The NFL’s 2026 rookie class has yet to show what they can do at the professional level, and some are still sweating on their roster spots. Nevertheless, with the start of the 2026 college football season just days away, the next generation of NFL stars is less than nine months out from hearing their name called.
This one-round 2027 NFL mock draft was put together using PFN’s NFL Playoff Predictor to decide the draft order, which has the Los Angeles Rams winning it all in February. Each pick was decided by matching projected team needs with PFN NFL draft expert Ian Cummings’ 2027 prospect grades, along with my own assessments.
1) Arizona Cardinals
Arch Manning, Texas | QB
Carson Beck may have shown up and shown out in the Hall of Fame game, but it remains highly likely that the Arizona Cardinals will take a quarterback early if in range next April. In this scenario, they get their pick of the bunch and opt for one of the most highly anticipated names in the draft.
The 2026 season will have a huge impact on the order that the quarterbacks will be taken next April, but Arch Manning is as good a bet as any. The Texas Longhorns star lands in a good situation, with an enviable supporting cast and an indoor stadium.
2) Miami Dolphins
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State | WR
The Miami Dolphins could also be in the market for a new quarterback in next year’s draft, especially if they find themselves picking No. 2. Looking at the team’s current receiver room, though, I’m not sure it would be fair to place too much blame on Malik Willis if the team struggles.
Rather than replace Willis, I have the Dolphins making his life a lot easier by adding one of the most exciting college receiver prospects in recent memory. It would take an awful lot to knock Smith off the WR1 podium between now and next April, with Smith having dominated college football since his freshman debut.
3) New York Jets
Dante Moore, Oregon | QB
Another of the class’s QB1 candidates is Oregon’s Dante Moore, who could have entered the 2026 NFL Draft and would likely have been one of the first names off the board. Moore took a gamble by returning to college, but in this scenario, he still ends up with the team that was widely projected to take him No. 2 overall in 2026.
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The New York Jets landed edge rusher David Bailey with that pick instead, and now get their quarterback as well. Geno Smith has resurrected his career once already, but regardless of his level of performance in 2026, the Jets will almost certainly be replacing the 35-year-old in this draft.
4) Cleveland Browns
CJ Carr, Notre Dame | QB
The Cleveland Browns will finally be rid of Deshaun Watson by the time this draft rolls around, albeit with over $85 million remaining against the cap across 2027 and 2028. The team’s 2025 draft experiment has yet to reap rewards, and the chances of either Shedeur Sanders or Dillon Gabriel breaking out in 2026 appear slim.
Enter CJ Carr. The Notre Dame quarterback is entering his second year as the team’s starter, and many expect him to be in the Heisman conversation. Carr’s impressive arm talent and strong communication outweigh his modest athleticism, especially given Cleveland’s recent investment in the skill positions.
5) Las Vegas Raiders
Colin Simmons, Texas | EDGE
It’s rarely long before the first edge rusher comes off the board, and Colin Simmons’ superior sack numbers give him the edge over Dylan Stewart at pick No. 5. Simmons has tallied a monstrous 29.5 tackles for loss and 21 sacks in two years at Texas, evenly spread across both seasons.
The Las Vegas Raiders nearly traded star pass rusher Maxx Crosby before the 2026 NFL Draft, and it remains to be seen if he’ll still be a Raider a year later. Whether he’s replacing Crosby or joining him, Simmons is a no-brainer here.
6) Atlanta Falcons
Trevor Goosby, Texas | OT
Two years on from the Atlanta Falcons’ shocking decision to draft Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 overall pick, the team may already be open to moving on. With a lot of football to be played in both college and the NFL before the 2027 NFL Draft, though, I’ve opted for another Texas prospect in Trevor Goosby instead.
Matthew Bergeron has just signed a new deal, but multiple contracts are running down across Atlanta’s offensive line. Add to that that 12-year Falcons veteran Jake Matthews will be 35 years old by the time of the draft, and Goosby makes sense. He can replace Jawaan Taylor at right tackle, before potentially moving over to replace Matthews long term.
7) Tennessee Titans
Dylan Stewart, South Carolina | EDGE
He may not boast Simmons’ ridiculous numbers, but Stewart is a game-wrecker in his own right. Stewart has amassed 22.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in his first two years in the SEC, and he would be an immediate contributor for Robert Saleh’s defense.
The Tennessee Titans invested significant money in Cor’Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor this offseason, but that won’t matter if they can’t disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Simmons adds some firepower to the Titans’ pass rush and complements what should be an imposing secondary.
8) Carolina Panthers
Leonard Moore, Notre Dame | CB
Leonard Moore is Cummings’ second-highest-graded player in the 2027 class and falls into the lap of the Carolina Panthers, whose defense continues to improve year over year. In 2025, Moore earned a PFN CB Impact Score of 93.8, which ranked third among all CBs, behind only Chris Johnson and Mansoor Delane, both first-round picks.
The Panthers’ impressive secondary is set to lose Mike Jackson to free agency in 2027, as his performances at Carolina have likely earned him a solid payday. Moore steps straight in to lock down one side of the Panthers’ secondary for years to come.
9) New Orleans Saints
Justin Scott, Miami (FL) | DT
The New Orleans Saints have issues across their defensive line, but with the top two edge rushers off the board, they take the first defensive tackle of the draft. The Saints made a splash on offense this offseason, adding Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency before landing wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the eighth pick of the draft.
The Saints’ 2023 first-round pick, Bryan Bresee, posted an 80.4 PFN DT Impact Score in 2025, which ranked 14th among all defensive tackles. The team will need to deal with the impact of Bresee’s recent ACL tear in the short term, but adding Miami’s Justin Scott will give the Saints a top-level interior from 2027 on.
10) New York Giants
David Stone, Oklahoma | DT
Scott’s selection triggers two more quick-fire defensive tackle picks, starting with David Stone, who joins the New York Giants. The Giants traded star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II before the 2026 NFL Draft, and are tracking to be short at the position in 2027.
Darius Alexander, a 2025 third-round pick, will hope to build on a promising rookie season and earn a long-term starting job. Regardless of Alexander’s performances, though, there will be a spot open for Stone come April. The Giants have invested too heavily in a ferocious pass rush to be weak on the interior, making this pick a necessity.
11) Washington Commanders
Cam Coleman, Texas | WR
It’s too early to be sure, but Brandon Aiyuk’s move to the Washington Commanders looks far less likely than it once did. That leaves the NFC East contenders with several short-term options at receiver, so they could feel the need to draft one (which they should).
In any case, the 2027 NFL Draft is lining up to be the prime opportunity for Washington to land a star receiver to partner with Terry McLaurin while they still have the chance. It would be a case of “better late than never” when it comes to complementing McLaurin, but Cam Coleman would also serve as the ideal long-term replacement at WR1.
12) New York Jets
Will Echoles, Ole Miss | DT
Despite trading two cornerstones of their defense during the 2025 season, the Jets spent two of their three first-round picks on offense back in April. After landing Moore with the No. 3 overall pick in this mock draft, defense has to take priority, and Ole Miss star Will Echoles is a much-needed addition on the interior.
Echoles tallied 11.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 5 pass breakups as a true sophomore in 2025. Another step forward in 2026 could see him selected even higher next April.
13) Minnesota Vikings
Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss | RB
Less than a year out from the 2027 NFL Draft, there doesn’t appear to be a clear favorite for the class’s RB1 mantle. That doesn’t mean there’s no talent, though, as Ole Miss’s Kewan Lacy showed in 2025.
Lacy led the FBS in carries (306) and led the SEC in rushing touchdowns (24), while displaying dual-threat ability with 29 receptions for 177 yards. The Minnesota Vikings are in desperate need of a premium rusher if they’re to climb back to relevance in the NFC.
14) Pittsburgh Steelers
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State | QB
Like the Minnesota pick, this one is based solely on positional need, with several names that could be substituted in. The Pittsburgh Steelers need to address the long-term future of their quarterback position, and the third-round selection of Drew Allar this year suggests it’s not Will Howard.
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Allar himself has a year to prove he can be the guy, but he faces an uphill battle to do that with Aaron Rodgers in his way. Drew Mestemaker is one of many quarterbacks to watch in 2026, having excelled at North Texas and earned a transfer to Oklahoma State. A one-year deal for Kirk Cousins could accompany this pick, whoever it ends up being.
15) New York Jets
Tae Johnson, Notre Dame | S
Tae Johnson becomes the first safety off the board as the Jets round off their first-round involvement. There’s a strong chance the team uses its draft capital to trade up next April, but there’s already enough speculation involved when creating mock drafts in August.
The Jets already have 2025 fourth-round pick Malachi Moore and veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick on the books for 2027. Three safeties are slated for free agency, though, and Fitzpatrick is an odd fit for a complete defensive rebuild. The Johnson and Echoles picks could be switched according to Cummings’ rankings, but positional value rules.
16) Chicago Bears
Carter Smith, Indiana | OL
The Chicago Bears boasted an exceptional offensive line in 2025, but there are some question marks in both the short and long term.
Promising tackle Ozzy Trapilo suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in the Bears’ playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers back in January. The hope is that Trapilo suffers no long-term effects, but mobility is key on the outside.
Inside, Joe Thuney turns 34 in November, and he has no guaranteed salary beyond 2026, making him a potential cut candidate if he slows down. Either way, Indiana’s Carter Smith provides short-term insurance for Trapilo and a long-term replacement for Thuney.
17) Cincinnati Bengals
Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia | CB
The Cincinnati Bengals are currently on track to lose both of their 2025 starting cornerbacks to free agency in March. Dax Hill and DJ Turner II are both in the final year of their deals, with 2026 third-round pick Tacario Davis the only obvious succession plan.
Ellis Robinson IV is Cummings’ CB2 in the class heading into the 2026 season and becomes the first Georgia product off the board in this mock. The Bengals have finally started taking their defense seriously, but one positive offseason won’t be enough.
18) Jacksonville Jaguars
Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami (FL) | DT
Arik Armstead is slated for free agency in 2027, and DaVon Hamilton’s 70.8 DT Impact Score was tied for 81st among all qualifying NFL defensive tackles in 2025. Anthony Campanile’s defense was a revelation in 2025 and, together with Liam Coen’s much-improved offense, has made the Jacksonville Jaguars genuine contenders.
There’s no room for complacency at the top, though, and whether he’s replacing Armstead or improving on Hamilton, Ahmad Moten Sr. makes sense for the Jaguars here.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Austin Siereveld, Ohio State | OL
With the 19th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers landed the impressive Emeka Egbuka, who immediately looked like a star. Two years later, Austin Siereveld’s selection with the same pick would likely conjure less excitement, but sometimes the best picks are the sensible ones.
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With four defensive tackles already off the board, the Buccaneers turn to their offensive line, which has multiple glaring needs. Cody Mauch, Dan Feeney, and Justin Skule are all slated to hit free agency in March, and Siereveld could slot in at guard if they don’t re-sign Mauch. However, he can also slide over to tackle in a pinch if Tristan Wirfs or Luke Goedeke gets hurt.
20) Denver Broncos
Jamari Johnson, Oregon | TE
I was really hoping to see Eli Stowers land with the Denver Broncos back in April, but it wasn’t meant to be. The Broncos traded for Jaylen Waddle before the draft and have a strong skill group, but Courtland Sutton’s age and contract make him a yearly cut candidate from 2027.
Having taken fliers on multiple receivers in the middle rounds of recent drafts, all of whom have flashed without nailing down a starting role, it’s time to be more aggressive. Evan Engram’s contract is up in March, and adding Oregon’s Jamari Johnson, rather than another receiver, gives the team more flexibility regarding the aging Sutton.
21) Houston Texans
Sammy Brown, Clemson | LB
This one would be a reach according to Cummings’ rankings, but Sammy Brown’s numbers at Clemson are hard to ignore. Back-to-back years of Jihaad Campbell-like production to start his college career have laid the foundation, and a third would surely push him into sure-fire first-round territory.
The Houston Texans just extended Henry To’o To’o’s contract after handing E.J. Speed a new two-year deal during the offseason. Speed is now 31 years old, though, and his 69.6 PFN LB Impact Score ranked 66th among all linebackers in 2025. With C.J. Stroud’s erratic play in recent seasons, the Texans can’t afford to go backward on defense.
22) Philadelphia Eagles
Jordan Seaton, LSU | OT
Positional versatility has seen a couple of linemen jump Jordan Seaton in this mock, but it wouldn’t be an NFL Draft without the Philadelphia Eagles landing a steal. Seaton is Cummings’ 10th-ranked prospect in this class, making him a great pick for an Eagles team with multiple veterans to replace.
Both Landon Dickerson and Lane Johnson are likely to retire after the 2026 campaign, and the Eagles will need help if they are to rediscover their dominant ground game from 2024. If either veteran retires, replacing them will be a priority; if they both hang it up, this pick becomes automatic.
23) Detroit Lions
Kelley Jones, Mississippi State | CB
The Detroit Lions need to move on from the Terrion Arnold disaster as quickly as possible, but they’ll have to wait until April to land his replacement. In this scenario, Kelley Jones arrives between Keith Abney II’s rookie season and D.J. Reed’s contract year.
That creates an interesting situation, with Abney and Reed potentially competing to keep their starting jobs in 2026. Whoever wins that battle, there’s a strong chance they’ll be lining up opposite a first-round rookie in 2027.
24) Los Angeles Chargers
Greg Johnson, Minnesota | OL
Greg Johnson might be the most boilerplate name in this mock, so it’s only fitting that he should be an interior offensive lineman. Cole Strange should have an opportunity to impress alongside Tyler Biadasz in 2026, but his 2025 PFN Impact Score was lower than Zion Johnson’s, whom the Chargers just waved goodbye to.
At the other guard spot, it remains to be seen whether 2026 second-round pick Jake Slaughter can successfully transition from center, where he played in Florida. If either struggles this coming season, Johnson could be a plug-and-play starter from Day 1.
25) New England Patriots
Charlie Becker, Indiana | WR
Charlie Becker could be long gone by this point, depending on how he performs in 2026. Becker has lost his quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, but should see his opportunities increase dramatically after Omar Cooper Jr. and Elijah Sarratt made the leap to the NFL.
Becker is Cummings’ third-highest graded prospect, but his lack of high-end production to this point makes it difficult to project him much higher for now. The New England Patriots are set to lose Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, and Mack Hollins to free agency; Becker, A.J. Brown, and Romeo Doubs would be a formidable trio.
26) San Francisco 49ers
Omarion Miller, Arizona State | WR
New England taking Becker would sting for the San Francisco 49ers in this scenario, but Omarion Miller is a strong consolation for a team in need. Ricky Pearsall’s path to NFL success continues to narrow with every injury layoff, and it’s not as if the team’s other skill players are pillars of health either.
De’Zhaun Stribling’s early second-round draft capital didn’t stop the 49ers from bringing back Deebo Samuel Sr. after Pearsall’s latest injury setback, which is telling. Miller’s 6.4 yards after the catch per reception in 2025 suggests he’d be perfect for Kyle Shanahan and a seamless successor to Samuel in the slot.
27) Dallas Cowboys
Brice Pollock, Texas Tech | CB
The Dallas Cowboys currently have four cornerbacks slated to hit free agency in March, which might be for the best. DaRon Bland led the Cowboys in PFN’s CB Impact Score in 2025, yet his 71.9 grade ranked 86th across the NFL.
Shavon Revel Jr. should have a full season to prove himself after being drafted with an injury in 2025; he was believed to be a first-round talent, but for a torn ACL suffered in 2024.
Brice Pollock would be considered a Day 1 talent if he can repeat his 5 interceptions and 4 tackles for loss from 2025.
28) Kansas City Chiefs
Melvin Siani, Texas | OT
Another year, another offensive tackle mocked to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs picked up two outstanding prospects in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but it may have surprised some to see them walk away without an offensive lineman.
The 2026 NFL Draft was filled with offensive line talent, and the Chiefs had two first-round picks, but loaded up on defense instead. Having taken Josh Simmons in 2025, I’m giving them Melvin Siani, a 6’6″, 317-pound unit with explosive power on the edge.
29) Baltimore Ravens
Zabien Brown, Alabama | CB
The Baltimore Ravens could address the center position here, but with three centers in Cummings’ top-51 prospects, it’s a need they can deal with on Day 2. Instead, with Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie’s contracts up in March, I’m giving them Alabama’s Zabien Brown here.
Brown took both of his interceptions to the house in 2025, having picked off 3 passes the year before. He also showed playmaking ability as a tackler last season, with 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble.
30) Seattle Seahawks
Wyatt Young, Oklahoma State | WR
The chances of two players going from North Texas to the first round of the NFL Draft in one year are slim, but if Mestemaker makes it, Wyatt Young won’t be far behind. The receiver followed his quarterback to Oregon State for the 2026 season, where both players will look to prove they weren’t just products of lesser competition.
Young tallied 1,264 yards and 10 touchdowns on 70 receptions for the Mean Green in 2025, and his Cooper Kupp comparison in Cummings’ notes doesn’t hurt.
Kupp is a free agent in 2028, but the Seattle Seahawks can save $14 million by moving on from the veteran a year early.
31) Buffalo Bills
Kade Pieper, Iowa | OL
Kade Pieper may play center for Iowa this year, but he excelled as a guard in 2025. That makes him a great option for the Buffalo Bills, who just lost starting guard David Edwards in free agency.
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O’Cyrus Torrence’s 75.3 OL Impact Score ranked 34th among NFL guards in 2025, which just earned him a new four-year, $78.4 million deal. Opposite Torrence, Austin Corbett and Lloyd Cushenberry III have been brought in on one-year deals for 2026 and can make way for a fresh face in 2027.
32) Cleveland Browns
KJ Bolden, Georgia | S
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Georgia’s KJ Bolden taken long before this spot next April. Bolden currently trails Johnson in the safety rankings, but his immediate production as a true freshman in 2024 is intriguing.
The former five-star recruit is already a steal here as Cummings’ 20th-ranked prospect, but his steady upward trend suggests he could be set for a massive 2026 campaign. The Browns have drafted brilliantly in recent years, and this would fit that trend.
