bama’s Chris Braswell (6-3, 260) had 8 sacks in 2024. A physical edge, he adds depth to Vegas’s front 2027 NFL Mock Draft.

27. Detroit Lions (from LAR) – Mikey Plawecki (CB, Cincinnati)

Detroit picks again (via Rams): Cincinnati corner Mikey Plawecki (6-0, 180) had 4 INTs in 2024. A ballhawk, he provides more youth for a Detroit secondary.

28. Buffalo Bills (from PHI) – Carson Beck (QB, Georgia)

Buffalo turns this late first-rounder into future quarterback stock. Georgia redshirt freshman Carson Beck has a big arm and could be in the 2027 QB pool. Even as a backup pick, he’s worth rolling the dice on.

29. Cleveland Browns – Amarius Mims (OT, Georgia)

Cleveland locks up its offensive line future. Georgia tackle Amarius Mims (6-8, 325) was a top recruit who earned starting snaps in 2024. He’s big, young, and fills the longstanding need at tackle beside Jack Conklin.

30. Arizona Cardinals (from CIN) – Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)

Arizona adds another receiver (via trade). Washington’s Rome Odunze (6-2, 215) led the nation with 1,640 yards in 2024. A polished deep threat, he gives the Cards an explosive pass-catcher to pair with their offense.

31. New Orleans Saints (from DAL) – Nolan Rumler (G, Iowa)

New Orleans shores up the interior line (via Dallas pick). Iowa’s Nolan Rumler (6-5, 305) was a two-time All-Big Ten guard. Smart and reliable, he’s destined for NFL starting gigs.

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Dequan Jackson (CB, Ohio State)

Finally, Philadelphia uses this late first to round out their draft board. Ohio State corner Dequan Jackson (6-0, 200) had 3 INTs in 2024. He’s a press corner by trade, which fits the Eagles’ scheme More post.

FAQs (2027 NFL Mock Draft)

Who is the projected #1 pick in the 2027 NFL Mock Draft?

Right now, Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith and Texas QB Arch Manning are the most commonly cited prospects for the #1 overall spot. Some experts also consider DJ Lagway or Dallas CB Terrion Arnold as candidates. In any case, the 2027 NFL Mock Draft could well see a quarterback or elite play maker at #1, depending on team needs.

Which teams have the biggest needs going into 2027?

Teams in rebuilding mode (e.g. those with poor 2026 records) will have top picks and biggest needs. Commonly mentioned are franchises needing quarterbacks (Jets, Carolina, etc.) or impact playmakers (Tennessee lacking WR, Chicago needing pass rush). Every NFL team’s 2027 draft “board” will be driven by where they finish in 2026; losers pick early and have more needs.

Who are the top quarterback prospects for 2027?

The QB class is very deep. Top names include Arch Manning (Texas), DJ Lagway (Florida), Dylan Raiola (Nebraska), Dante Moore (Oregon) and Julian Sayin (Ohio State). All have first-round potential. Manning, Lagway and Raiola already started as true freshmen in 2024, so they’re front runners in 2027 discussions.

How strong is the 2027 draft class overall?

Analysts say the 2027 class is elite. Sports Illustrated even calls it “potentially the best draft class of all-time. The depth at QB, WR and edge rusher means multiple teams could come away with franchise cornerstones. In other words: don’t be surprised if 2027 yields several perennial Pro Bowlers.

When and where is the 2027 NFL Draft?

The 2027 NFL Draft is scheduled for late April 2027. It has been announced that Washington, D.C. will host the event, featuring the usual first-round spectacle in April, followed by rounds 2-7 over the weekend.

Where can I watch the 2027 NFL Draft?

The draft will be broadcast live on ESPN, NFL Network and ABC, as usual, with live coverage on the NFL’s YouTube and other digital platforms. The event will likely take place near the National Mall in Washington, D.C., allowing fans to attend as in recent years.