The way-too-early 2027 NFL first-round mock draft

The Cardinals have a placeholder quarterback in Jacoby Brissett, but they're likely looking toward the 2027 draft for their long-term answer. The much-hyped nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, Arch has yet to reach his potential but could do so in 2026 on a loaded Texas roster.

Smith could be the best wideout prospect we've seen in years, with over 2,500 yards in his first two seasons at Ohio State. Miami cleared out its wide receiver room in the offseason and will be looking for more weapons for Malik Willis.

Moore was likely a first-round pick had he opted to leave early in 2026, and he could rival Manning for the top pick in 2027. He had an explosive season in 2025 with over 3,500 yards passing, and the Jets will almost certainly be in the market for a quarterback next year.

Moore has been an elite playmaker in two seasons with the Fighting Irish and has accumulated seven interceptions. After addressing offense in this year's draft, the Raiders could turn to defense next year.

Simmons has already established himself as an elite pass rusher, with 21 sacks over the last two seasons. He lacks the size to play defensive end in a 4-3 alignment, but has the burst to be an elite pass rusher.

A transfer from Cincinnati, Sorsby is set to supercharge the Red Raiders' offense. He had 27 touchdowns for the Bearcats last season, and also has plus scrambling ability. Cleveland will be evaluating Shedeur Sanders under a new coaching staff this season, and could turn to the quarterback position next year if he doesn't impress.

Stewart continues to develop his raw rushing ability, with 11 total sacks over the last two seasons. He has the physical tools, so a breakout year on the stats sheet would push him up draft boards.

Robinson has bided his time trying to get on the field more often for the Bulldogs, though he did record four interceptions last season. Another step forward on the field would make Robinson a clear early first-rounder.

A transfer from Auburn to Texas this year, Coleman could make a name for himself as Arch Manning's top receiver. The 6-foot-3 Coleman had over 700 yards receiving last season.

Brown has been a key defensive player for the Crimson Tide, with five picks over the last two seasons. The Giants continue to rebuild their secondary under John Harbaugh, 

Sayin's first year as a full-time starter in Columbus couldn't have gone much better, with 3,610 yards and 32 touchdown passes. His limitations as a pocket passer could push him down the draft slightly when he does opt to go pro, but the elite passing tools make him an enticing option for a team looking for a long-time quarterback like the Steelers.

Washington is set at tackle in the short term, but could move up from Laremy Tunsil after the 2027 season. Seaton transferred from Colorado to LSU this year and has the bulk to move inside or remain at tackle.

The Jets have used plenty of draft capital on the offensive line in recent seasons, and could continue to invest. Goosby has protected Arch Manning's blindside at Texas, and has the physical traits to be a top pick.

Stone has yet to show his full upside in college, but he started to show flashes last season with 43 tackles and 1.5 sacks for the Sooners. DeForest Buckner is likely on the backend of his career, so the Colts could be looking for a long-term replacement.

The explosive Hardy has been a revelation for Mizzou, rushing for 3,000 yards over the last two seasons. He still needs to prove his ability as a receiver, but doing so this year could allow him to be a first-rounder. The Vikings could be in the market as they continue to rely on veteran Aaron Jones.

Washington is a massive prospect listed at 6-foot-3, 330 pounds, and he took a big step forward last season with 33 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Vita Vea remains a key part of the Bucs defense, but is a free agent after the 2026 season.

Rhodes opened some eyes with more playing time last season, finishing with 43 tackles and eight sacks. He has the size to be a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, and would be a fit for the Bears.

The 6-foot-7 Green is a major threat in the Red Zone, and could see his numbers skyrocket in Lane Kiffin's offense this season. He finished last year with seven touchdowns, and Joe Burrow would likely welcome another receiving threat of his talent.

Viliamu-Asa comes from a long line of elite linebackers out of Notre Dame. He finished with 48 tackles and three sacks last season, and would be a great addition to Denver's talented linebackers.

Bolden is a willing tackler with 135 tackles over the last two seasons, and he's also made his fair share of big plays. Houston added Reed Blankenship this offseason, but could look to get younger in 2027.

Heldt has shown major growth after transferring from Purdue to Clemson, with 7.5 sacks last season. The Jaguars are set at defensive end for now, but can save money if they opt out of Josh Hines-Allen's contract following the 2026 season.

Moten was a big part of Miami's elite defensive line last season, and could be set for another leap this year. He finished last year with 4.5 sacks and would be welcome to the Chargers' rebuilding defensive front.

Tight end has long been a key part of Josh McDaniels' offense, and Johnson would be a fit. He had 510 yards and three scores last season, and should be a key part of the Ducks' offense this year.

Trent Williams' career is winding down, and the 49ers could be looking at a replacement as early as 2027. Siereveld is a possible first-round prospect next year.

Uiagalelei has 16.5 total sacks over the last two seasons for the Ducks. The Bills added Bradley Chubb on the edge this year, but could look to get younger on defense next season.

Jones is a massive man-to-man corner prospect at 6-foot-4, and the numbers back up the tools with two interceptions and 11 passes defensed last season. The Lions have featured a strong secondary and added Roger McCreary this offseason, but could attempt to get younger at corner in 2027.

KC resisted adding a wideout in this year's draft, but another disappointing year in the passing game would leave them with no choice. Marsh has been a productive player at Michigan State over the last two years, but is looking to take the next step with Indiana this season.

The Cowboys found an answer at running back last year with Javonte Williams, but his shaky injury history means that they could be looking next offseason again. Lacy is a versatile back coming off a breakout season with over 1,700 yards from scrimmage last season.

Lane Kiffin is bringing Umanmielen with him from Ole Miss to LSU this year, after he recorded nine sacks last season. The Eagles are always in the market for pass-rushing help.

Wilson transferred from Missouri to Miami after recording nine sacks last season, showing great skills on the edge. Seattle could be in the market to replace veteran Demarcus Lawrence next offseason.

The Rams are all-in in 2026, but could make a sudden transition if and when Matthew Stafford decides to hang up his cleats. The team also has Davante Adams, who is in the latter stages of his career. Coleman-Williams has been a terrific deep threat for the Crimson Tide over the last two years, and would be a fit with former teammate Ty Simpson in LA.

Perich has been an extremely productive player for Minnesota over the last two years and will take his talents to Oregon in 2026. He could contribute to the nickel for a talented Ravens secondary that has used first-round picks on Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks, and Nate Wiggins in recent seasons.