The start of the 2026 college football season is now less than two months away. Before you know it, draft prospects will be under the microscope as we evaluate a potential class for the ages.
The 2027 NFL Draft class features a myriad of talented quarterbacks who will garner much of the attention this fall, but the class is also loaded at several other positions. Using PFN’s NFL Mock Draft Simulator, let’s try to project what each team will do in the first round.
1) Arizona Cardinals
Arch Manning, Texas | QB
In arguably the best division in football, the Arizona Cardinals could be in for a long year. Landing Arch Manning with the first overall pick would give them a great chance to turn things around and compete.
As a first-year starter in 2025, Manning faced some adversity throughout the first half of Texas’ season. However, with more experience, Manning improved and played at a high level during the second half of the year. He displayed his immense talent and an ability to win with both his arm and legs.
The expectation is that Manning will only build on what he showed at the end of last year. If so, Manning should be a shoo-in as the first overall pick.
2) Miami Dolphins
Dante Moore, Oregon | QB
The Miami Dolphins have a handful of concerns across their roster. However, if they land the No. 2 overall pick in next year’s draft, it could be hard for them to pass on Dante Moore.
Moore bypassed the 2026 NFL Draft to gain another year of starting experience in college, which should mean he’ll be ready to play as a rookie.
As a draft prospect, Moore has a quick release and accuracy both in the pocket and on the move. He could be the Dolphins’ long-term answer under center.
3) New York Jets
CJ Carr, Notre Dame | QB
The New York Jets seem primed to select a quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft. With Manning and Moore off the board in this scenario, CJ Carr of Notre Dame could be the selection.
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Carr was another first-year starter in 2025 who played impressive ball. With Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price no longer in the fold, the onus will be on Carr this season. He reportedly had a strong showing at the Manning Passing Academy two weeks ago. Anticipate a big jump from Carr this fall that could land him as a top draft pick.
4) Cleveland Browns
Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State | QB
If the Cleveland Browns pick No. 4 overall, they could be looking to take a quarterback as well. Drew Mestemaker transferred to Oklahoma State this offseason, and he has a ton of upside to play himself into an early draft selection.
Mestemaker has a strong arm and mobility. He made some incredible throws on the move last season at North Texas. Now, Mestemaker will have to show that he can do it against better competition in the Big 12. Having his top receiver from North Texas, Wyatt Young, transfer with him should only help Mestemaker have a successful 2026 season.
5) Las Vegas Raiders
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State | WR
The Las Vegas Raiders will have to invest in their offense to support Fernando Mendoza. Particularly, their wide receiver group will need some reinforcements. Jeremiah Smith out of Ohio State has the potential to be generational.
Over his first two seasons in Columbus, Smith has posted a whopping 163 catches, 2,558 yards (15.7 per catch), and 27 touchdowns. Smith is a prototypical X-receiver with his 6-foot-3, 223-pound frame, while also having great speed.
Smith can make big plays downfield and after the catch, and he would give the Raiders’ offense the presence they need on the perimeter.
6) Atlanta Falcons
Jordan Seaton, LSU | OT
With Jawaan Taylor on a one-year contract and Jake Matthews being 34 years old, the Atlanta Falcons may be looking for a long-term offensive tackle. Jordan Seaton, who transferred to LSU this offseason, is an elite athlete and high-level pass blocker.
Over the past two seasons at Colorado, Seaton earned a few awards. In 2024, he was a Freshman All-American. He followed that up by earning second-team All-Big 12 honors last season. Seaton is immensely gifted and should only continue his success in the SEC.
7) Tennessee Titans
Dylan Stewart, South Carolina | EDGE
The Tennessee Titans could be coveting a dominant speed rusher off the edge. Dylan Stewart out of South Carolina would give them that presence.
Stewart could end up as one of the best overall prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft. He has abnormal movement skills at 6-foot-5.
Over the course of his first two years at South Carolina, he had only 11 sacks but an impressive 6 forced fumbles. As a junior, anticipate an uptick in sack production from Stewart.
8) Carolina Panthers
Cam Coleman, Texas | WR
Adding Cam Coleman alongside Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker would give the Carolina Panthers a strong trio in the receiver room. After spending the last two years at Auburn, Coleman transferred to Texas this offseason.
He offers a tall presence on the outside at 6-foot-3. His production to date does not jump off the page, but that is due to Auburn’s problems offensively. In what looks to be a hyper-explosive offense at Texas this year, expect Coleman to make a huge jump in terms of his production.
9) New Orleans Saints
Colin Simmons, Texas | EDGE
The New Orleans Saints have done a nice job upgrading their offense through free agency and the draft. Looking at their roster, most future premium investments seem likely to be on defense.
Colin Simmons is an explosive, speedy edge rusher. He projects to be one of the best players in this draft. In his first two years at Texas, Simmons recorded 21 sacks. With Cam Jordan set to retire after 2026, Simmons could take over and be the top defensive lineman for the Saints.
10) New York Giants
Leonard Moore, Notre Dame | CB
The New York Giants have done a great job building their defensive front. Upgrading the secondary looks to be a top priority for them next offseason. Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore has the potential to be one of the best cornerbacks in the draft in recent memory.
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Moore has generational upside with his rare fluidity at 6-foot-2. He thrives in press with his combination of height and arm length. In his first two years at Notre Dame, he has recorded elite production with 7 interceptions and 18 passes defended. Moore should continue to dominate as a junior and be a top-10 pick.
11) Washington Commanders
Charlie Becker, Indiana | WR
The Washington Commanders are probably going to be looking for some wide receiver help. When he became a starter for Indiana midway through last season, Charlie Becker played at a high level.
Becker is physically gifted at 6-foot-4 and 204 pounds. He has speed and big-play ability downfield. Last year, he averaged 20 yards per catch. Becker proved to be clutch late in big games on Indiana’s championship run. With a full year as a starter, expect plenty of production from Becker in 2026.
12) New York Jets
David Stone, Oklahoma | DT
A year after selecting a premium edge rusher in David Bailey, the Jets bolster their interior pass rush with David Stone. He has very long arms and plenty of mass at 315 pounds. As a draft prospect, Stone is explosive, quick, and powerful.
Despite his lack of sack production, Stone became an impactful starter in 2025. He proved himself as an elite run defender. Stone impacted the pocket in terms of pressures. The next step for him this season will be finishing and recording more sacks.
13) Minnesota Vikings
Drake Lindsey, Minnesota | QB
With Kyler Murray on a one-year contract and J.J. McCarthy’s future uncertain, the Minnesota Vikings could take a quarterback next year. In this exercise, they take in-state prospect Drake Lindsey.
Lindsey has an ideal 6-foot-5, 230-pound build. In 2025, he became the starter for Minnesota. He had a solid stat line with a 63.2% completion percentage, 2,382 passing yards, and 18 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions. To boot, he had another 4 touchdowns on the ground.
Lindsey’s best trait is his big arm. Anticipate an excellent upcoming season from Lindsey in which he plays himself into being a first-rounder.
14) Pittsburgh Steelers
Tae Johnson, Notre Dame | S
Tae Johnson is an exciting free safety prospect. He has the upside to be a top-10 player in this draft class. With Jaquan Brisker on a one-year deal, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be looking for a talent like Johnson.
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He is a tall, 6-foot-2 presence on the back end of the defense. Johnson has arm length and range athletically to cover a lot of ground. In the middle of the 2025 season, Johnson became a starter for Notre Dame and proved his elite ball skills, recording 4 interceptions. As a full-time starter going into this season, with more experience, Johnson should only ascend.
15) New York Jets
Nick Marsh, Indiana | WR
The Jets’ third first-round pick in this mock draft is Indiana wide receiver Nick Marsh. After spending his first two years of college at Michigan State, Marsh transferred in the offseason. Joining Indiana’s high-powered offense, much is expected of Marsh this year.
At 6-foot-3, 213 pounds, Marsh would add needed size and physicality to the Jets wide receiver group. He uses his frame to his advantage, dominating at the catch point. Marsh is also a force running with the ball in his hands after the catch. Marsh would complement Garrett Wilson and Omar Cooper Jr. well.
16) Chicago Bears
Justin Scott, Miami (FL) | DT
The Chicago Bears could be looking to improve their defensive line. The top prospect available here is Miami defensive tackle Justin Scott.
As a sophomore in 2025, Scott became a starter on Miami’s vaunted defensive front. He proved himself to be a terrific run defender as he finished the year with 6.5 tackles for loss. Athletically, Scott is gifted with elite explosion. He has the ability to instantly get off and impact the pocket as a pass rusher.
17) Cincinnati Bengals
Sammy Brown, Clemson | LB
The Cincinnati Bengals’ linebacker position is an area of concern. Sammy Brown out of Clemson projects to be the best linebacker in this class.
Over his first two years at Clemson, Brown recorded 25 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. In 2025, Brown earned first-team All-ACC honors. Brown is a great athlete with speed and range to cover ground and make plays. Against the run, Brown pursues at one speed and is a reliable tackler.
18) Jacksonville Jaguars
Jadan Baugh, Florida | RB
The Jacksonville Jaguars lost Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency and made no key investment to replace him. After not making a first-round pick in 2026, Liam Coen gets a talented running back.
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Jadan Baugh out of Florida has the potential to be the top-rated running back in this class. He has tremendous size at 6-foot-1, 228 pounds. Baugh is a physical runner who uses his frame to his advantage. Relative to his size, Baugh moves well. He has averaged over 5 yards a carry in each of his first two seasons in the SEC.
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami (FL) | DT
Defensively, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could use an interior pass rusher. Ahmad Moten Sr. out of Miami looks to be one of the best options in this class. He became a starter in 2025 and recorded 4.5 sacks.
As a draft prospect, Moten’s best trait is his athletic ability. He has linear explosion and lateral quickness to get off the ball and affect the pocket as a pass rusher.
20) Denver Broncos
Jamari Johnson, Oregon | TE
Sean Payton could be looking for a dynamic tight end for the Denver Broncos’ offense. Oregon’s Jamari Johnson has the potential to be the top one in the 2027 NFL Draft. Being alongside Kenyon Sadiq limited his production a bit in 2025. However, Johnson still posted a good stat line with 32 catches, 510 yards, and 3 touchdowns.
Johnson can be a mismatch tight end due to his exceptional athleticism. With his speed, Johnson has playmaking ability downfield in the passing game. An added bonus to Johnson’s exciting skill set is his ability as an in-line blocker in the run game.
21) Houston Texans
Trevor Goosby, Texas | OT
Trevor Goosby would be a strong value for the Houston Texans with this pick. He became a full-time starter in 2025 and played extraordinarily well, earning first-team All-SEC honors.
Goosby is physically gifted with a 6-foot-7, 325-pound frame and long arms. With his arm length, Goosby can contain pass rushers on the edge. Also, with his size, he has plenty of strength to stall power rushes. Lastly, Goosby has exceptional athletic skills with his explosion and quickness.
22) Philadelphia Eagles
KJ Bolden, Georgia | S
The Philadelphia Eagles have very few weak spots on their roster. One position, though, that could potentially use an upgrade is safety. KJ Bolden out of Georgia has a chance to be one of the best in this draft.
As a first-time starter in 2025, Bolden had 2 interceptions and 5 passes defended. He has the versatility to contribute in both man and zone coverage. Bolden has great speed and range to cover ground and make plays on the ball.
23) Detroit Lions
Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia | CB
Assessing the Detroit Lions’ roster, cornerback looks to be an obvious position of concern. Georgia’s Ellis Robinson IV projects to be a top corner prospect with his elite ball production and athletic ability.
Similar to his teammate Bolden, Robinson became a starter in his second year at Georgia in 2025. He played at an exceptionally high level, finishing the season with 4 interceptions and 7 passes defended. As a result, Robinson earned second-team All-SEC honors. To go along with his elite ball skills and athleticism, Robinson is more than willing as a tackler.
24) Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Siereveld, Ohio State | OG
Offensive line could still be a top position of need for the Los Angeles Chargers next offseason. Ohio State’s Austin Siereveld can be the best guard prospect in this class. He was slated to be a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft but ultimately decided to spend another year at Ohio State.
Last season, Siereveld started at left tackle. This year, he is set to play at right guard. He has great size for a guard, listed at 325 pounds. Siereveld proved himself to be dominant in both the run and pass game in 2025.
25) New England Patriots
Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon | EDGE
The New England Patriots do not have many glaring concerns on their roster. With aging veterans like Harold Landry III and Dre’Mont Jones, they could look to the future at edge. Matayo Uiagalelei is a talented edge prospect who would make for strong value here.
Over the course of his first three seasons at Oregon, Uiagalelei has posted 18.5 sacks. His best year was in 2024, when he recorded 10.5 sacks. Uiagalelei is gifted with a big, strong, and powerful frame. He can set the edge against the run. Relative to his size, he has solid athleticism to be an impactful every-down edge defender.
26) San Francisco 49ers
Cayden Green, Missouri | OG
The interior of the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive line may need some reinforcements. Cayden Green out of Missouri is an exciting prospect who could address that concern.
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During the past two years at Missouri, Green has proven his positional flexibility. He played at left guard in 2024 and left tackle in 2025. He had an elite season in pass protection at left tackle, which led to first-team All-SEC honors.
With his 324-pound frame, power, and strength, Green has plenty of upside in the run game. As a result, his long-term position may be at guard.
27) Dallas Cowboys
Ashton Hampton, Clemson | CB
The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season with most of their questions on defense. In particular, their rush and coverage against the pass. In this mock, they take the top cornerback available: Ashton Hampton.
During his first two years at Clemson, Hampton recorded 17 pass breakups. In his first year as a full-time starter in 2025, Hampton totaled 3 tackles for loss. What makes Hampton a first-round prospect is his unique fluidity for a taller, 6-foot-2 corner.
28) Kansas City Chiefs
Trey’Dez Green, LSU | TE
The 2026 season may be the last for Travis Kelce. If so, the Kansas City Chiefs will be looking for a long-term answer at tight end. Trey’Dez Green would be a viable option.
Green is physically gifted at 6-foot-7. He uses his height to his advantage, especially in the red zone. Green posted 11 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
To go along with his rare height, Green has elite speed. He offers mismatch potential to line up anywhere. Green could take off in Lane Kiffin’s offense this year.
29) Baltimore Ravens
Kade Pieper, Iowa | OC
After losing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, the Baltimore Ravens’ most obvious need is at center. Iowa’s Kade Pieper projects to be the best in the 2027 class.
In 2025, Pieper became a starter at right guard and earned third-team All-Big Ten honors. He was flawless as a pass protector, hardly allowing pressure. As a run blocker, Pieper has exceptional athleticism to cover ground. In 2026, he will make the move to center. Expect Pieper to play at the high level he showed last season.
30) Seattle Seahawks
Damon Wilson II, Miami (FL) | EDGE
With Uchenna Nwosu on the final year of his contract and DeMarcus Lawrence aging, the Seattle Seahawks take a talented edge rusher. Damon Wilson II had a stellar 9-sack season at Missouri in 2025. In the offseason, he entered the transfer portal and joined Miami.
Wilson is a naturally gifted pass rusher. He has exceptional speed off the ball and bend turning the corner. Under Jason Taylor’s tutelage, expect Wilson to only build on what he showed last year.
31) Buffalo Bills
Bryant Wesco Jr., Clemson | WR
The Buffalo Bills add another pass-catcher for Josh Allen. Bryant Wesco Jr. is an ultra-talented, big-play threat on the perimeter. He has a great combination of speed and height at 6-foot-2.
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Throughout his first two years at Clemson, Wesco caught 11 touchdowns. In just six games in 2025, Wesco had 31 receptions, 537 yards, and 6 touchdowns. He has averaged 17.3 yards per catch each of the past two seasons, proving his big-play ability. Expect Wesco to garner more attention this fall and possibly play himself into the first round.
32) Cleveland Browns
A’Mauri Washington, Oregon | DT
With the final pick of this mock draft, the Browns bolster the interior of their defensive line. A’Mauri Washington is coming off third-team All-Big Ten honors. He bypassed the 2026 NFL Draft to spend a fourth year at Oregon.
As a draft prospect, he has an impressive blend of mass and linear athleticism. He can convert to power as a pass rusher. With his size, Washington plays with a lot of strength. That combination of size and strength allows him to consistently stop the run.
