2027 NFL Mock Draft: Debut

Round 1 Picks 1-16

The 2027 NFL Draft is headlined by Texas quarterback Arch Manning. Find out who got him in my first 2027 NFL Mock Draft.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: August 15, 2025.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
   
   
   The 6-4 219 lb Arch Manning is the son of Cooper Manning, the older brother of Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. Arch Manning redshirted in 2023. Arch Manning had 939 passing yards, 9 passing touchdowns, 108 rushing yards, 4 rushing touchdowns, 1,047 total yards, 13 total touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in limited action as a freshman redshirt in 2024.
   
   
   
   Arch Manning has the short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep accuracy you want. He has a great arm and can make all 6/6 progressions. I saw Arch Manning make a 1-step throw, 3-step throw, 5-step throw, and a 7-step throw.
   
   
   
   I believe Arch Manning could go first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft if declared. I don't believe he declares for the 2026 NFL Draft and instead ends up turning pro for the 2027 NFL Draft. In this first 2027 NFL Mock Draft, the Indianapois Colts end up with the leagues worst record and luck their way into another quarterback after previously drafting John Elway, Peyton Manning, and Andrew Luck.
   
   
   2026 Draft Pick: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
   
   
2. New Orleans Saints: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
   
   
   Even if the New Orleans Saints draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft that ends up being good down the road, there is a good chance that quarterback could have some growing pains as a rookie with Chris Olave at wide receiver and Alvin Kamara at running back as the only weapons that quarterback can rely on early. Taking Chris Olave's concussion history into account if Olave goes down, the quarterback that New Orleans drafts in 2026 could have problems throwing the football as a rookie even with a strong offensive line. Drafting another playmaker does allow the New Orleans Saints to exit their rebuild and make a push towards contending starting in 2027. Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is the top player in college football right now and should go second behind Texas quarterback Arch Manning in the 2027 NFL Draft.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 223 lb Jeremiah Smith had 75 receptions, 1,315 receiving yards, and 15 receiving touchdowns as a true freshman in 2024. Jeremiah Smith can run all 30/30 routes on the route tree too.
   
   
   
   If New Orleans drafts Cade Klubnik in 2026 and Jeremiah Smith in 2027 that will fix the woes in this passing game. You would have Jeremiah Smith and Chris Olave as receiving targets for your quarterback and Alvin Kamara at running back for 1-2 more years which will give New Orleans enough time to rebuild this offense with a young offensive line.
   
   
   2026 Draft Pick: Cade Klubnik, QB, Clemson
   
   
   
   
3. New York Jets: Ryan Williams, WR, Alabama
   
   
   Even if the New York Jets draft the right quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, another weapon at wide receiver is needed to compliment Garrett Wilson. Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams makes a lot of sense here as he was the two time Gatorade Player Of The Year in High School for football before committing to Alabama.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 178 lb Ryan Williams had 48 receptions, 865 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns as a true freshman at Alabama in 2024. Ryan Williams can run all 30/30 routes on the route tree just like Jeremiah Smith.
   
   
   
   The New York Jets will finally have some pieces to be more competitive starting in 2027 if they can draft the right quarterback and the right playmaker in the next two NFL Drafts. Until then, the New York Jets will remain a bottom feeder in the AFC East.
   
   
   2026 Draft Pick: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
   
   
4. Arizona Cardinals: Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska
   
   
   Arizona can trade Kyler Murray or buy him out starting in 2027 when releasing him before the start of Free Agency in 2027 saves Arizona $36,335,000. If Arizona is picking in the top 5 of the 2027 NFL Draft, they may target a new quarterback. I don't think Arizona will be this bad in 2026, but I randomly picked an NFC team to restart at quarterback and the team I ended up with for this first 2027 NFL Mock Draft was the Arizona Cardinals.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 223 lb Dylan Raiola had 2,819 passing yards, 13 passing touchdowns, and 11 interceptions while completing 67.1% of his passes as a true freshman in 2024. Dylan Railoa has the short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep accuracy. He has a great arm and can make all 6/6 progressions. Dylan Raiola can make a 1-step drop, a 3-step drop, a 5-step drop, and a 7-step drop.
   
   
   
   Dylan Raiola outperformed Shedeur Sanders as a true freshman. He should only get better over the next two seasons at Nebraska.
   
   
   2026 Draft Pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
   
   
   
   
5. Las Vegas Raiders: DJ Lagway, QB, Florida
   
   
   Las Vegas can cut or trade Geno Smith and save $39,500,000 in cap space in 2027. Las Vegas doesn't have a supporting cast to win with Geno Smith right now even though I like Pete Carroll as a head coach. Las Vegas might end up drafting a quarterback in 2027 and buying out Geno Smith considering how much cap space they would save. Florida quarterback DJ Lagway could be a fit here.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 247 lb DJ Lagway had 1,915 passing yards, 101 rushing yards, 2,016 total yards, 12 passing touchdowns, 9 interceptions, and a 59.9% completion percentage as a true freshman in 2024. DJ Lagway has the short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep accuracy. He has a great arm and can make all 6/6 progressions. DJ Lagway can make a 1-step drop, 3-step drop, 5-step drop, and a 7-step drop.
   
   
   
   Las Vegas will need weapons and a new left tackle if Kolton Miller leaves after his contract is up in 2026, but having DJ Lagway, Brock Bowers, and Ashton Jeanty gives this young offense some players to work with in terms of having an identity as Lagway may end up surpassing Nix as the third best quarterback in the AFC West if the Raiders can draft a good supporting cast around him.
   
   
   2026 Draft Pick: Anthony Hill Jr., MLB, Texas
   
   
6. Dallas Cowboys: Dylan Stewart, RE, South Carolina
   
   
   Dallas may let Micah Parsons walk if they cannot extend him. It is true that Dallas can use a franchise tag on Parsons in 2026 and 2027, but even if Jerry Jones applied that, he would probably be traded for a kings ransom unless Parsons got paid what he felt like he deserved.
   
   
   
   Dylan Stewart can line up at 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker. Dylan Stewart struggled against Will Campbell, but he did much better against Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor getting past Alabama's line of scrimmage five times.
   
   
   
   The 6-6 248 lb Dylan Stewart had 17 solo tackles, 6 assisted tackles, 23 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup as a true freshman in 2024. Dylan Stewart is currently the top defensive prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft after a stellar freshman season.
   
   
   2026 Draft Pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
   
   
   
   
7. Pittsburgh Steelers: KJ Bolden, SS, Georgia
   
   
   Pittsburgh will most likely either draft a running back or a safety in the 2027 NFL Draft if they draft a quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft. Georgia safety KJ Bolden has the versatility to play both strong safety and free safety.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 185 lb KJ Bolden had 40 solo tackles, 19 assisted tackles, 59 total tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, 1 interception, 1 sack, 1 quarterback hurry, and 1 forced fumble as a true freshman in 2024. I gave KJ Bolden a B+ in man coverage, an A+ in zone coverage, a C- in press coverage, a A- in run stuffing, and an A in hard hitting.
   
   
   
   KJ Bolden saw limited action as Georgia's number three safety, but he should have a much bigger role in Georgia's secondary now that Malaki Starks is in the NFL. KJ Bolden can play in a cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 scheme.
   
   
   2026 Draft Pick: Sam Leavitt, QB, Arizona State
   
   
8. Minnesota Vikings: Koi Perich, FS, Minnesota
   
   
   Minnesota extended Josh Metellus at strong safety until 2029. Harrison Smith their 2012 first round pick will be a UFA by 2027. Minnesota free safety Koi Perich can play cornerback in a nickel or dime role inside, strong safety, and free safety with his versatility. Koi Perich also has experience at kick returner and punt returner meaning he can play special teams as well. Koi Perich chose Minnesota over Ohio State coming out of High School.
   
   
   
   The 6-1 200 lb Koi Perich had 28 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 46 total tackles, 5 interceptions, 3 deflections from pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 1 quarterback hurry, 1 forced fumble, 20 kickoff returns for 188 yards, 16 punt returns for 314 yards, and 565 total yards as a true freshman in 2024. Some have compared Koi Perich to Travis Hunter because he played offense in High School, but I see more of Cooper DeJean than Travis Hunter with the physicality that you want from an NFL safety.
   
   
   
   I gave Koi Perich an A in man coverage, an A in zone coverage, and an A in press coverage. Koi Perich can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 scheme.
   
   
   
   Both KJ Bolden and Koi Perich are first round talents if you want an A+ zone coverage safety that stops the run you should take Bolden. If you want a dominant coverage safety that got an A in man, zone, and press with the experierence to play special teams as well as nickel cornerback you should draft Koi Perich over Bolden. Both safeties aren't as complete as Caleb Downs, but both safeties are top 10 prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft.
   
   
   2026 Draft Pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
   
   
   
   
9. Carolina Panthers: Colin Simmons, 3-4 ROLB, Texas
   
   
   If Carolina is drafting in the top 10 by the time the 2027 NFL Draft rolls around they can draft another pass rusher to compliment younger players like Nic Scourton and Princely Umanien or they can give up on Bryce Young and draft a new quarterback. I have Carolina taking the only other good pass rusher in the 2027 NFL Draft and moving Nic Scourton over to 3-4 left outside linebacker as I believe Bryce Young will get a fifth year tender and if Bryce Young does get a fifth year tender that means he starts at quarterback for Carolina in 2027.
   
   
   
   Colin Simmons can play 3-4 right outside linebacker and 3-4 left outside linebacker. He did line his hand up in the dirt as a 4-3 right end and 4-3 left end in High School, but he did not do that once arriving at Texas with many projecting him as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. Colin Simmons had 22.5 sacks as a senior in high school and chose Texas over LSU coming out of High School.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 245 lb Colin Simmons had 31 solo tackles, 17 assisted tackles, 48 total tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 9 sacks, 9 quarterback hurries, 3 forced fumbles, 2 deflections from pass breakups, and 1 interception as a true freshman in 2024. Colin Simmons has a chance to build on that as a sophomore in 2025.
   
   
   2026 Draft Pick: Spencer Fano, RT, Utah
   
   
10. Tennessee Titans: Cam Coleman, WR, Auburn
    
    
    Tennessee drafts a weapon for Cam Ward. Both Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett will be older by this point. If Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, or Xavier Restrepo does not emerge as a star by 2027 drafting a wide receiver here will be a decision you cannot fault the Tennessee Titans for. Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman became Auburn's number one wide receiver as a true freshman.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 201 lb Cam Coleman had 37 receptions, 598 receiving yards, and 8 receiving touchdowns. Cam Coleman ran 24/30 routes on the route tree. He doesn't run all 30 routes like Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams, but he has two more years to learn the other 6 routes on the route tree. Also, Garrett Wilson ran 24/30 routes on the route tree coming out of college and I see a lot of Garrett Wilson in Cam Coleman. Cam Coleman's speed, spectacular catching, jumping, and catching in traffic stand out just as much if not more than his route running.
    
    
    
    Worst case scenario is Cam Coleman is a number two wide receiver to Calvin Ridley as a rookie. The best case scenario is Cam Coleman would take the number one receiver job from Calvin Ridley right when Ridley enters his contract year with the Tennessee Titans giving Cam Ward two quality wide receivers to throw to in his third NFL season.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: T.J. Parker, 3-4 ROLB, Clemson
    
    
    
    
11. New York Giants: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
    
    
    New York drafts another cornerback for their secondary. Paulson Adebo, Deonte Banks, and Dru Phillips are good stop gaps at cornerback. I think New York could draft a cornerback in 2027 that is potentially an upgrade over all three of these cornerbacks. That is where Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore comes into the equation.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 191 lb Leonard Moore had 34 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 48 total tackles, 11 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 2 tackles for a loss, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 quarterback hurry as a true freshman in 2024. I gave Leonard Moore an A+ in man coverage, an A+ in zone coverage, and an A+ in press coverage. Leonard Moore can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 defense.
    
    
    
    I think Leonard Moore would be the top ranked cornerback in the 2026 NFL Draft even over Jermod McCoy if he were draft eligible in 2026. Leonard Moore is not draft eligible until the 2027 NFL Draft.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
    
    
12. Cleveland Browns: Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
    
    
    If neither Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders emerges as a viable starter by 2027, then Cleveland will start over at quarterback. I mocked Caleb Downs at free safety and Caleb Tiernan the Northwestern left tackle with Jacksonville's pick as the two first round picks. I do not believe Cleveland's quarterback of the future for when the new stadium opens is on the current roster yet.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 208 lb Julian Sayin had 84 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, and 0 interceptions in very limited action as a true freshman as the backup to Will Howard in 2024. Julian Sayin is the third five star recruit that Ohio State landed at quarterback. The last two five star recruits that Ohio State landed at quarterback in Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud both went on to make all 6/6 progressions. Julian Sayin will be the next quarterback to do that if history repeats itself. Both of those quarterbacks could also make a 1-step drop, 3-step drop, 5-step drop, and a 7-step drop in terms of footwork.
    
    
    
    If Cleveland is stuck with having to draft a quarterback in 2027 due to both Gabriel as well as Sanders underperforming their options will be Julian Sayin, Nico Iamaleava, or Owen McCown, the son of Josh McCown. I believe Julian Sayin has the most upside of those three and would ultimately be the guy the Cleveland Browns picked in this scenario.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Caleb Downs, FS, Ohio State
    
    
    
    
13. Miami Dolphins: Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA
    
    
    Tua Tagovailoa could continue, but if his concussion problems last into 2027 he might retire by then, or Miami may move in a different direction since they can get out of Tua's contract in 2027 while saving $21.6-million in cap space if the Miami Dolphins move on from him in 2027.
    
    
    
    One quarterback that might be in play is Nico Iamaleava if he steps up at UCLA. Nico Iamaleava is an option for Miami, but only if Tua retires or if Miami opts to get out of the Tua Tagovailoa contract in 2027.
    
    
    
    The 6-6 215 lb Nico Iamaleava had 2,616 passing yards, 19 passing touchdowns, 358 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 2,974 total yards, 22 total touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a 63.8% completion percentage in his first year as a starter at Tennessee in 2024. Nico Iamaleava made all 6/6 progressions against Chattanooga in the season opener, but he will play at UCLA this fall. Nico Iamaelava can make a 1-step drop, 3-step drop, 5-step drop, and a 7-step drop.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Kendrick Faulk, 3-4 LOLB, Auburn
    
    
14. San Francisco 49ers: Jordan Seaton, LT, Colorado
    
    
    Trent Williams is 37 and will be turning 39 by the time the 2027 NFL Season rolls around. His contract with San Francisco also expires in 2027, so something tells me San Francisco will draft a new blindside for Brock Purdy by the time 2027 rolls around.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 331 lb Jordan Seaton has the pass blocking, pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, pancake blocking, and pull blocking that you want in an NFL left tackle. Jordan Seaton just needs to improve his zone blocking, cut blocking, and knee bend. Improving his pad level so it is not too high would also go a long way, but I would say that's the fourth area he can work on after he improves in zone blocking, cut blocking, and his knee bend.
    
    
    
    Jordan Seaton ahs a lot of traits you want in an NFL left tackle. He would make a good choice as a successor for Trent Williams if the San Francisco 49ers manage to draft high enough to draft Jordan Seaton.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
    
    
    
    
15. Los Angeles Chargers: Jayden Jackson, NT, Oklahoma
    
    
    I do beleieve the Los Angeles Chargers have a shot at winning either Super Bowl 61 or Super Bowl 62. Super Bowl 61 is in Los Angeles, so the Los Angeles Chargers might miss the playoffs and reach their breaking point.
    
    
    
    One area the Los Angeles Chargers need to improve is nose tackle. Oklahoma defensive tackle Jayden Jackson started as a true freshman showing the ability to rush the quarterback and stop the run.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 312 lb Jayden Jackson had 10 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 30 total tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup as a true freshman in 2024. Jayden Jackson lined up at 4-3 right end, 4-3 defensive tackle, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right end, 3-4 nose tackle, and 3-4 left end lining up everywhere on Oklahoma's defensive line showcasing his versatiity as well as his block shedding on both passing plays as well as running plays.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
    
    
16. Detroit Lions: OJ Frederique Jr., CB, Miami FL
    
    
    Detroit could use a cornerback next to Terrion Arnold. D.J. Reed will be entering the final year of his contract at boundary cornerback. Amik Robertson is a player that could be upgraded over at nickel cornerback and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. hasn't been able to stay healthy so far. Leonard Moore wasn't the only freshman cornerback to check off every box. There is another cornerback that fit this criteria and something tells me Dan Campbell will fall in love with his play and his personality if the Detroit Lions are drafting high enough to draft this young man.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 180 lb OJ Frederique Jr. had 23 solo tackles, 7 assisted tackles, 30 total tackles, 7 deflections from pass breakups, 1 interception, and 1 tackle for a loss winning the number one field cornerback job as a true freshman in 2024. I gave OJ Frederique Jr. an A+ in man coverage, an A+ in zone coverage, and an A+ in press coverage. OJ Frederique Jr. can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 defense.
    
    
    
    OJ Frederique Jr. is my number two cornerback in the 2027 NFL Draft behind Leonard Moore. He would be ahead of Jermod Mccoy if he were draft eligible in 2026 too just like Leonoard Moore. A lot of people are sleeping on OJ Frederique Jr. right now.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Trey White, LE, San Diego State