2027 NFL Mock Draft: 2 Rounds

Round 1 Picks 1-16

The 2027 NFL Draft is headlined by Oregon quarterback Dante Moore. Find out who got him in my second 2027 NFL Mock Draft a year later which is two rounds this time around.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: August 31, 2026.

1. Miami Dolphins: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
   
   Our 2027 NFL Draft Simulator is up to 64 total players with Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith at the top of my big board. Miami could draft Jeremiah Smith, but if Miami goes 2-15 with their only two home wins coming against New York and Chicago, then they would more than likely draft a quarterback first overall after drafting three rookie wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft.
   
   
   A year ago I had Miami taking Nico Iamaleava at 12 with Miamiletting Tua play out his contract. That did not happen as Miami brought in Malik Willis to replace him in Free Agency. Nico Iamaleava's predecessor at UCLA was Dante Moore the current starting quarterback at Oregon.
   
   
   
   Dante Moore trained with Patrick Mahomes and Trey Lance out of High School before winning the starting quarterback job at UCLA as a true freshman. He transferred to Oregon and redshirted the next season when Dillon Gabriel was their starter. Dante Moore started at Oregon this past season as a sophomore redshirt and his throwing power in terms of arm strength as well as throwing accuracy is similar to Mahomes. His decision making in terms of progressions is similar to Trey Lance as Trey Lance could only make 1/6 progressions. Everyone overlooked the lack of mental traits that Lance had since his arm and accuracy was similar to Mahomes too coming out of North Dakota State in the 2021 NFL Draft. I got a 95/99 potential grade on Dante Moore meaning he enters this season as the quarterback with the highest potential on my board for the 2027 NFL Draft with Dante Moore ranked eighth overall as the top quarterback on our Draft Simulator shown in the link in the first paragraph. He might have the lowest floor too though if his progressions and decision making do not improve this season as Moore has the throwing power, short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep accuracy of a quarterback similar to Mahomes, but his decision making resembles Trey Lance more so than Mahomes who could make all 6/6 progressions just in terms of progressions.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 206 lb Dante Moore had 3,565 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, 156 rushing yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 3,721 total yards, 32 total touchdowns, a 71.8% completion percentage, and 10 interceptions, as a sophomore redshirt at Oregon in 2025. Dante Moore can make 5/6 progressions, but he only had two games last year where he had multiple throws where he made multiple reads with his progressions with those games being regular season contests where Oregon hostsed Minnesota and USC. He threw to his first read on 75 percent of plays in every other game. That will need to change this season, but his footwork is sound. Dante Moore can make a 1-step drop, a 3-step drop, a 5-step drop, and a 7-stop drop. The only two offensive schemes Moore can run are a shotgun spread offense and a vertical offense. Moore has not shown the ability to be able to run a balanced run first offense or a west coast offense where he takes snaps under center. Patrick Mahomes had the arm strength, accuracy, progressions, footwork, and the ability to play in all four of those offensive schemes which is why I thought he was a special prospect at Texas Tech.
   
   
   
   Dante Moore has the highest potential of any quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft entering the 2026 College Football Season. While his arm strength, accuracy, and footwork is similar to Mahomes. His running is too. The ability to make all 6 progressions and the ability to play in any offensive scheme isn't there right now.
   
   
   
   If Miami drafted Dante Moore, he would have a strong supporting cast. His offensive line would feature Patrick Paul at left tackle, Kadyn Proctor at left guard, Aaron Brewer at center, Jonah Savaiinea at right guard, and Austin Jackson at right tackle. Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman Jr., and Caleb Douglas the three rookie wide receivers that Miami drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft would be his starting wide receivers in addition to Malik Washington as a fourth option at wide receiver entering the final year of his rookie contract. De'Von Achane would bethe starting running back with Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II complimenting Achane in Miami's running game. Dante Moore would have a strong offense to work with, but a tight end is still something this offense will need for Dante Moore to reach his ceiling. Even if Moore reaches his massive potential, his potential is still lower than both Josh Allen and Drake Maye.
   
   
   
   That's not a knock on Moore as much as it is a testament to how good Allen and Maye are right now. That's why Miami needs to remain patient with Dante Moore if they draft him first overall in 2027. I got Oregon winning the 2027 College Football Playoff and if they do, Dante Moore will have a strong case to be the first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Nico Iamaleava, QB, UCLA
   
   
2. New York Jets: Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
   
   
   The New York Jets get their quarterback. The supporting cast around the quarterback position is there in New York. The New York Jets offesnive line has Olumuyiuwa Fashanu as the left tackle, Dylan Parham at left guard, Josh Myers at center, either Joe Tippmann if he's extended or Anez Cooper at right guard, and Armand Membou at right tackle. I'm not a big Membou fan, but he did enough to keep his starting spot for now and unless the Jets trade for a veteran and draft Indiana offensive tackle Carter Smith at 2, I cannot see an offensive tackle getting picked here. New York also has Garrett Wilson as their flanker wide receiver, Adontai Mitchell as their secondary wide receiver, adn Omar Cooper Jr. as their slot receiver. New York has Mason Taylor and Kenyon Sadiq as their two tight ends. Breece Hall is the starting running back. This is a nice supporting cast on offense, but the New York Jets need a quarterback to elevate these other ten guys on offense. My second best quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft with a 94/99 potential grade is Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin as Julian Sayin is twelfth overall on my draft simulator.
   
   
   
   The 6-1 208 lb Julian Sayin redshirted in 2024 when Ohio State won the 2025 College Football Playoff, the first twelve team playoff. Julian Sayin had an excellent first year as a starter with 3,610 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns, a 77% completion percentage, and 8 interceptions as a freshman redshirt in 2025. Julian Sayin can make all 6/6 progressions and made multiple progressions in 12/14 games with his games against Wisconsin and Rutgers being the only games where he made one read. Julian Sayin can make a 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step throw. Julian Sayin can play in a balanced run first offense, a west coast offense, a vertical offense, or a shotgun spread offense meaning Sayin can play in all four offensive schemes. Julian Sayin reminds me a lot of Joe Burrow in terms of just his natural ability as a pocket quarterback as I had a 94 potential grade on Burrow as well coming out of LSU in 2020 as Sayin reminds me of Burrow without Burrow's championship accolades as a college quarterback.
   
   
   
   Julian Sayin has better mental traits than Dante Moore. Having his two worst games of the year against colleges with two NFL corners in Indiana and Miami FL lowered his ceiling to where he's one point lower than Moore on my initial rankings ust in terms of his potential grade for me. He's also a pocket quarterback while Dante Moore is a duel threat which explains why Moore's ceiling is higher, although you can argue Sayin is a safer prospect with a better floor due to his mental intangibles as well as his mental toughness.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR, Alabama
   
   
   
   
3. Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
   
   
   I got Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew II going 0-13 and rookie quarterback Carson Beck going 3-1 in his final four starts to have Arizona finishing 3-14 on the year. If that happens, Arizona can draft the best player available instead of a quarterback to build around Carson Beck. I got a 99/99 potential grade on Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The only three wide receivers I ever graded that high were Calvin Johnson, DeVonta Smith, Marvin Harrison Jr. Having a wide receiver duo of Jeremiah Smith and Marvin Harrison Jr. with Michael Wilson at slot receiver in the final year of his rookie deal and Trey McBride at tight end gives Beck weapons in the passing game. Jeremiyah Love will enter year two at running back. Now Arizona just needs to fix the offensive line outside of left tackle Paris Johnson Jr.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 223 lb Jeremiah Smith had 75 receptions, 1,315 receiving yards, and 15 receiving touchdowns as a true freshman leading Ohio State to a National Championship during his freshman season in 2024. Jeremiah Smith had 87 receptions, 1,243 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns as a true sophomore in 2025. Jeremiah Smith can run all 30/30 routes on the route tree too. Having a weapon like Jeremiah Smith to compliment Marvin HarrisoN Jr., Trey mcBride, and Jeremiyah Love is huge for Carson Beck's development i year two assuming Beck does well enough to get a second year where he would be the full-time starter next season.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Dylan Raiola, QB, Oregon
   
   
4. Las Vegas Raiders: Carter Smith, RT, Indiana
   
   
   Las Vegas needs to replace right tackle D.J. Glaze. He sucks. Indiana left tackle Carter Smith played right tackle against Ohio State the year he was redshirted meaning Carter Smith has the versatility to play both left tackle and right tackle at the offensive tackle position. Las Vegas has a good left tackle in Kolton Miller, but replacing Glaze with Fernando Mendoza's blindside at Indiana is the next best option if the Raiders miss out on Jeremiah Smith as Carter Smith is second behind Jeremiah Smith on my early 2027 big board.
   
   
   
   Las Vegas could have Kolton Miller at left tackle, Trey Zuhn III at left guard, Tyler Linderbaum at center, Jackson Powers-Johnson at right guard, and Carter Smith at right tackle as a bookend to Kolton Miller. This offensive line gives Fernando Mendoza a clean pocket once he becomes a full-time starter in 2027 and it also gives running backs Ashon Jeanty, Mike Washington, and Dylan Laube an offensive line they can rely on in the running game to take pressure off of Mendoza once he becomes a full-time starter.
   
   
   
   The 6-5 313 lb Carter Smith has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, zone blocking, pancake blocking, pull blocking, and cut blocking. I had a 96/99 potential grade on Will Campbell a few years ago for my final evaluation for the 2025 NFL Draft giving Campbell the highest grade I gave a left tackle since Laremy Tunsil in 2016. I got a 97/99 potential grade on Carter Smith making him my highest graded left tackle since Jake Matthews in the 2014 NFL Draft, so pairing Carter Smith with Kolton Miller as a bookend gives Mendoza the protection he needs while bolstering the running game in Las Vegas..
   
   
   Previous Pick: DJ Lagway, QB, Baylor
   
   
   
   
5. Atlanta Falcons: Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
   
   
   Atlanta did not give any of their quarterbacks a vote of confidence when Matt Ryan was appointed President Of Football Operations for the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta's new GM Ian Cunningham and head coach Kevin Stefanski were not a part of the regime when Michael Penix Jr. was drafted at quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft. This regime will want their own guy. Initially I had Atlanta at 8-9, but with Jalon Walker getting injured and James Pearce Jr. being suspended for the first eight games of this season changed the trajectory for the Atlanta Falcons and now I got them at 3-14. Trinidad Chambliss won a Championship at Ferris State in Division 2 before transferring to Ole Miss. Trinidad Chambliss is my third best quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft at the moment with a 93/99 potential grade.
   
   
   
   I had a 91 for potential on Tua Tagovailoa and a 90 on Michael Penix Jr. Tua looked like he might reach his ceiling under Mike MacDaniel in Miami. Michael Penix Jr. was 24 when he was drafted and not getting a vote of confidence from Ryan tells me he is not the guy unless he just breaks out in his third year like Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen, Kyler Murray, or Jalen Hurts. I got Trinidad Chambliss graded higher than both Tua and Penix Jr. when looking at his ceiling. Trinidad's potential along with Atlanta's new regime wanting a quarterback for this regime are why Trinidad Chambliss cracked my top 5.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 210 lb Trinidad Chambliss had 2,925 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, 1,109 rushing yards, 25 rushinng touchdowns, 4,034 total yards, 51 total touchdowns, a 61.6% completion percentage, and 6 interceptions leading Ferris State to a Division 2 Championship in 2024. Trinidad Chambliss had 3,927 passing yards, 22 passing touchdowns, 527 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchowns, 4,454 total yards, 30 total touchdowns, a 66.1% completion percentage, and 3 interceptions at Ole Miss in 2025.
   
   
   
   Trinidad Chambliss can make 6/6 progressions. He only made 3-6 progressions in two games during the College Football Playoff after Lane Kiffin left for LSU. Trinidad Chambliss can make a 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step drop. Trinidad Chambliss can play in a balanced run first offense, a shotgun spread offense, or a vertical offense. As long as he's not in a west coast offense, you can scheme your offense around him to be successful. Atlanta will continue to run a balanced run first offense around Bijan Robinson, so Trinidad Chambliss could work in Atlanta's offensive scheme.as long as Stefanski and Tommy Rees don't force Chambliss into a west coast offense as Stefanski has mainly ran a balanced run first offense with west coast offense concepts in the passing game which is why Trinidad Chambliss could work from a scheme fit standpoint in Atlanta.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
   
   
6. New York Jets: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
   
   
   New York got two first round picks when they trade Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts. They used the first of those two first round picks on Kenyon Sadiq. They could use this first round pick on a lockdown cornerback to replace Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner. Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore has a 97/99 potential grade and is my third best player on our 2027 NFL Draft Simulator as well as my top ranked defensive player in the entire 2027 NFL Draft.
   
   
   
   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 showing he could take over for Benjamin Morrison as Notre Dame's top corner when Morrison was injured leading Notre Dame all the way to the Championship game against Ohio State of the College Football Playoff where Ohio State beat Notre Dame in 2024. Leonard Moore had 23 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 31 total tackles, 7 defletions from pass breakups, 5 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 1 defensive touchdown on a pick six as a true sophomore in 2025. 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 if he were draft eligible in 2026. Leonard Moore was not draft eligible until the 2027 NFL Draft and only continued to validate what I said about him last year.
   
   
   
   The New York Jets have Azareye'h Thomas their 2025 third round pick out of Florida State at field cornerback covering number one wide receivers, Brandon Stephens at boundary cornerback covering number two wide receivers, and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. at nickel cornerback covering slot receivers whenever the Jets use 3-3-5 nickel packages for their new 3-4 defense they are transitioning to this season. D'Angelo Ponds is the dime cornerback. Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore would instantly become the number one field cornerback on the New York Jets with Azareye'h Thomas moving to boundary cornerback.
   
   
   
   My guess is the Jets would also cut Brandon Stephens to save $8 million against the salary cap if they were able to get Leonard Moore in the 2027 NFL Draft allowing Jarvis Brownlee Jr. and D'Angelo Ponds to compete for the nickel cornerback job with Thomas at boundary, but could let Thomas, Stephens, Brownlee, and Ponds compete for the boundary cornerback as well as nickel cornerback jobs across from Leonard Moore at field corner covering number one receivers if they kept Brandon Stephens making the cornerback room a lot stronger moving forward in 2027 since Leonard Moore would give the New York Jets a guy that could limit what D.J. Moore and A.J. Brown do against the New York Jets twice a year if the Jets got the chance to draft Leonard Moore. With that much cornerback depth the jets would be up there with the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots in the secondary.
   
   
   
   New York would have Leonard Moore at field cornerback, A'Zareye'h Thomas, Brandon Stephens, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., or D'Angelo Ponds at boundary cornerback with the third guy in nickel situations with a dime as well as quarter cornerback for depth. Malachi Moore would be the strong safety with Minkah Fitzpatrick at free safety in 2027. That secondary would cause some problems for Josh Allen and Drake Maye.
   
   
   Previous Pick Pick: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
   
   
   
   
7. New Orleans Saints: CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
   
   
   Tyler Shough had a decent rookie year where he exceeded expectations. He's a quarterback with a high floor, but not a high ceiling. He did well enough to warrant a second year as a starter. The New Orleans Saints went 6-11 last year. I had them improving to 8-9, but thanks to injuries they go 6-11 again. If Tyler Shough doesn't go at least 7-10 in year two he's in jeopardy of getting replaced when you take into account how top heavy this quarterback class appears. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr is my fourth best quarterback in this draft and I got a 92/99 potential grade on him with him as my twenty sixth best player available on my 2027 NFL Draft Simulator. Tyler Shough would have to compete with CJ Carr for a third year as the starting quarterback if New Orleans drafted Carr, but I think Carr would ultimately beat him out in camp next year as Carr is my pick to win the Heisman this year as I got Notre Dame going 12-0 during the regular season this year.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 215 lb CJ Carr had 2,741 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 33 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 2,774 total yards, 27 total touchdowns, a 66.6% completion percentage and 6 interceptions as a freshman redshirt in 2025 after redshirting during Notre Dame's championship run in 2024. CJ Carr made all 6/6 progressions. He made multiple reads in multiple games early in the season. CJ Carr has ideal footwork with the ability to make a 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, or 7-step drop. CJ Carr can play in a balanced run first offense, a vertical offense, or a shotgun spread offense.
   
   
   
   Kellen Moore runs a shotgun spread offense that takes the vertical passing game of the Air Coryell offense inhereited from his old HC in Dallas in Jason Garrett. That makes CJ Carr a scheme fit for the New Orleans Saints since they also have the running backs to be a balanced run first offense despite finally having the weapons at wide receiver.
   
   
   
   New Orleans has Kelvin Banks Jr. at left tackle, David Edwards at left guard, Erik McCoy at center, Cesar Ruiz at right guard, and Taliese Fuaga at right tackle. New Orleans has Chris Olave as their flanker wide receiver ,Jordyn Tyson as their secondary wide receiver, Devaughn Vele at slot receiver, Bryce Lance as a number four wide receiver, and Barrion Brown as their number five wide receiver. New Orleans also has Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant, and Oscar Delp as their top three tight ends. New Orleans will have Travis Etienne and Devin Neal at running back, and possibly Alvin Kamara, whose a UFA in 2027 if he agrees to a team friendly deal. New Orleans has a offensive scheme and supporting cast for players around quarterback CJ Carr for him to be successful in New Orleans.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
   
   
8. Carolina Panthers: Jayden Maiava, QB, USC
   
   
   Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan said he wanted Bryce Young to improve his touchdown to interception ratio. If Bryce Young only throws 23 touchdowns he has to throw less than 10 interceptions. If Bryce Young does throw 10 or more interceptions he has to throw 30 touchdowns to get a guaranteed fifth year as a starter with 35 to get an extension. Dan Morgan came in in 2024 after Dave Tepper drafted Bryce Young and fired the previous regime. The fact that Morgan gave Young these expectations after the first day of training camp when both of his offensive tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton got injured. This tells me Carolina will move on from Bryce Young or bring in competition for Bryce Young if Carolina goes 6-11 and Bryce Young fails to meet Dan Morgan's expectations without Ikem Ekwonu at left tackle this season as Moton will be back after Carolina's bye week in week 5.
   
   
   
   I like Bryce Young, but also don't believe he can meet Morgan's expectations for year four without Ekwonu and Moton at full health especially with left tackle being the most important position on the offensive line for a right handed quarterback like Bryce Young. That is the biggest reason I mocked a quarterback to Carolina here.
   
   
   
   USC quarterback Ja7den Maiava is my fifth best quarterback and my final quarterback in the top thirty two on my 2027 NFL Draft Simulator as he's twenty ninth overall on our draft simulator with a 92/99 potential grade. I had a 93 or a 94 on Bryce Young, but am not sure his job is secure for next season if he underachieves in 2026 which is the biggest reason I'm mocking Jayden Maiava to Carolina. Even if Carolina drafts a quarterback in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft, he still might have to beat out Bryce Young for playing time since Carolina gave Bryce Young a fifth year tender.
   
   
   
   The 6-4 230 lb Jayden Maiava had 3,711 passing yards, 24 passing touchdowns, 157 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns, 3,868 total yards, 30 total touchdowns, a 65.8% completion percentage, and 10 interceptions in 2025. Jayden Maiava went 25/29 with 286 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown, and 3 total touchdowns in the 2026 week 0 opener against San Jose State.
   
   
   
   Jayden Maiava has the throwing power, short accuracy, medium accuracy, and deep ball accuracy like the other four quarterbacks I ranked ahead of him. He can make 6/6 progressions. Jayden Maiava can make a 1-step, 3-step, 5-step, and 7-step drop. He got Ricky White III the football in 2023 before transferring to USC and becoming their starting quarterback in 2024.
   
   
   
   Dave Canales runs a balanced run first offense with some play action passes, west coast passing plays, and vertical passing plays sprinkled into his offensive scheme. Jayden Maiava excels in a shotgun spread offense and vertical offense under Lincoln Riley at USC. Jayden Maiava could be better than Bryce Young on deep passing plays, but may not be as effective on short or medium passing plays as a rookie.
   
   
   
   Bryce Young has only exceeded 250 passing yards in 8 of his 45 NFL starts. Jayden Maiava exceeded 250 passing yards in 19 of his 28 college starts at UNLV and USC while also having much better size for a quarterback than Bryce Young, so he could possibly be an upgrade over Young if Bryce Young fails to take a leap in 2026 with Carolina going 6-11.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Colin Simmons, 3-4 ROLB, Texas
   
   
   
   
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri
   
   
   Jacksonville messed up by letting Travis Etienne and Devin Lloyd leave which is why I got them dropping to 7-10 in 2026. Tutin look like q backup runninb back in the NFL and frankly I don't understand why Fantasy Football experts believe Tutin will take a leap since his college tape was not great. Jacksonville drafts a running back that can take pressure off of this passing game complimenting Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr. Ahmad Hardy dominated at Louisiana Monroe as a freshman before transferring to Missouri dominating there as a sophomore as I got a 96/99 potential grade on Ahmad Hardy with Hardy being ranked fourth overall on my draft simulator despite people saying he's gonna miss the first few games due to a shooting where Hardy got shot at a concert.
   
   
   
   The 5-10 210 lb Ahmad Hardy had 237 carries, 1,351 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 8 receptions, 72 receiving yards, 0 receiving touchdowns, 245 touches, 1,423 total yards, and 8 total touchdowns as a true freshman at Louisiana Monroe in 2024. Ahmad Hardy had 256 carries, 1,649 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 6 receptions, 22 receiving yards, 0 receiving touchdowns, 262 touches, 1,661 total yards, and 16 total touchdowns as a sophomore at Missouri in 2025.
   
   
   
   Ahmad Hardy has the speed, ball carrier vision, pass blocking, and pass catching that you look for in an NFL running back. In the game I watched, Ahmad Hardy's pass protection gave Louisiana Monroe's quarterback enough time to throw a touchdown pass on third and goal. He also demonstrated similar pass protection at Missouri in 2025.
   
   
   
   Ahmad Hardy won the Sun Belt Freshman Of The Year award at Louisiana Monroe in 2024 and it is easy to see why as he ran for a season high 206 rushing yards against the eventual Sun Belt Champion Marshall Thundering Herd in a road game where Hardy had a 50 yard rushing touchdown. Ahmad Hardy should do wonders at Missouri and I believe he will be the first running back drafted in 2027 since he cuts like Willis McGahee, but runs people over like Derrick Henry too. Ahmad Hardy had 300 rushing yards in a game last year against an SEC defense at Missouri. I took Ahmad Hardy fourth overall in Emmanuel Watson's College Fantasy Football league for a good reason.
   
   
   
   Giving Trevor Lawrence a running back as talented as Ahmad Hardy will rejuvenate Jacksonville's offense when they play in Orlando in 2027 before the renovations to Everbank Field are completed in 2028. Jacksonville has Anton Harrison at left tackle switching from right tackle to left tackle where the Jaguars 2023 first round pick played at Oklahoma, Emmanuel Pregnon, Jacksonville's 2026 third round pick out of Oregon that I had a second round grade on won the starting left guard job, Robert Hainsey will be in a contract year at center next year, Patrick Mekari will be Jacksonville's right guard in 2027 with Ezra Cleveland having an expiring contract, and Walker Little will be the right tackle. Swing tackle Cole Van Lanen is also extended, so Ahmad Hardy should do tremendous things if he ends up getting an offensive line like Jacksonville's once he gets to the NFL. This will take pressure off of Trevor Lawrence in 2027.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Isaac Brown, RB, Louisville
   
   
10. New York Jets: Colin Simmons, 3-4 ROLB, Texas
    
    
    The New York Jets got the Dallas Cowboys 2027 first round pick in the trade that sent Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. The best player on my draft simulator is Missouri left tackle Cayden Green who spent his first two years at left guard before moving to left tackle in 2025 with Green having a second year at left tackle, he may convince some NFL teams he can play left tackle instead of left guard. Kewan Lacy is my second best player available, but the Jets extended Breece Hall. The third best player on my big board is Texas defensive end Colin Simmons who can play off the edge as a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker. With the New York Jets making the switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense, Colin Simmons makes the most logistical sense here as I got a 95/99 potential grade on Colin Simmons.
    
    
    
    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 during his freshman year, but did this more frequently as a sophomore. Colin Simmons had 22.5 sacks as a senior in high school and chose Texas over LSU coming out of High School.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 246 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 had 23 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 43 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, 15 quarterback hurries, 12.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 deflections from pass breakups as a true sophomore in 2025.
    
    
    
    New York would have Colin Simmons and David Bailey as their two sack artist pass rushers. Joseph Ossai would be a situational pass rusher off the bench if he does not break out with the New York Jets in 2026.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Dylan Stewart, RE, South Carolina
    
    
    
    
11. Tennessee Titans: Cayden Green, LT, Missouri
    
    
    Tennessee can buyout their mediocre left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and save $9 million against the salary cap as I got Tennessee going 8-9 blowing the AFC South Division to the Houston Texans in week 18. Missouri offensive lineman Cayden Green spent his first two years at left guard before moving to left tackle in 2025 and if he dominates at left tackle once again in 2026, he should play left tackle in the NFL as Cayden Green is my fifth best player with a 96/99 potential grade which was the same grade that I gave players like Will Campbell, Laremy Tunsil, and Russell Okung.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 324 lb Cayden Green has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, zone blocking, pancake blocking, pull blocking, and cut blocking you want from an NFL left tackle. He only gave up 2 sacks and 7 quarterback hurries in his first year at left tackle in 2025, so if he improves on that in 2026 he will be an NFL left tackle.
    
    
    
    Tennessee will have Cayden Green at left tackle, Peter Skoronski at left guard, Austin Schlottman at center or Pat Coogan at center if Coogan develops enough, Jackson Slater at right guard, and JC Latham at right tackle. I think Cam Ward could take a leap in year three if you got him a blindside protector as good as Cayden Green in the 2027 NFL Draft. Tennessee has Carnell Tate, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Calvin Ridley as their three starting wide receivers in 2026. Gunnar Helm will be back at tight end and Tennessee could draft a running back like Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy too with both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears set to be UFA's. At the same time drafting a left tackle puts Nicholas Singleton the rookie the Titans drafted out of Penn State to be a successful bell cow running back if he takes over as the starting running back in 2027.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
    
    
12. Minnesota Vikings: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
    
    
    Minnesota goes 8-9 and drafts a quarterback to be their new guy. I got a second round grade on Arch Manning with him fifty first overall on our current 2027 NFL Draft simulator, but to be fair he was first overall in my very first 2027 NFL Mock Draft a year ago as I got a 91/99 potential grade on Arch Manning entering this season. Besides, this is logistically the best team Arch Manning could end up on with the Minesota Vikings stability at offensive tackle at wide receiver. Kyler Murray will have to go 9-8 or better to get extended, going 8-9 due to how piss poor the Vikings secondary is outside of Byron Murphy II happens to be a very realistic possibility even if Kyler Murray plays up to par in his one year contract with the Vikings.
    
    
    dd>The 6-4 222 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 had 3,163 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns, 399 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, 3,562 total yards, 36 total touchdowns, a 61.4% completion percentage, and 7 interceptions as a sophomore redshirt in 2025. Arch Manning returned for his junior season.
    
    
    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. Arch Manning can play in a balanced run first offense, a shotgun spread offense, a west coast offense, or a vertical offense.
    
    
    
    Minnesota's offensive line has Christian Darrisaw at left tackle, Donovan Jackson at left guard, Will Fries at right guard, Brian O'Neill at right tackle, and Caleb Tiernan as their swing tackle. If Blake Brandel the starting center leaves in Free Agency, Michael Jurgens a 2024 seventh round pick and Gavin Gerhardt a 2026 seventh round pick would compete to be Brandel's replacement. Minnesota also has Justinn Jefferson as their flanker wide receiver and Jordan Addison as their secondary wide receiver on a fifth year tender. Arch Manning can succeed with this supporting cast in place.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Koi Perich, FS, Oregon
    
    
    
    
13. Cleveland Browns: Kade Pieper, C, Iowa
    
    
    I had the Los Angeles Rams getting Notre Dame left tackle Anthonie Knapp whose moving inside to left guard this season due to short arm length a year ago when I first made this mock, but now the Cleveland Browns own this pick thanks to the Myles Garrett trade and yes I got the Super Bowl favorites missing this years NFL Playoffs going 8-9 on the season. This feels like the most overhyped team since the 2011-2012 Philadelphia Eagles team that got Nnamdi Asomaugh in Free Agency after Michael Vick won Comeback Player Of The Year.
    
    
    
    This is probably the highest you'll see the Browns picking with the Rams pick in any mock draft, but if the Rams go 8-9 and the Browns go 10-7 with Shedeur Sanders going 10-5 after Deshaun gets benched following an 0-2 start, then the Browns could pass on a quarterback even though there is a quarterback I got 91/99 potential on still on the board that could sneak into the first round with Miami FL quarterback Darian Mensah. If the Browns go 10-7 in real life and get a higher pick from the Rams thanks to the Myles Garrett trade, I don't see them giving up on Shedeur Sandeers as crazy as that sounds.
    
    
    
    I got three players with blue chip grades in my draft simulator still on the board. Those players are Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy, Iowa center Kade Pieper, and Georgia strong safety KJ Bolden. With Quinshon Judkins showing promise at running back and Grant Delpit getting extended, that makes Kade Pieper the defacto play here.
    
    
    
    Still, I'm giving the Cleveland Browns Iowa center Kade Pieper with the Los Angeles Rams 2027 first round pick at pick thirteen since Kade Pieper played right guard at Iowa in 2025 before moving to center this upcoming season in 2026 meaning Pieper can start at right guard right away in 2027 before moving to center in 2028 when Elgton Jenkins contract expires. My potential grade for Kade Pieper is a 95/99 which barely qualifies as a blue chip grade.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 298 lb Kade Pieper has the pass blocking, pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, zone blocking, pancake blocking, pull blocking, and cut blocking you want in a center. He's moving from right guard to center, but his transition will not be difficult considering he's a blue chip prospect that checks every box.
    
    
    
    Cleveland would have Spencer Fano at left tackle, Zion Johnson at left guard, Elgton Jenkins at center, Kade Pieper at right guard, and Tytus Johnson at right tackle on the offensive line in 2027. Cleveland could have Spencer Fano at left tackle, Zion Johnson at left guard, Kade Pieper at center, Parker Brailsford at right guard with his ceiling being much lower than Pieper, and Austin Barber at right tackle in 2028. This would be the offensive line Shedeur Sanders had during the final two years of his rookie deal unless Cleveland drafts a quarterback to replace him in the 2027 or 2028 NFL Draft.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Anthonie Knapp, LG, Notre Dame
    
    
14. Detroit Lions: KJ Bolden, SS, Georgia
    
    
    Detroit drafts a strong safety to replace Brian Branch whose a UFA following his rookie deal this year. Drafting Georgia strong safety KJ Bolden allows you to get a blue chip safety that is better than Branch on a team friendly rookie deal as I got a 95/99 potential grade on KJ Bolden.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 195 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. KJ Bolden had 32 solo tackles, 44 asisted tackles, 76 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakup, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 2 interceptions, and 1 kick/punt blocked as a true sophomore in 2025. I gave KJ Bolden a A+ 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 had a much bigger role in his sophomore year after Malaki Starks left. KJ Bolden can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, or cover 4 scheme as a zone coverage strong safety that can also play man coverage if needed. With KJ Bolden and Kerby Joseph it will be very difficult to throw deep with both of those safeties playing deep.
    
    
    Previous Pick: OJ Frederique Jr., CB, Miami FL
    
    
    
    
15. Dallas Cowboys: Matayo Uiagalelei, 3-4 ROLB, Oregon
    
    
    Dallas switched from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense and signed Rashan Gary as a stop gap at 3-4 right outside linebacker while their 2026 first round pick Malachi Lawrence develops, but I had a fifth round grade on Malachi Lawrence, so Dallas another pass rusher here in Oregon edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei.
    
    
    
    Matayo Uiagalelei is the younger brother of DJ Uiagalelei as I got a 94/99 potential on Matayo Uiagalelei making him my second best pass rusher off the edge in the 2027 NFL Draft. Matayo Uiagalelei has the versatility to play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker with his versatility.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 265 lb Matayo Uiagalelei had 24 solo tackles, 14 assisted tackles, 38 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, 2 deflections from pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 1 kick/punt blocked as a true sophomore in 2024. Matayo Uiagalelei had 18 solo tackles, 16 assisted tackles, 34 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, 6 quarterback hurries, 4 deflections from pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery as a junior in 2025. Matayo Uiagalelei returned to Oregon with unfinished business this season.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Sammy Brown, ROLB, Clemson
    
    
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss
    
    
    Pittsburgh should draft a quarterback as I got five quarterbacks in college football graded above Drew Allar. The other viable option if they want to give Allar a shot as the starter after Aaron Rodgers retires is to draft a blue chip player. The only blue chip player left on my board is Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy who I got a 96/99 potential grade on as Kewan Lacy is my sixth best player available in the 2027 NFL Draft. I think Kewan Lacy could beat out both Jaylin Warren and Rico Dowdle for Pittsburgh's starting running back job and the best part for the Steelers is they can ease Lacy in the way the Cardinals are going ease Jeremiyah Love in because both Warrena nd Dowdle are under contract in 2027 too.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 205 lb Kewan Lacy had 306 carries, 1,567 rushing yards, 24 rushing touchdowns, 29 receptions, 177 receiving yards, 0 receiving touchdowns, 335 touches, 1,744 total yards, and 24 total touchdowns as a sophomore after transferring from Missouri to Ole Miss. Kewan Lacy has thee speed, ball carrier vision, pass catching, and pass blocking you want in an NFL running back.
    
    
    Previous Pick: KJ Bolden, SS, Georgia