If your favorite team has been waiting for the ideal time to spend a first-round pick on a potential franchise quarterback, the 2027 NFL Draft might just be their moment.
While we’re still waiting for any of this year’s top prospects to emerge as true contenders for the No. 1 overall pick, the strength of the group continues to be in the depth of that top tier, with a long list of names that appear to be worthy of first-round consideration.
While the likes of Texas’ Arch Manning and Oregon’s Dante Moore might be slipping down the board a bit, it still feels likely that a team will still take a chance on either of them in the top 32. Then there are the risers, such as Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker, Miami’s Darian Mensah, Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, Missouri’s Austin Simmons and Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss, all of whom have looked like first-round talents so far this season.
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How many of them could actually find their way into one of those Day 1 slots? Are there enough teams with a pressing need and the ability to take a swing on a first-round quarterback instead of addressing other needs elsewhere? How will an early quarterback run impact the value teams could find at other positions?
Here’s an updated look at how the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft could turn out, using the latest updated pick order following Week 5 results:
1. Tennessee Titans
Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State
The Titans just spent a top-five pick on a wide receiver a few months ago, but that shouldn’t stop them from taking Smith if they end up in the top spot next year. The rare prospect who actually deserves the “generational” label, Smith is a complete player who checks every box at the position, and giving Cam Ward another dynamic playmaker would aid his development as their franchise quarterback.
2. Los Angeles Chargers
Leonard Moore | CB | Notre Dame
It’s shocking to see the Chargers still winless and headed for this range of the draft order, but the silver lining for them would be the opportunity to land an elite prospect. Moore is the next-best player on my board after Smith, and regardless of more immediate needs at other spots, the league’s best teams know not to reach for need while passing up better talent elsewhere. Moore would give his defense a true shutdown corner from Day 1.
3. Miami Dolphins
Drew Mestemaker | QB | Oklahoma State
There’s still plenty of work remaining on this rebuild, but finding a franchise quarterback of the future as soon as possible should be a top priority. Mestemaker still has multiple years of college eligibility left after this season, but if he decides to make the early jump to the next level, Miami would give him a scenario where he could be brought along slowly without much pressure to win right away. His film has been fantastic so far this season, and his upside could make him the first passer off the board.
4. Houston Texans
Trevor Goosby | OT | Texas
If the Texans actually end up in this scenario, they’d be a prime candidate to trade out of this pick, especially after dealing their second-rounder to Arizona in the Marvin Harrison Jr. trade. If forced to stick and pick, the best match of need and value would be along the offensive line, which continues to be the weakest link on Houston’s roster. Goosby would give them a new franchise left tackle to eventually (hopefully) replace what they lost when they traded away Laremy Tunsil.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Colin Simmons | Edge | Texas
Todd Bowles’ defense has been solid to start the 2026 season, but the pass rush is still lacking with top pick Rueben Bain Jr. playing through multiple injuries. They could use another high-end edge rusher on the other side (even if Yaya Diaby is re-signed), and Simmons has the versatility to line up all over the front seven, which would give Bowles another valuable weapon for his complex scheme that’s filled with creative blitz packages.
6. Arizona Cardinals
Darian Mensah | QB | Miami (FL)
Even after spending an early third-round pick on Carson Beck this year, the Cardinals still need a long-term upgrade at quarterback. Thankfully, this year’s deep class should give them plenty of strong options in this range, and Mensah has arguably been the best of the bunch so far this season. He’s a well-rounded passer with all the physical and mental tools to quickly develop into a quality starter at the next level, something Arizona hasn’t had in quite some time.
7. New Orleans Saints
Dylan Stewart | Edge | South Carolina
With Cam Jordan in the twilight of his career, it’s time for the Saints to find their next great edge rusher. Stewart would bring immediate juice with his combination of athleticism and explosiveness. Even with his in-house suspension earlier this year, Stewart is too talented to fall down the board at a premium position, and he could prove to be a steal at this spot if he lives up to his lofty potential in the NFL.
8. Washington Commanders
Cam Coleman | WR | Texas
Terry McLaurin remains one of the NFL’s more underrated receivers, but he’s not getting any younger, and the rest of the depth chart is short on proven production at WR1 upside. Coleman has all the traits to be a massive upgrade as Washington’s No. 2 receiver right away, as well as the upside to eventually take over for McLaurin as Jayden Daniels’ top target in the passing game.
Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
9. New York Jets (from DAL)
CJ Carr | QB | Notre Dame
The Jets could use their trio of first-round picks to move up for the quarterback of their choice, but the way this class is shaping up at the moment, their best bet might be to take advantage of the depth at the position and get better value by letting the board come to them. Carr continues to show NFL-level arm talent and mobility, as well as the intangibles to become a quality starter if New York can keep building a solid supporting cast around him.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Charlie Becker | WR | Indiana
The more immediate needs are along the offensive line, but in this scenario, I could see the Eagles making it back-to-back years with a first-round wide receiver if the board fell this way. Becker is a big, athletic target who can stretch the field while excelling in contested-catch situations. That kind of size and skill set is missing after the departure of AJ Brown, and Becker would be an ideal replacement who would complement DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon extremely well.
11. New York Jets (from IND)
Will Echoles | DL | Ole Miss
After landing their new franchise quarterback a couple of picks earlier, the Jets turn their attention to the other side of the ball, where Aaron Glenn needs more impact players at every level. The early favorite to be the first interior defender off the board in next year’s draft, Echoles would give New York a powerful, disruptive presence who can control the line of scrimmage against the run while also generating inside pressure as a pass rusher.
12. New York Jets
Ellis Robinson IV | CB | Georgia
Sticking with defense here, the Jets have the opportunity to land a shutdown corner with their third first-rounder, hopefully filling the void left behind by last year’s Sauce Gardner trade. Robinson’s tape has been super clean so far this season, showing a polished and competitive cover man with the athleticism, smarts and ball skills to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
13. Cleveland Browns (from LAR)
Arch Manning | QB | Texas
I’ll be honest: I haven’t seen a first-round prospect in Manning up to this point, but if any team is still going to take a swing on him in that range, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Browns ended up volunteering. I understand the upside based on some of the flashes we’ve seen from him, but Manning is still chasing consistency, and has yet to live up to the hype. In Cleveland, he would have a talented group of playmakers at his disposal, which could help get the most out of his potential.
14. Atlanta Falcons
Jordan Seaton | OT | LSU
Jake Matthews has been a stalwart at left tackle for the Falcons, but he’ll turn 35 years old right after the 2026 season, so it’s time for them to find his eventual replacement. A highly touted recruit coming out of high school, Seaton still needs some refinement in terms of his technique, but the physical traits are off the charts. He’s got a ton of upside, and battling against SEC competition after transferring from Colorado should ensure he’s well prepared for the NFL.
15. Cincinnati Bengals
Chris Cole | Edge/LB | Georgia
Another defense that needs more impact players all over the place, the Bengals could take this unit to another level with a versatile presence like Cole. He can line up off the ball or out on the edge, and his combination of athleticism and physicality allows Cole to make splash plays against both the run and pass. The Bengals’ defense already looks much improved after trading for Dexter Lawrence, and adding Cole could be another massive level-up.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
Dante Moore | QB | Oregon
It’s possible the Steelers could wait another year and see what they have in Drew Allar, but with the depth of the 2027 quarterback class, I wouldn’t be surprised if they go ahead and take a swing on a better prospect with their top pick. Moore has been a bit inconsistent this season, and now he’ll be working his way back from injury, but he’s proven he can be a poised and polished passer who excels from the pocket with accuracy and efficiency.
17. Cleveland Browns
Yhonzae Pierre | Edge | Alabama
Getting Jared Verse back in the Myles Garrett trade was a huge win for the Browns defense, but they still need another high-end edge player to line up on the other side of the defensive front. Pierre is an athletic, versatile prospect with a ton of upside, and he’s already proven his comfort level with a wide range of responsibilities. Whether he’s setting the edge against the run, rushing the passer, or dropping into coverage, Pierre can be a big-play machine.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Greg Johnson | OL | Minnesota
There aren’t many glaring holes on this roster, but if the Seahawks want to get the most out of their offense, they need to reinforce the interior of the offensive line. Johnson is a top-10 talent in this class, and has proven experience at both guard and center. No matter where he lines up at the next level, Johnson should make an immediate impact, something the defending Super Bowl champs absolutely need from their top pick.
19. Carolina Panthers
Jamari Johnson | TE | Oregon
If the Panthers want to get the most out of Bryce Young as their franchise quarterback, they need to keep loading him up with as many pass-catching weapons as possible. The receiver group is strong, but Carolina needs a long-term upgrade at tight end, where they simply don’t have a consistent playmaker right now. Johnson’s combination of size, athleticism, and reliable hands would make him an ideal fit here.
20. Las Vegas Raiders
Nick Marsh | WR | Indiana
Brock Bowers is obviously the top pass-catching weapon in this offense, but the Raiders should still be in the market for big, athletic receiver who can force opposing defenses to respect the rest of the field when they throw the ball. Marsh checks those boxes, and his strong hands make him a valuable weapon in clutch situations, particularly on third downs and in the red zone.
21. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)
A’Mauri Washington | DL | Oregon
Defense is still the weak link in Dallas, and nothing matters if you can’t stop the run. Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams have been strong veteran additions, but they haven’t been enough to allow the Cowboys to control the line of scrimmage. Adding another run-stuffing presence along the interior would be ideal, and Washington is a powerful, disruptive defender who can immediately help this unit force more long third-down situations.
22. Denver Broncos
Zereoue Williams | OT | Utah
Another team with a longtime starting left tackle in the twilight of his career, the Broncos need to find an understudy for Garett Bolles. One of the fastest-rising prospects in this class, Williams hails from the same college program that produced Bolles, and he’s got impressive movement skills for his size. He still needs to add a little bulk and improve his balance/technique, but Williams has a ton of upside and would benefit from learning behind Bolles for a year before taking over.
23. Chicago Bears
David Stone | DL | Oklahoma
With a healthy Caleb Williams, the Bears have an offense that’s ready to compete for a Super Bowl, but the defense isn’t on that level yet. They need a difference-maker along the interior of the defensive line, and Stone would be the ideal candidate. He’s a disruptive force who can make a splash on all three downs, and though he needs to be more consistent, Stone has All-Pro potential once he figures out how to maximize his skill set on every snap.
24. New England Patriots
KJ Bolden | DB | Georgia
If the Pats want to get back to the Super Bowl, Mike Vrabel will need to find more impact players for his defense. Bolden is a versatile playmaker who can patrol the deep parts of the field or line up in the slot, using his instincts, athleticism and ball skills to create a ton of splash plays. Vrabel could deploy him in a wide range of assignments that would help make this unit stronger against both the run and pass.
25. Detroit Lions
Ashton Hampton | CB | Clemson
Even before they had to move on from a recent first-round pick in Terrion Arnold, the Lions already had depth issues in the secondary, and now they need to find a new No. 1 corner. Hampton has an ideal combination of size and length for the position, and he’s shown impressive technique and competitiveness so far this season. If he continues to make the most of his physical tools while showing all of those intangible traits, he could quickly become the best corner on this roster.
26. New York Giants
Melvin Siani | OT | Texas
Nobody loves building through the trenches more than a Harbaugh, so I won’t be surprised if the Giants target a long-term solution at right tackle early in next year’s draft. Siani would be the ideal fit, given his proven track record of success at every stop (Temple and Wake Forest before Texas) and the polished technique you’d expect from someone with his starting experience. He could be an instant starter while raising the ceiling for the future of the position for New York.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jadan Baugh | RB | Florida
This continues to be one of my favorite potential fits in the first round. Bhayshul Tuten has flashed potential, but his presence may not prevent the Jags from spending a top pick on a more complete back with the traits and upside Baugh brings to the table. Things went pretty well the last time a Gator running back landed in Duval with a first-round pick, and while it’s not fair to expect Baugh to be the next Fred Taylor, he’s got the size, power and explosiveness to do his best impression.
28. Buffalo Bills
Ryan Coleman-Williams | WR | Alabama
There are some needs on defense that need to be addressed, but if the Bills get the chance to give Josh Allen another explosive playmaker for the passing game, I wouldn’t be shocked if they took that swing. He’s struggled with drops at times, but Williams is a big-play machine who can challenge defenses over the top and after the catch. Consistency will be key to hitting his upside, but he could prove to be a bargain at this spot.
29. Baltimore Ravens
Kelley Jones | CB | Mississippi State
This defense has one solid corner on the outside in Nate Wiggins, and a valuable veteran in the slot with Marlon Humphrey, but the other outside spot could use an upgrade. Jones is a towering presence with rare size and length for the position, and he’s still just scratching the surface of his potential. He’s more fluid than you might expect from a taller corner, and the ball skills are there for him to take full advantage of any team that tries to pick on him early in his NFL career.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Austin Simmons | QB | Missouri
The J.J. McCarthy experiment was a failure, and while I don’t know if Kevin O’Connell will be in a hurry to sign up for another rookie quarterback, this year’s class could give him some strong options if the franchise is willing to take another swing on a long-term upgrade. Simmons continues to climb the board with an impressive 2026 campaign, and the strong-armed southpaw continues to show all the physical and mental traits to excel at the next level, especially with one of the best coordinators in the game.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
Trey’Dez Green | TE | LSU
Travis Kelce can’t play forever, and even if he returns for the 2027 season, the Chiefs would be wise to invest in his eventual successor before it becomes an immediate hole in the depth chart. Green would be a fantastic understudy, with an impressive combination of size and athleticism that makes him a consistent challenge for opposing defenses at every level. It might take some patience, but Green could eventually develop into another explosive weapon for Patrick Mahomes.
32. San Francisco 49ers
Kade Pieper | OL | Iowa
I could see the 49ers spending this pick on an eventual replacement for future Hall of Famer Trent Williams at left tackle, but they also have a long-term need at center, where veteran Jake Brendel will turn 35 years old next September. Pieper is the latest in a long line of successful offensive line prospects to come through the Hawkeyes program, and he could give San Francisco a seamless transition at a vital spot in the offensive trenches.
