2027 NFL Mock Draft: Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith Lead Early Top 10

As the current rookie class tries to find its footing this preseason, we're ready to look ahead to next year’s draft crop.

There is plenty of hyperbole around the 2027 draft class, labeled as "generational" by some draftniks because of a number of coveted prospects at skill positions. It might be way too early to project who might wind up at the top of the draft — and the teams picking in those spots -- but here’s a look ahead at players to watch in next year’s draft class and a projected draft order.

1. Arizona Cardinals: Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Manning had a tough start to his first season as a full-time starter. However, his tools were more evident by the end of last season against Vanderbilt and Michigan. His lineage and potential are enough for Manning to become the top quarterback in next year’s class.

2. Miami Dolphins: Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State

Mestemaker started his career as a walk-on at North Texas and catapulted to relevance by producing incredible stats in the AAC. As he moves up to Big 12 with a ton of offensive weapons, he is poised to make an impact. His ball placement is impeccable downfield, which should make him flash and bring the Cowboys to their best record in a while with scouts clamoring to see him pass this test.

3. Las Vegas Raiders: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

If we took positional value out of the equation, Smith would be an easy choice as the first overall pick. Smith may be the best receiving prospect since Calvin Johnson, with great body control, speed and contested catch ability. If Smith and Fernando Mendoza can team up in Vegas, the Raiders are suddenly extremely dangerous.

4. Cleveland Browns: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

The last first-round quarterback grade on my 2027 draft board (sorry Jets fans), Moore made a surprising decision to stick around for another college season after an impressive season where he totaled over 30 touchdowns and 3,500 yards. His athletic prowess and elastic arm have earned him comparisons to Texans QB CJ Stroud.

5. New York Jets: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

Much like the 2026 draft, the Jets are stuck just outside the range to select a quarterback. That leaves head coach Aaron Glenn to tap a defensive cornerstone. After two years excelling in zone coverage with 18 pass deflections and seven interceptions, Moore already appears to be a readymade No. 1 NFL cornerback.

6. Tennessee Titans: Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU

Seaton’s athletic tools and impressive anchor should put him firmly as the top tackle in next year’s class. As he begins to block for Lane Kiffin at LSU, his movement skills should stand out to the Titans, who could use a left tackle next to JC Latham.

7. Atlanta Falcons: Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina

Stewart’s speed-to-power ability and Atlanta’s question marks at the edge rusher position next to the suspended James Pearce Jr. make this fit a match made in heaven. Though Stewart needs to level up his stats next year, he should show off the traits to make him a top ten pick no matter what.

8. New York Giants: Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss

Echoles has a great bull rush and enough run defense skill to impress scouts around the country with his performance. The Giants need a replacement for Dexter Lawrence next season, and Echoles’ skillset would fill in nicely next to DJ Reader if he sticks around in New York.

9. Washington Commanders: Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas

Simmons is an uber-productive edge rusher with strong foundational tools that fits extremely well in Dan Quinn’s defense. As Quinn likes the smaller, speedier pass rushers, this could be a match made in heaven for the two, as Simmons looks to slot well into the top ten.

10. Minnesota Vikings: Tae Johnson, S, Notre Dame

The secondary in Minnesota wobbled last season and it's time to bring in a stud to shore up the safety group. Johnson has elite range and great coverage instincts, but he’s also no slouch as a run stopper. He has the upside and potential to be the next Harrison Smith for the Vikings.