2027 NFL Draft Prospect Big Board: Way-Too-Early Look at Top 25 Prospects

As we enter the 2027 NFL Draft cycle, scouts and executives are incredibly excited about the upcoming class. After a 2026 draft that generally lacked high-end talent at premium positions, the league is significantly more optimistic about this 2027 class. From numerous quarterbacks to a potentially generational prospect, the early indications are extremely promising.

Our summer scouting series has been in full-swing as we deliver our way-too-early top 25 big board. Before unveiling our rankings, a reminder that the upcoming college football campaign will change a significant portion of what we think we know. Fernando Mendoza, Cam Ward, and Joe Burrow are recent No. 1 overall picks that didn't make many preseason shortlists before breaking out.

Five quarterbacks made our initial top 25 rankings. This class of quarterbacks promises to deliver more first-round prospects than its predecessor did. However, the shortlist begins with a generational wide receiver and an elite cornerback.

2027 NFL Draft Cycle: Way-Too-Early Top 25 Prospect Rankings

1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State (6-3, 225)

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is the type of prospect the term "generational" should be reserved for. The Buckeyes standout possesses elite explosiveness for his size. Smith is a nuanced route runner who accelerates with ease. He is downright dominant at the catch point, successfully using his frame to out-position defenders. He also has rare body control when making mid-air adjustments. He's among the greatest receiving prospects in NFL Draft history.

2. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame (6-2, 195)

Notre Dame's Leonard Moore is arguably the greatest cornerback prospect since the 2022 draft gave us Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. The Fighting Irish defender is listed at 6-2, 197. He possesses the length and athleticism required to disrupt receivers. Moore displayed ball skills by registering five interceptions last year. He's an elite, blue-chip cornerback prospect.

3. Arch Manning, QB, Texas (6-4, 219)

Texas' Arch Manning is arguably dealing with the most pressure any quarterback prospect has ever encountered. The weight of his last name places everything he does under a microscope. A first-year starter in 2025, Manning started slow, but began putting it together late. He possesses a compact release and is a plus-level athlete when maneuvering or escaping pressure. The arm talent is exceptional, and he began throwing the football with better anticipation last year. Efficiency and consistency are among the 2026 goals.

4. Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas (6-3, 245)

Colin Simmons is an incredibly explosive pass rusher who has already been productive. Simmons has notched 21 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss as a freshman and sophomore. He's a rare athlete, but he's also a nuanced rusher who possesses a high-level understanding of hand usage and details. He has game-wrecking potential.

5. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon (6-3, 206)

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore would have been a top-two selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, but decided to return to school. He was among the elite quarterbacks in college football last season, throwing for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while completing 71.8% of his attempts. Moore distributes the football effectively and his mechanics are always in sync, with a natural throwing motion and crisp footwork. He's legitimately in the running to be the No. 1 overall selection as this class' QB1.

6. Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina (6-5, 250)

South Carolina EDGE Dylan Stewart was productive as a true freshman, recording 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. Stewart displays elite get-off, flexibility, and closing speed to finish in the pocket. The Gamecocks defender has the combination of length, explosiveness, and size teams covet in pass rushers. He'll compete for the No. 1 edge spot in the draft with Simmons.

7. Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU (6-5, 307)

Jordan Seaton started 22 games at Colorado over the previous two seasons and transferred to LSU this summer as the top-ranked offensive tackle in the portal. Seaton showcases patience in pass protection with impressive upper-body strength. His base is powerful to anchor. He's the current favorite among scouts we polled to be the first offensive tackle drafted in 2027.

8. Cam Coleman, WR, Texas (6-3, 210)

Cam Coleman is an above-the-rim wide receiver with the capability to embarrass defensive backs at the catch point. What makes him a potentially special prospect is that he also possesses the athleticism and footwork of a much smaller receiver. He's a quick accelerator who creates immediate separation. Coleman registered 708 yards and five touchdowns at Auburn last season. After transferring to Texas earlier this offseason, he should thrive as Manning's go-to receiver in 2026.

9. Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss (6-3, 315)

Will Echoles was downright dominant throughout his first season as a starter for Ole Miss, registering 68 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, and five sacks. Echoles is a powerful pass rusher on tape. Despite being 19 years old, the Houston, Mississippi native already doubles as a stout run defender in the trenches.

10. Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas (6-7, 325)

Texas' Trevor Goosby possesses every trait required to continue developing into a high-level pass protector. All of the natural gifts are present, including length and athleticism. With Manning at quarterback, there will be a spotlight on Goosby's play every single week in the SEC. He has a strong opportunity to be the first offensive tackle drafted next April.

11. David Stone, DT, Oklahoma (6-3, 315)

David Stone is another explosive defensive tackle prospect. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound interior defender recorded 42 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss throughout the 2025 campaign. Stone is an impactful run stopper, and he's improving as a pass rusher, proven by his 26 pressures in 2025.

12. Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia (6-0, 180)

Ellis Robinson IV displayed terrific potential as a first-year starter in 2025. The Georgia cornerback possesses impressive length that he effectively uses to combat routes on the boundary, squeezing receivers to the sideline. Robinson has excellent footwork and he's already flashed ball skills with four interceptions in 2025.

13. CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame (6-2, 215)

Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr possesses natural arm talent. When playing on schedule, his upper-body mechanics are consistently in sync with his lower half. Carr thrived as a first-year starter in 2025, throwing for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns. The next step in his development is learning how to play under control with more consistency when the pocket collapses.

14. Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon (6-5, 257)

Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson is a mammoth man. Unsurprisingly, his size is a massive asset at the catch point, where he thrives in traffic with vacuum-sealed hands. Johnson moves incredibly smoothly for his frame, and projects to have an extremely productive campaign for the Ducks with Kenyon Sadiq off to the NFL.

15. KJ Bolden, S, Georgia (6-0, 195)

Georgia safety KJ Bolden is an experienced defender who is entering his third season as a starter. The Bulldogs standout is extremely instinctive, both in coverage and as a run defender. Bolden has accumulated 125 tackles and three interceptions in two campaigns. He's also versatile enough to play nickel.

16. A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon (6-3, 330)

We had a first-round grade on Oregon defensive tackle A'Mauri Washington during the last pre-draft cycle before he decided to return to school. He arguably possesses the best get-off of any interior prospect in this class. Washington moves incredibly well for his massive size. He resets the line of scrimmage.

17. Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana (6-4, 204)

Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker recorded just 34 receptions last season, but for 679 yards and four touchdowns while averaging an explosive 20 yards per catch. With Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. no longer preventing him from being a higher-volume target, scouts are projecting a massive step forward for Becker, who flashed down the stretch of the National Championship-winning season. He's an excellent contested catch winner with elite tracking skills.

18. Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State (6-1, 208)

Julian Sayin did not disappoint in his first season as a starter, throwing for 3,610 passing yards and 32 touchdowns to eight interceptions. The Ohio State signal caller distributes the football efficiently and accurately. Sayin completed a nation-leading 77% of his passing attempts last season. Scouts have questions about his arm talent and size, but he's currently trending to be a first-round quarterback.

19. Tae Johnson, S, Notre Dame (6-2, 200)

Notre Dame safety Tae Johnson is just entering his redshirt sophomore year in 2026, but already carries the look of a potential first-round safety. He was outstanding for the Fighting Irish last season, notching four interceptions and seven pass breakups. Johnson displays impressive range on the back end.

20. Justin Scott, DT, Miami (6-4, 303)

Miami defensive tackle Justin Scott has made just nine career starts, but the upside is undeniable. He's extremely explosive with first-step quickness off the snap. Scott has already flashed a dual-threat skill set as a pass rusher and run stopper. He registered 6.5 TFLs for the Hurricanes last season, and should increase his sack production this year.

21. Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama (6-0, 190)

Alabama cornerback Zabien Brown is extremely physical and willing when coming downhill in run support. He also showcased playmaking ability in 2025 by returning both of his interceptions for pick-six touchdowns. Brown was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, and is showing the early signs of living up to his billing.

22. Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon (6-5, 270)

Matayo Uiagalelei is a throwback defensive end at approximately 270 pounds. As a prospect, he'll remind scouts of Arik Armstead and Keldric Faulk as a lengthy 5-technique who dominates on early run-stopping downs. Uiagalelei is also an improving pass rusher. He registered six sacks last year (9.5 in 2024) and has a lethal cross chop.

23. Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State (6-3, 195)

Pro Football Focus credited Mississippi State cornerback Kelley Jones with allowing a completion rate of just 28.9% last season (38 targets, 11 catches). Jones is a big and long cornerback who is extremely disruptive at the catch point. He had two interceptions in addition to nine pass breakups.

24. Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State (6-3, 215)

Drew Mestemaker picked apart defenses last season, throwing for an FBS-high 4,379 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Mestemaker followed coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State, where he'll play on much bigger stages in 2026. Morris has quarterbacks like Cam Ward, Patrick Mahomes, and Baker Mayfield on his resume. He may have another first-round quarterback on his hands.

25. Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida (6-0, 228)

There's a three-man race for RB1 in the 2027 NFL Draft between Jadan Baugh, Kewan Lacy, and Ahmad Hardy. We're giving the early edge to Baugh, who enjoyed a breakout campaign at Florida in 2025 by rushing for 1,170 yards and eight touchdowns. The Gators standout projects as a potential three-down back in the NFL with a patient skill set that features vision, toughness, and contact balance.

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