Now that we’re a month or so into the 2026 football season, we’re getting a clearer picture of the 2027 NFL Draft class, as well as the biggest needs all 32 teams could be looking for fill next offseason.
What was supposed to be a star-studded quarterback class still looks plenty deep, but we’ve yet to see an elite talent emerge as a clear-cut front-runner worthy of the No. 1 overall pick in a class that has strong candidates at other positions. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued big names like Texas’ Arch Manning and Oregon’s Dante Moore, while Miami’s Darian Mensah and Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss have impressed out of the gate.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith remains the top prospect in the entire class, with Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore and Texas edge defender Colin Simmons putting out dominant tape to start the year, as well. There’s quality depth in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and we could see a trio of wide receivers come off the board in the top 10.
2027 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | Edge | Interior DL | LB | CB | S
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Keeping all that in mind, here’s an updated look at how the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft could turn out, using the latest updated pick order heading into Week 4:
1. Houston Texans
Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State
I don’t expect the Texans to end up with this pick, but if they did, this would be an easy choice. I’m not a huge fan of comparing prospects to NFL players (particularly Hall of Famers), but I can’t help seeing a ton of Andre Johnson in Smith’s game. There are more pressing needs on the roster, but you don’t pass up a rare prospect like Smith when you have an opportunity like this. Pairing Smith with Nico Collins would be a huge win for C.J. Stroud and the Houston offense.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Leonard Moore | CB | Notre Dame
If the Bucs end up tumbling this far down the standings, the silver lining would be the opportunity to finally land the true shutdown corner they’ve lacked for years. Moore is a complete player who checks every box from both a physical and mental standpoint, and he’s got the polish and technique to immediately push for All-Pro consideration. After addressing the pass rush with Rueben Bain Jr. this year, adding a star for the secondary would be ideal here.
3. Tennessee Titans
Colin Simmons | Edge | Texas
This rebuild will require plenty of patience, but I’m expecting Robert Saleh to turn this defense around sooner than later. That process would be accelerated if the Titans are able to add a dynamic edge presence like Simmons, who can attack opposing offenses in multiple ways to make big plays in the backfield as both a run stopper and a pass rusher. Pairing him with 2026 first-rounder Keldric Faulk would give Saleh a strong foundation for the future of his defensive front.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
Cam Coleman | WR | Texas
There are bigger needs elsewhere for the Chargers, but in this scenario, the best value play would be to give Justin Herbert another high-end playmaker to elevate the passing game. Coleman struggled to produce with lackluster quarterback play at Auburn, but his talent has never been in doubt, and he’s getting more opportunities to show it with the Longhorns. He would immediately be the most talented pass-catcher on this roster.
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5. Miami Dolphins
Darian Mensah | QB | Miami (FL)
Malik Willis isn’t the problem in Miami, but if the Dolphins have the opportunity to land their franchise quarterback of the future with this pick, I don’t expect his presence to keep them from making that selection. Arch Manning has been the popular pick to be the first signal-caller off the board, but Mensah has been the most impressive quarterback I’ve seen so far this season, and he’s got all the physical and mental traits to be a successful starter at the next level.
6. New York Jets (from DAL)
Trinidad Chambliss | QB | Ole Miss
The Jets could package their three first-round picks to move up for a quarterback, but so far this season, I haven’t seen one worth that kind of price. Instead, the depth of this year’s class at the position could allow them to be patient and still land a long-term upgrade. I had a Day 2 grade on Chambliss heading into the 2026 draft, but he continues to prove that despite a lack of ideal size (6-0, 210), he checks all of the most important boxes at the game’s most important position.
7. New York Jets (from IND)
Dylan Stewart | Edge | South Carolina
If the Jets keep all three of their first-round picks, they’ll be in position to prioritize overall talent and upside instead of being tempted to reach for need. Stewart’s draft stock is a huge question mark right now following his indefinite suspension, but similar to Jalen Carter a few years ago, I would still bet on a prospect as talented as Stewart (at a premium position) to still fetch a top-10 pick. If he can live up to his potential, Stewart could give Aaron Glenn’s defense a dangerous edge-rushing tandem with David Bailey.
8. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
Charlie Becker | WR | Indiana
I don’t expect the Cowboys to pay top dollar to keep George Pickens as their WR2 across from CeeDee Lamb, and if he ends up leaving in the offseason, they’ll need a capable replacement. Becker brings an impressive blend of size (6-4, 208) and athleticism to the table, with the hands and body control to win contested-catch situations, along with a knack for making big plays in clutch moments.
9. New Orleans Saints
Will Echoles | DL | Ole Miss
Losing Bryan Bresee for the entire 2026 season was a huge blow for this defensive front, and even if he’s able to play at the same level once he’s back to full strength, the Saints would be wise to add another blue-chip talent along the interior. Echoles has looked like the best inside defender in the country so far this season, with an ideal blend of size (6-3, 315), power and movement skills that allows him to impact the game on all three downs.
10. Washington Commanders
Trevor Goosby | OT | Texas
There are plenty of immediate needs on the other side of the ball, but long-term, Washington’s top priority has to be protecting Jayden Daniels and doing everything they can to keep him healthy. Even if Laremy Tunsil returns to his usual level of play after missing a ton of time this season, he’ll turn 33 next August, so the Commanders will need to invest in an eventual successor. Goosby would be an ideal fit, with his rare physical traits that still need some refinement.
11. New York Jets
Ellis Robinson IV | CB | Georgia
After trading away Sauce Gardner last year, the Jets don’t have a true shutdown corner who can matchup with the best receivers in the league on a weekly basis. Robinson may not have the size (6-0, 180) and length Gardner brought to the position, but he’s been battle-tested against top competition in the SEC, which should allow him to hit the ground running at the next level. If NFL quarterbacks challenge him early, he’s got the smarts and ball skills to make them pay.
12. Atlanta Falcons
Jordan Seaton | OT | LSU
If he can stay healthy, I expect Michael Penix Jr. to play well enough the rest of this season to keep the Falcons from feeling the need to replace him with this pick. Instead, they should be looking for an eventual successor for Jake Matthews at left tackle, and Seaton could be the ideal understudy. A five-star recruit coming out of high school, Seaton has sky-high potential, and the opportunity to learn behind an experienced veteran like Matthews could ensure he hits that ceiling.
13. Arizona Cardinals
Dante Moore | QB | Oregon
I’m still not sure why the Cards spent an early third-round pick on Carson Beck this year with a deeper, more talented quarterback class coming in 2027, but he could at least give them a solid long-term backup. Moore has been inconsistent so far this season, but assuming he returns to full strength following last week’s scary head injury, he’s a polished and poised passer who could give them an immediate upgrade and future stability under center.
14. New England Patriots
KJ Bolden | DB | Georgia
Mike Vrabel needs more playmakers for every level of the defense, and Bolden’s versatility would make him an ideal fit. A smart, instinctive player who can line up in the slot or on the back end, Bolden’s range, athleticism and ball skills make him a big-play magnet when opposing offenses make the mistake of sending the ball his way. No matter where he lines up, Bolden would be a huge addition who makes an instant impact in New England.
15. Cleveland Browns (from LAR)
Arch Manning | QB | Texas
I’m still waiting for Manning to look like a first-round prospect, and if his last name was anything else, I doubt he’d still be a mainstay atop most mock drafts right now. There’s still potential here with his physical tools, but he’s still chasing consistency despite being surrounded by elite talent and a strong play-caller. Someone will still take a chance on him early, though, and I won’t be surprised if a team like Cleveland takes a swing on his upside.
16. Cincinnati Bengals
Jamari Johnson | TE | Oregon
You’d think the last thing this roster needs is more pass-catching weapons, but instead of reaching for more immediate needs elsewhere, the Bengals could opt to give Joe Burrow even more downfield firepower. Johnson has been a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses with his combination of size (6-5, 255) and athleticism, and he’s got the strong hands and concentration to fight through contact and reel in 50/50 balls. He would consistently get 1-on-1 matchups in Cincy while opponents are busy trying to stop Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
17. Philadelphia Eagles
Melvin Siani | OT | Texas
This offense is a mess, and while the offensive line has long been a strength in Philly, they haven’t consistently played at a high level this season. Lane Johnson has been one of the league’s best right tackles for years, but the Eagles need to find the next generation at the position. Siani has been one of the biggest risers on my board recently, and with his combination of physical traits, polish and experience, he’d be capable of starting right away.
18. Cleveland Browns
Yhonzae Pierre | Edge | Alabama
Getting Jared Verse back in the Myles Garrett trade was huge for this defensive front, but the Browns could still use another top-level edge defender to line up on the other side. Pierre is an explosive, athletic rusher with the versatility to drop back and make an impact in coverage, and that kind of skill set would unlock a ton of opportunities for Cleveland’s defensive coaching staff to get more creative.
19. Carolina Panthers
Trey’Dez Green | TE | LSU
Bryce Young continues to show encouraging progression, but if the Panthers want to unlock the full potential of this passing game, giving their franchise quarterback a dynamic weapon at tight end would be a worthy pursuit. Green has a massive frame and wingspan that makes him a consistent challenge for any defender at the catch point, and he’s got room to add bulk and get stronger to round out his skill set as an every-down player who can line up all over the field.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jadan Baugh | RB | Florida
The last time the Jags spent a first-round pick on a big, explosive running back out of Gainesville, it worked out pretty well. I’m not ready to crown Baugh the next Fred Taylor just yet, but it’s hard to see his combination of size (6-1, 225), speed and power without imagining a similar impact for the current offense. Baugh has been dominant so far this season, putting up huge numbers while establishing himself as the top back in this class.
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21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Ashton Hampton | CB | Clemson
The Joey Porter Jr. saga is finally over with the trade that’s sending him to Dallas, but it makes clear the biggest need the Steelers have on defense moving forward. Hampton would be the ideal replacement, with an ideal blend of size (6-2, 205) and length to match up with the bigger receivers in the league, along with the technique to match receivers at every stage of their routes. Instead of paying big money to keep Porter as their CB1, Pittsburgh could get similar impact from Hampton on a fresh rookie deal.
22. Chicago Bears
Justin Scott | DL | Miami (FL)
Trading away Gervon Dexter Sr. made the Bears’ need for impact players along the interior of their defensive front even more glaring, but next year’s class is deep at the position, and should give them plenty of attractive options in the first round. Scott is a stout, well-rounded defender who can stuff the run and push the pocket from the inside as a pass rusher, and he’s got the upside to be a cornerstone of this defense’s future.
23. Seattle Seahawks
Greg Johnson | OL | Minnesota
There aren’t many glaring holes on this roster, but if the defending Super Bowl champs want their offense to keep operating at full tilt, they could use another stud interior blocker to fortify the trenches. Johnson has been one of the most impressive prospects I’ve seen so far this season, regardless of position, and his ability to play multiple spots along the offensive line would give the Seahawks valuable versatility to ensure they get the best five on the field.
24. Denver Broncos
Chris Cole | LB | Georgia
It’s not like this defense needs more weapons, but the best time to get them is before you need them. Cole is a complete player with an ideal blend of size (6-3, 235), athleticism and physicality to give the Broncos an immediate and long-term upgrade at linebacker, but he also has the versatility to line up on the edge and rush the passer on third downs. The upside is through the roof here, and Denver’s defense would be even more dangerous with Cole in the mix.
25. Baltimore Ravens
Kade Pieper | OL | Iowa
I try to change things up as much as I can, but this fit is still just too good. The Ravens lost arguably the best center in the league when Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency this offseason, so why not return to his alma mater to fill his shoes? Pieper has all the tools to immediately step into the starting lineup and give Baltimore a long-term upgrade at center, and lining him up next to Olaivavega Ioane would give Lamar Jackson and the rest of the offense valuable stability along the interior of the offensive trenches for years to come.
26. New York Giants
A’Mauri Washington | DL | Oregon
Trading away Dexter Lawrence netted the Giants another top-10 pick in the 2026 draft, but it also left them with a long-term need for a dominant nose tackle. This year’s loaded class of interior defenders should give them some strong candidates to fill that role here, and Washington should be at the top of their wish list. He could have been a fairly early pick this year, but after another year of polish and experience, Washington should be even more prepared to make a big impact right away at the next level.
27. Detroit Lions
Kelley Jones | CB | Mississippi State
After moving on from recent first-rounder Terrion Arnold, the Lions are in desperate need of a blue-chip cornerback with the ability to follow top receivers and match up with their size (6-4, 205), athleticism and physicality. Jones has all the tools to be that kind of presence on the outside, and he’s still just scratching the surface of his potential. With better technique and more consistency, Jones could quickly develop into a shutdown corner in Detroit.
28. Las Vegas Raiders
Nick Marsh | WR | Indiana
Building around Fernando Mendoza has to be the top priority for the Raiders, and while Brock Bowers is clearly the No. 1 target in this passing game, that shouldn’t stop GM John Spytek from adding another high-end pass-catcher to the receiver group. Marsh is a big, physical receiver with vice-grip hands who would give Mendoza another valuable target who does his best work on third downs, in the red zone, and in clutch situations. His willingness to get his hands dirty in the run game is an added bonus.
29. Buffalo Bills
Kingston Lopa | S | Cal
This defense needs more playmakers in the secondary, and after losing one of the league’s best safety tandems (Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde) over the past couple of years, spending a first-rounder on an instant-impact playmaker there would be ideal. Lopa is a tall, rangy defender who can make splash plays in coverage down the field, and he’s versatile enough to come down in the box and line up in the slot. Production isn’t everything, but five picks in the first three games of the season will turn some heads.
30. San Francisco 49ers
Trevor Lauck | OT | Iowa
Trent Williams is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, but he’s already dealing with injuries this season, and it’s time for the 49ers to find his eventual successor at left tackle. There’s no better program to find high-end talent in the offensive trenches than Iowa, and Lauck is the latest in a long line of first-round talents to play for the Hawkeyes. He’s a tough, nimble blocker who would have massive shoes to fill in San Francisco.
31. Minnesota Vikings
CJ Carr | QB | Notre Dame
I don’t think Kevin O’Connell would be thrilled to go this route again after the J.J. McCarthy debacle, but even if the Vikings keep going the veteran route when it comes to the short-term plan at quarterback, they’d be wise not to ignore a deep quarterback class that could pay big dividends down the road. Carr isn’t a finished product just yet, but his skill set could be a strong fit for O’Connell’s scheme, and he’d benefit from sitting behind a more experienced veteran with one of the league’s best offensive minds.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Ryan Coleman-Williams | WR | Alabama
You can never have too many dynamic weapons for a franchise quarterback like Patrick Mahomes to have at his disposal, and I won’t be surprised if the Chiefs spend another first-round pick to add to that group. Coleman-Williams has struggled with consistency and head-scratching drops at times, but the talent and potential is obvious. The supporting cast in Kansas City could maximize his talents and ensure we see the best version of what he brings to the table.
