2027 NFL Draft: Top non-QBs to watch, led by Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith

The 2026 NFL Draft (April 23-25 in Pittsburgh) looms, but it's not too early to start preparing for 2027. Clubs throughout the league are already doing so. 

"In 2027, you have prototypes at the other positions [besides quarterback]," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer said on "The Rich Eisen Show" on Monday. "Even if there isn't a great QB at the top of next year's draft, you might have a shot at one of those guys as well. So there are a lot of teams already looking to 2027."

We've already listed the top QBs for the 2027 draft. Now, let's turn attention to the best non-QBs. Here are 10 we're tracking, in inverse order. 

10. LSU Tigers OT Jordan Seaton 

Seaton, who transferred from the Colorado Buffaloes to LSU this offseason, should become an impact player for new head coach Lane Kiffin. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed two sacks in 2025 and posted a career-high 84.1 pass-block grade, considered elite. 

"Seaton arrived in Boulder with big expectations and lived up to them," wrote ESPN's Matt Miller in a story published Jan. 15. "The 6-foot-5, 330-pounder has been a rock-solid blindside protector with excellent reaction agility and uses his power to anchor in pass protection."

Seaton may be an even better blocker this season. On March 24, Kiffin said the O-lineman has had a "phenomenal" offseason (h/t: On3's Shea Dixon).

9. Alabama Crimson Tide WR Ryan Coleman-Williams

The consistency of the WR (formerly Ryan Williams) has been a concern. Per PFF, the 6-foot, 178-pounder has 17 drops through two seasons with the Crimson Tide.

But it's apparent Coleman-Williams, 19, has the big-play ability needed to be a first-round pick. In two seasons, he has averaged an impressive 16 yards per reception (97 receptions for 1,554 yards). 

"Williams has plenty of 'wow' plays on tape along with real body adjustment and agility in the open field, but scouts must weigh those pluses against his drop issues," wrote Miller. 

8. Missouri Tigers RB Ahmad Hardy

Hardy (5-foot-10, 206 pounds) wasn't eligible for the 2026 draft, but he may have been one of the first RBs selected if available. This past season, the RB ranked second in the FBS in rushing yards (1,649 on 256 carries) and tied for sixth in rushing touchdowns (16). 

"He is built like an absolute battering ram," The Ringer's Todd McShay said of the RB in October 2025. "He runs with such great urgency but also confidence."

Hardy could be in store for another big year in 2027. Ole Miss Rebels transfer Austin Simmons has been named the starting QB for Missouri, despite starting two games in two seasons in Oxford. Expect the Tigers to lean heavily on the RB to take pressure off the inexperienced QB. 

7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish CB Leonard Moore

Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman has churned out multiple standout defensive backs since assuming the role in December 2021, including Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts, a 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist.

Moore (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) may be his next DB who excels in the NFL. Last season, the corner tied for seventh in the country in interceptions (five), earning a first-team All-American nod. 

"I think [Moore is] the top candidate for the Thorpe Award [college football's best DB] entering the 2026 season," wrote Fox Sports' Joel Klatt.

6. Oregon Ducks DT A'Mauri Washington

Washington (6-foot-3, 330 pounds) returned to school instead of declaring for the 2026 draft, increasing Oregon's chances of winning its first national championship. In 2025, he had career highs in tackles for loss (4.5) and passes defended (eight). 

"He has plenty of strength and power to be a good run defender, but what separates Washington is the impressive quickness and athleticism he's shown for his size," wrote Bleacher Report's Matt Holder in his scouting report. 

5. Oklahoma Sooners DT David Stone

Stone (6-foot-3, 310 pounds) flashed the pass-rushing upside teams covet in DTs. PFF credited the sophomore with a career-high 20 hurries on 280 pass-rush snaps last season. He'll once again play a key role for Oklahoma as it aims to make a second straight College Football Playoff appearance. 

"Stone might be the top defensive tackle in next year's draft," wrote Klatt. 

4. South Carolina Gamecocks LB Dylan Stewart

Stewart (6-foot-5, 245 pounds), a former five-star recruit, has more than met expectations in two seasons with the Gamecocks. He has 22.5 tackles for loss during that span and earned a second-team All-SEC nod in 2025. 

Stewart may be scratching the surface of his potential. In a story published in June 2025, former PFF writer Max Chadwick wrote, "He has the upside of becoming a No. 1 overall pick," like former South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney, who went No. 1 overall in 2014. 

3. Texas Longhorns WR Cam Coleman

Texas has had two WRs selected in the first round in the past two drafts: Kansas City Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy (pick No. 28 in 2024) and Green Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden (pick No. 23 in 2025). Auburn Tigers transfer Coleman (6-foot-3, 201 pounds) may be an even more electric playmaker than both wideouts. 

"Coleman is one of the most talented receivers in the country with one of the best highlight reels, and he averaged 14 yards per catch over his two seasons at Auburn," wrote ESPN/The Ringer contributor Steve Muench in January.

Coleman — who had 708 yards receiving in 2025 — should be even more productive with Texas QB Arch Manning. They already have chemistry. Texas HC Steve Sarkisian said Wednesday the QB tossed two TD passes to the WR during a scrimmage at Tuesday's practice.

2. Texas Longhorns LB Colin Simmons

Since Simmons arrived in Austin in 2024, he has been a matchup nightmare. In two seasons with Texas, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound LB has 21 sacks and six forced fumbles. It's no surprise he's already drawing comparisons to former Denver Broncos star Von Miller. 

"One of the best pass-rushers in the past 20 years has been Von Miller," former Texas/Chiefs LB Alex Okafor said of Simmons in July 2025, via 247 Sports' Chip Brown. "What made him so great was his ability to stay low. People always compared him to Spider-Man, saying he can run on walls sideways. I see the same thing with Colin Simmons." 

Simmons could take another step under new Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. The DC coached four-time Pro Bowl DE Brian Orakpo during his first stint at Texas from 2008-10.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes WR Jeremiah Smith

It's ridiculous that Smith (6-foot-3, 223 pounds) has had to wait two years to be eligible for the 2027 draft. It's easy to argue the sophomore was ready to turn pro after his freshman season in 2024.

In December 2024, McShay said he had "no doubt" Smith would be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft.

Smith may not be the No. 1 overall pick in 2027, considering it's set to be a strong QB class. But he should go in the top five if he has another big year, which he likely will. The WR already ranks sixth in Ohio State history in receiving yards (2,558) and fifth in TD catches (27).