2027 NFL Draft only grows deeper with Dylan Stewart's return to South Carolina

The pass-rushers established themselves as some of the more productive defenders in the country this season. Simmons ranks second in the SEC in sacks (11), while Rhodes is tied for fifth (eight), and Stewart is tied for 15th (4.5). 

Stewart had more sacks (6.5 in 13 games) last season when he was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team. His other numbers have either improved or remained unchanged. He has a career-high 33 tackles after logging 23 in 2024. The pass-rusher has also forced the same number of fumbles as he did in 2024 (three). 

Pair his consistent production with his upside, and that could make him a first-round pick in 2027 along with Simmons and Rhodes. 

"Stewart is [the most gifted] athlete the Gamecocks have had at edge defender since Jadeveon Clowney was launching helmets over a decade ago," wrote Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick in a story published in June 2025. "And like Clowney, he has the upside of becoming a No. 1 overall pick if he keeps up this trajectory."

Don't bank on Stewart being a top pick like Clowney, whom the Houston Texans took No. 1 overall in 2014. It will probably be a QB, perhaps Ohio State's Julian Sayin (6-foot-1, 208 pounds) or Manning (6-foot-4, 219 pounds). 

Stewart, however, looks like a similar prospect to three-time Pro Bowler Clowney (now with the Dallas Cowboys). And he's one reason the 2027 draft may already be more highly anticipated than the 2026 class.