2027 NFL Mock Draft: Debut

Round 1 Picks 17-32

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

17. Los Angeles Rams: Anthonie Knapp, LT, Notre Dame
    
    
    I gave the Los Angeles Rams Lanorris Sellers with Atlanta's 2026 first round pick and Carnell Tate in my 2026 NFL Mock Draft as a complimentary wide receiver to Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Now the Los Angeles Rams get their left tackle of the future if Alaric Jackson struggles the next two seasons after getting paid. Notre Dame left tackle Anthonie Knapp started on Notre Dame as a true freshman and Notre Dame has the number one offensive line in college football heading into 2025.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 300 lb Anthonie Knapp 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. He needs to improve his zone blocking and cut blocking. His strength and footwork need to become more consistent and you would like to see him do a better job anticipating spin moves from pass rushers. Knapp has the traits you want in a first round offensive tackle and has two more seasons to showcase his tape.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
    
    
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Josiah Thompson, LT, South Carolina
    
    
    I got Cincinnati winning Super Bowl 60 over Detroit before a bunch of turnover takes place on the roster in the 2026 and 2027 NFL Offseasons. Orlando Brown Jr. at left tackle and Chase Brown at running back will both be UFA's in 2027. Chase Brown is turning 26 in 2026 entering his contract year while Orlando Brown Jr. will be 30. I think Brown will be easier to re-sign, so that leaves getting younger at left tackle as the defacto option.
    
    
    
    The 6-7 300 lb Josiah Thompson has pass blocking, pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, and pancake blocking you want in a left tackle. He needs to improve his zone blocking, pull blocking, and cut blocking. Josiah Thompson isn't as consistent as Anthonie Knapp with both left tackles showing inconsistency as true freshman with both guys needing to get stronger while improving footwork, but Josiah Thompson did knock Clemson defensive end T.J. Parker on his ass last year in South Carolina's win over Clemson. That is one encouraging note about South Carolina left tackle Josiah Thompson. He did get overwhelmed against Clemson's defensive line in a majority of his snaps on film though.
    
    
    
    Joe Burrow would have Josiah Thompson at left tackle and Amarius Mims at right tackle with both tackles on rookie deals in 2027 which would give the Bengals cap space to pay other young players or go out and get other quality Free Agents. The passing game with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at wide receiver would also remain lethal.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Ashton Stamps, CB, LSU
    
    
    
    
19. Washington Commanders: Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama
    
    
    Marshon Lattimore is a UFA in 2027. Washington can draft his replacement while keeping Trey Amos and Mike Sainristl on rookie deals. Alabama cornerback Zabien Brown is the best player on the board at this point in the first round with the Washington Commanders hosting the 2027 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 190 lb Zabien Brown had 14 solo tackles, 4 assisted tackles, 18 total tackles, 3 interceptions, 2 deflections from pass breakups, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 68 yard return for a defensive touchdown as a true freshman in 2024. I gave Zabien Brown an A+ in man coverage, an A+ in zone coverage, and an A- in press coverage. Zabien Brown can play in a cover 0, cover 1, cover 2, cover 3, and cover 4 scheme.
    
    
    
    Zabien Brown had an up and down freshman season. He is another cornerback in this 2027 NFL Draft that could challenge Jermod McCoy for the right to be the first cornerback drafted in 2026. Zabien Brown played well enough as a true freshman to crack the top 20.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston
    
    
20. Denver Broncos: Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri
    
    
    Denver will need a running back if neither RJ Harvey or Audric Estime gets 1,000 rushing yards in the next two seasons. RJ Harvey is pushing J.K. Dobbins for the starting running back job as a second round rookie while Estime is the third string running back for a second year in a row jumping last years backup Jaleel McLaughlin on the Denver Broncos depth chart. Ahmad Hardy dominated at Louisiana Monroe as a freshman before transferring to Missouri.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 206 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 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.
    
    
    
    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. If RJ Harvey cannot break 1,000 rushing yards by the end of his sophomore season, Denver will draft someone like Ahmad Hardy to push RJ Harvey as he enters the final two years of his rookie deal in 2027.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
    
    
    
    
21. Atlanta Falcons: Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
    
    
    Atlanta needs a number two boundary cornerback next to AJ Terrell as the Los Angeles Rams own the Atlanta Falcons 2026 first round pick. Even if Atlanta makes the playoffs in the next two years with Michael Penix Jr., they will not win a wild card game without a good number two cornerback.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 200 lb Ashton Hampton had 19 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 27 total tackles, 5 deflections from pass breakups, 2 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown on a 53 yard pick six, and a 0.5 tackle for a loss as a true freshman in 4 starts in 2024. I gave Ashton Hampton an A+ in man coverage, an A- in zone coverage, and an A+ in press coverage. Ashton Hampton compliments Avieon Terrell very well.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Lanorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
    
    
22. New England Patriots: Bryant Wesco Jr. WR, Clemson
    
    
    New England drafts a wide receiver that can stretch the field for Drake Maye. Clemson wide receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. had a very strong freshman season and looks like a first round wide receiver. There are as many as eight wide receivers that could go in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft. After Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams, and Cam Coleman the next best wide receiver is Bryant Wesco Jr. Only Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams had more receiving yards than Bryant Wesco Jr. as a true freshman.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 185 lb Bryant Wesco Jr. had 41 receptions, 708 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns as a true freshman as the number two wide receiver on Clemson next to sophomore Antonio Williams whose eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft. Bryant Wesco Jr. can run 24/30 routes on the route tree and had 3 games where he exceeded 100 receiving yards. He can catch the ball in traffic very good as well and shows traits of a number one wide receiver despite being Clemson's number two wide receiver.
    
    
    
    Drake Maye would have a number one target when Stefon Diggs leaves in Bryant Wesco Jr. He would also have Kyle Williams and some other guys like Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker entering the final year of their rookie deals at wide receiver.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Mikail Kamara, 3-4 ROLB, Indiana
    
    
    
    
23. Houston Texans: Maraad Watson, DT, Texas
    
    
    Houston is going to need another 4-3 defensive tackle at some point in the next two years as most of their defensive tackles are all players that the Texans got in Free Agency with most of the current core of defensive tackles with Sheldon Rankins, Folorunso Fatukasi, Mario Edwards Jr., and Tim Settle all feeling like stop gaps. Maraad Watson showed a lot of promise at Syracuse lining up at 4-3 defensive tackle, 3-4 right end, 3-4 nose tackle, and 3-4 left end. Maraad Watson transferred to Texas in 2025.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 313 lb Maraad Watson had 13 solo tackles, 18 assisted tackles, 31 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 1 quarterback hurry, and 1 deflection from a pass breakup as a true freshman in 2024. Maraad Watson is versatile enough to play anywhere on the defensive line as he is an excellent at shedding blocks. Maraad Watson is also excellent at stopping the run.
    
    
    
    Syracuse didn't use Maraad Watson as much as they could have. He should thrive as the replacement for Alfred Collins at Texas.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Austin Romaine, MLB, Kansas State
    
    
24. Seattle Seahawks: Owen McCown, QB, UTSA
    
    
    Seattle can save $22,700,000 if they move on from Sam Darnold after 2027. If Jalen Milroe doesn't show signs of blossoming into a starter by then, Seattle might draft someone else at quarterback if Sam Darnold does not lead the Seattle Seahawks to a playoff win in the next two years.
    
    
    
    Owen McCown is the son of former NFL quarterback Josh McCown the Minnesota Vikings quarterback coach. Owen McCown is the best quarteback I've seen when throwing into the corners of the end zone since Kyler Murray. You would not be crazy to call Owen a left-handed version of Patrick Mahomes. This guy is easily the best group of five quarterback I've seen in college football since Josh Allen at Wyoming. Multiple people I've talked to Joey, the co host of my podcast and T-Cal a former defensive back both have Owen McCown as the top quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 190 lb Owen McCown had 3,424 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 340 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 3,754 total yards, 28 total touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a 63% completion percentage in his first year as a starting quarterback as a sophomore redshirt supplanting Frank Harris as UTSA's starting quarterback. Owen McCown can make all 6/6 progressions as I saw him do this twice on tape. He can make a 1-step drop, a 3-step drop, a 5-step drop, and a 7-step drop. Only 2 or 3 of his interceptions were on him with other playmakers on UTSA dropping passes. T-Cal compared his accuracy to Aaron Rodgers and his poise to Matthew Stafford which should say something.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Kyle Louis, 3-4 ROLB, Pittsburgh
    
    
    
    
25. Chicago Bears: Logan Fano, LE, Utah
    
    
    In this 2027 NFL Mock Draft, Caleb Williams goes into Seattle and wins his first playoff game in year three. Chicago still needs to draft a defensive end to compliment Montez Sweat. Logan Fano is the older brother of Utah right tackle Spencer Fano.
    
    
    
    Logan Fano has the versatility to play 4-3 right end, 4-3 left end, 3-4 right outside linebacker, and 3-4 left outside linebacker. Logan Fano's versatility to play multiple schemes at pass rusher gives him a shot to be the third defensive end drafted in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 250 lb Logan Fano had 15 solo tackles, 20 assisted tackles, 35 solo tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 4 quarterback hurries, 2.5 sacks, 1 deflection from a pass breakup, and 1 forced fumble as a sophomore redshirt in 2024. Logan Fano has excellent rip and swim moves for a pass rushing defensive end despite not having the production you want in terms of sacks. Logan Fano could crack the back end of the first round if he puts it together during these last two seasons with Utah.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State
    
    
26. Jacksonville Jaguars: Isaac Brown, RB, Louisville
    
    
    Cleveland got Caleb Tiernan with Jacksonville's 2026 first round pick at left tackle. Jacksonville still has their 2027 first round pick though. Travis Etienne might be the only running back on Jacksonville with starter potential. Both Tutin and Tank Bigbsy look like backups in the NFL. Jacksonville drafts a running back that can take pressure off of this passing game complimenting Trevor Lawrence, Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter quite well on offense. Jacksonville might be able to beat Houston in a wild card game, but that's probably the Jaguars ceiling. Jacksonville might win a playoff game so the Jaguars can sell out the stadium they are playing in for the 2027 season before going back to Everbank Stadium with the roof over the stadium once the renovation is complete. Louisville running back Isaac Brown was the ACC Freshman Of The Year in 2024.
    
    
    
    The 5-9 190 lb Isaac Brown had 165 carries, 1,173 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 30 receptions, 152 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown, 195 touches, 1,325 total yards, and 12 total touchdowns as a true freshman in 2024. Isaac Brown has the speed, ball carrier vision, pass blocking, and pass catching you want in an NFL running back.
    
    
    
    Jacksonville probably will not bring back Travis Etienne. This means Jacksonville has to draft a running back in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft or the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft to be their bellcow. The Jaguars might do both by replacing Etienne and Bigsby while keeping all of their running backs on rookie deals.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Caleb Tiernan, LT, Northwestern
    
    
    
    
27. Baltimore Ravens: Nick Marsh, WR, Michigan State
    
    
    Baltimore has Rashod Bateman locked up until 2029. Zay Flowers should get a fifth year tender. A third receiver to compliment these two once DeAndre Hopkins becomes a UFA will be needed in 2027 if none of Baltimore's second team wide receivers can claim the slot receiver job.
    
    
    
    You can also draft a bigger wide receiver by playing him on the outside with Bateman permanently plugging Zay Flowers in the slot. There's a lot you can do, but the bottom line is the Baltimore Ravens draft a third wide receiver in the first round of this 2027 NFL Mock Draft. Michigan State wide receiver Nick Marsh makes the most sense here.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 203 lb Nick Marsh had 41 receptions, 649 receiving yards, and 3 receiving touchdowns in 2024. Nick Marsh ran 22/30 routes on the route tree as a true freshman. Playmakers like Nick Vierling at tight end, Chrishon McCray at wide receiver, and Nick Marsh at wide receiver made things easier for quarterback Aidan Chiles last year.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Ar'Maj Reed-Adams, RG, Texas A&M
    
    
28. Philadelphia Eagles: T.J. Moore, WR, Clemson
    
    
    Philadelphia may draft a slot receiver to compliment their tandem of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith if Johnny Wilson cannot win the slot receiver job when Jahan Dotson becomes a UFA in 2026. Clemson wide receiver T.J. Moore is an excellent route runner that just may crack the first round.
    
    
    
    T.J. Moore is Clemson's slot receiver next to Antonio Williams and Bryant Wescoe Jr. T.J. Moore will be the slot receiver in 2025 before taking over as the number two wide receiver in 2026.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 200 lb T.J. Moore had 45 receptions, 651 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns. T.J. Moore can run 20/30 routes on the route tree.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
    
    
    
    
29. Green Bay Packers: Sammy Brown, ROLB, Clemson
    
    
    I have Green Bay making the 2027 NFC Championship game in the 2026-2027 NFL Season. Green Bay drafts a right outside linebacker that can take over for Quay Walker here. The top outside linebacker in the 2027 NFL Draft is Clemson right outside linebacker Sammy Brown who took over for Trenton Simpson last year.
    
    
    
    Sammy Brown has the versatility to play 4-3 right outside linebacker, 4-3 middle linebacker, 4-3 left outside linebacker, and 3-4 middle linebacker. Sammy Brown had a big freshman season at Clemson and should be a first round pick in 2027.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 235 lb Sammy Brown had 47 solo tackles, 33 assisted tackles, 80 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 5 sacks, 3 deflections from pass breakups, and 2 quarterback hurries as a freshman in 2024. Sammy Brown did a superb job getting a tackle for a loss stopping the run versus North Carolina State.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Kadyn Proctor, LT, Alabama
    
    
30. Kansas City Chiefs: Dominick McKinley, DT, LSU
    
    
    If Omarr Norman-Lott doesn't break out as a starter next to Chris Jones by 2026, Kansas City might draft another defensive tackle to pair with Chris Jones. LSU defensive tackle Dominick McKinley is a star in the making that can sack the quarterback or stop the run. He stood out to me when I watched Garrett Nussmeier versus Oklahoma game film.
    
    
    
    The 6-6 315 lb Dominick McKinley had 4 solo tackles, 3 assisted tackles, 7 total tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, 3 sacks, and 1 quarterback hurry in very limited action in 2025. Dominick's younger brother has committed to LSU for 2026 as Dominick moves from a rotational role to a full-time starter with Brian Kelly being impressed with Dominick McKinley.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Francis Mauigoa, RT, Miami FL
    
    
    
    
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zach Clayton, RT, Middle Tennessee State
    
    
    Tampa Bay drafts a bookend right tackle to Tristan Wirfs after winning the NFC and losing Super Bowl 61 in Los Angeles. Middle Tennessee State offensive tackle Zach Clayton was the only true freshman to start at both left tackle and right tackle in 2024. Middle Tennessee State has also never had a first round pick in the NFL Draft, so history is made here with the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 296 lb Zach Clayton has the pass blocking, pass blocking strength, pass blocking footwork, run blocking, run blocking strength, run blocking footwork, and zone blocking you want in an offensive tackle. Zach Clayton still needs to improve his pancake blocking, pull blocking, and cut blocking despite having the versatility to play both offnesive tackle spots.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Dani Dennis-Sutton, 3-4 ROLB, Penn State
    
    
32. Buffalo Bills: Ryan Wingo, WR, Texas
    
    
    The Buffalo Bills Super Bowl drought ends in this first 2027 NFL Mock Draft after losing the 2025 AFC Championship to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024-2025. Buffalo falls short again this year in 2025, but ultimately Josh Allen finally beats Mahomes in an AFC Championship at New Highmark Stadium which opens in 2026 before Josh Allen wins his first Lombardi Trophy. I have Buffalo going 17-0 in the regular season this upcoming season before losing to Cincinnati my eventual Super Bowl 60 winner in the Divisional Round. I do have Buffalo winning Super Bowl 61 with Josh Allen finally getting his first Super Bowl MVP. Buffalo gets a third receiver to pair with Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman who will be heading into the final year of his rookie deal. Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo was a slot receiver to Isaiah Bond and Matthew Golden as a true freshman. With those two gone, Ryan Wingo has an opportunity to emerge as a number one wide receiver for quarterback Arch Manning. Giving Josh Allen another wide receiver to pair with Shakir and Coleman only keeps Buffalo's Super Bowl window with reigning MVP Josh Allen open until 2030.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 214 lb Ryan Wingo had 29 receptions, 472 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns in 2024. Ryan Wingo was the slot receiver on Texas and he had two draft eligible wide receivers and a draft eligible tight end overshadowing him. Ryan Wingo ran 14/30 routes on the route tree.
    
    
    
    Ryan Wingo will have two seasons of experience as the number one flanker wide receiver to Arch Manning. That alone should get him drafted in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.
    
    
    2026 Draft Pick: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati