2027 NFL Mock Draft
Now that I’ve watched 200 players eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft, it’s time for my one and only summer mock draft. The order is based on my 2026-27 season predictions which you can read and probably hate here but really, this should be more about how I view these players heading into the CFB season and not just giving you the same 32 players you see in every mock draft.
Note: All the cutups below and more can be found on my X @Anthony_Russo97
1. Las Vegas Raiders - WR Jeremiah Smith - Ohio State
Fernando Mendoza is the future but I’m not sure how much we will even see him this year. Pair that with a tough division, completely new football identity and some big roster holes and you have the recipe for picking 1st overall two years in a row.
I will continue to say if any WR deserves to break Keyshawn Johnson’s mark as the last WR to go 1st overall all the way back in 1996, it’s Smith. Size, physicality, speed, and technique all rolled into one, Smith should continue to impress this year in Columbus and maintain his status as potentially the best player in the draft. He’d be Mendoza’s top target on day one and yes that’s even with Brock Bowers.
2. Arizona Cardinals - QB Dante Moore - Oregon
The Cardinals didn’t bite on Ty Simpson and are firmly in the hunt for a QB in 2027. The choice between Moore and Arch Manning doesn’t really have a wrong answer at this point but I continue to give the edge to Moore.
He would’ve been drafted 2nd overall had he declared this past season. Now he has a chance to get through progressions quicker and show he can deliver in big time games, but he’s incredibly accurate downfield, very poised and can make big plays off-platform.
3. New York Jets - QB Arch Manning - Texas
The Jets are all in on this draft class with this being the first of three first round picks. Geno Smith is not a long term solution at QB regardless of how he plays and whether or not Aaron Glenn proves he actually can be an NFL head coach.
Manning would’ve likely been a first round pick because of his impressive tools and athleticism even with inconsistencies in his tape. There’s no reason to believe he can’t clean that up and cement himself as QB1 this season as the team around him improves and we collectively (at least a little bit) temper expectations.
4. New York Jets (via IND) - IDL David Stone - Oklahoma
Moving Quinnen Williams made a ton of sense for a rebuild and I’m definitely a T’Vondre Sweat believer. The interior d-line still needs more talent and juice to push opposing pockets consistently.
Stone is insanely gifted with over 34 inch arms, a well built frame and impressive twitch for his size. He needs to show consistency but the ceiling is as high as about any defensive tackle prospect you could have.
5. Atlanta Falcons - QB Jayden Maiava - USC
The reality is if Atlanta picks here, Tua Tagavailoa and Michael Penix probably didn’t deliver enough and it’s time for Kevin Stefanski to handpick his next QB.
I likely am one of very few putting Maiava in this kind of draft range but right now he’s QB3 on my board and is just within good enough value of being taken here. He’s a big strong passer who makes impressive tight window throws with an effortless release. Yes he can be a bit reckless and sails some throws but I would say he’s easily among the best pure passers in CFB.
6. Cleveland Browns - CB Leonard Moore - Notre Dame
Maybe just maybe Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders will flash enough with new coach Todd Monken to give Cleveland reason to not draft a QB. I don’t believe that will happen but there’s not really a QB I’m comfortable slotting here.
So instead, the Browns add Moore who could very well be their new defensive cornerstone. Moore is far and away the best CB on my board right now. He’s got length, athleticism, ball skills and stickiness to win against the NFL’s best.
7. New York Giants - WR Cam Coleman - Texas
I’m far from convinced Jaxson Dart is a long term franchise QB but even I can acknowledge his receiving corps past Malik Nabers (coming off a major injury) is far from ideal.
Coleman would be a WR1 prospect in a majority of draft classes but even though he’s behind Smith for me, he’s still a damn good football player. He’s big but moves very well for his size with impressive ability to sink his hips and break on routes. He and Nabers would immediately form one of the most impressive WR duos.
8. Miami Dolphins - EDGE Colin Simmons - Texas
The amount of flack I’ve gotten for not putting Miami higher in the draft order is understandable but I do think Jeff Hafley and Malik Willis raise the floor of this team. Regardless, Miami really just needs to add really good football players wherever they pick.
Simmons is the best pass rusher prospect for me. His explosiveness and anticipation are second to none along with some solid speed to power. He’d be really fun to pair with Chop Robinson and could immediately be a double digit sack guy for Hafley’s defense.
9. Minnesota Vikings - LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa - Notre Dame
I just have so many questions about what this offense will look like with some version of Kyler Murray or JJ McCarthy at QB but what I do know is Andrew Van Ginkel is a soon-to-be free agent and the Vikings could use more second level playmakers.
If he stays healthy, KVA could have a rise similar to Arvell Reese as a linebacker/EDGE hybrid who would give Minnesota a menace at the second level to pair with budding star Dallas Turner. And who knows, maybe Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman is the Vikings coach this time next year.
10. Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Trevor Goosby - Texas
The Jaguars feel like the first team so far that I’m particularly lower on than most people. They won 13 games last year but their schedule is really rough and I’m a bit worried the offense will take a step back. One question on offense is the tackle spots. Cole Van Lanen is coming off injury and Anton Harrison and Chuma Edoga don’t give me a ton of confidence as of now.
I think Goosby has a higher ceiling at tackle than any of them and would give the Jags a franchise left tackle they haven’t had in quite some time. He’s got an ideal frame with a solid anchor plus well timed and strong strikes. Expect him to shine as Arch Manning’s blindside blocker.
11. Carolina Panthers - TE Jamari Johnson - Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq was one of the most popular mock draft selections for the Panthers leading up to this past draft but the Panthers did not address the TE position in a meaningful way.
Here they get Sadiq’s former teammate Johnson who is a much more all-around solid TE prospect in terms of what he brings as a blocker at the line of scrimmage as well as a bigger catch target downfield. He should have a chance to prove he can be a true TE1 this year with Dante Moore returning.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - IDL Will Echoles - Ole Miss
Funny enough, this pick was written up just as news broke Vita Vea was requesting a trade. Regardless of Vea’s future, the Bucs severely lack a consistent interior threat especially with Calijah Kancey’s injury history.
If you want to know why I’m a big fan of Echoles, watch him put a whooping on Georgia. He’s got impressive hand usage combined with natural leverage and solid athleticism that can play in whatever defensive situation the Bucs find themselves in.
13. Tennessee Titans - OT Jordan Seaton - LSU
The Titans stand to improve this year with new HC Robert Saleh improving the defense and Cam Ward hopefully getting better with the help of Brian Daboll. They do still have serious questions for me at the tackle spots.
Seaton is a dynamic mover and that was before he lost about 20-25 pounds this offseason. He flashes impressive reach and quickness for his former 330 pound frame and showed no sign he couldn’t live up to his high school hype.
14. Washington Commanders - OG Cayden Green - Missouri
Chris Paul is on a one-year deal and Sam Cosmi has had a devastating injury history recently. And without a reliable offensive line, Jayden Daniels just won’t succeed.
Green will play LT for Missouri this season but his home in the NFL will be at guard. He’s a people mover in the run game and is light on his feet for how big and powerful he is. He’d form a frightening tandem with Laremy Tunsil.
15. Detroit Lions - EDGE Dylan Stewart - South Carolina
Until I see a consistent edge defender opposite Aidan Hutchinson and Hutchinson can stay completely healthy for a full season, I’m going to say they need one.
Stewart has the talent to have been long gone by now but a back injury hampered him and made him look pedestrian against strong competition. I need to see a full year of Stewart playing at a high level but there’s no denying he has ideal length and explosion to be a difference maker.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers - QB Katin Houser - Illinois
This is Aaron Rodgers final season, Mason Rudolph isn’t a viable future option and Will Howard has yet to do anything meaningful in an NFL game.
Houser is joining Illinois after a really solid season at ECU. Yes he’ll need to prove himself in the Big Ten but he’s well built at a verified 6’3’’ 226 pounds and has velocity and accuracy to make tight window throws and attack the middle of the field.
17. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Nick Marsh - Indiana
Could Cyrus Allen be the future of the WR room? Possibly but until further notice, the Chiefs still need a WR1 and I have to believe eventually the Chiefs will get Patrick Mahomes the WR1 he deserves.
Marsh felt like a victim of circumstance in the Michigan State offense and he unquestionably has talent. He does need to fight through contact better and be more willing to attack the ball.
18. San Francisco 49ers - OC Kade Pieper - Iowa
The 49ers are staring down several free agent contracts on the interior of the offensive line, which could stand to be upgraded anyway.
Pieper is an high effort offensive lineman who climbs to the second level at an exceptional rate. He moves to center this season which I believe is his long term home and he’d thrive in Shanahan’s zone heavy scheme.
19. Cincinnati Bengals - SAF Dashawn Spears - LSU
I love the acquisition of Dexter Lawrence and I expect him to be a huge difference maker to improve the Bengals unit. However, the secondary still needs a lot of work and why not go back to the LSU well?
Spears is a top level athlete who is aggressive as a tackler and run defender but also can eat up space and make plays in coverage. He needs more playing time to reach his potential but I believe he has a very high ceiling.
20. New York Jets (via DAL) - LB Sammy Brown - Clemson
Demario Davis can’t play forever though I’m getting less confident in that sentence. Outside of Davis, the linebacker depth for the Jets is very shabby.
Brown brings high IQ and high level physicality to the linebacker position. He has solid size and can step into a very similar role that Davis will have in the defense.
21. Buffalo Bills - IDL A’Mauri Washington - Oregon
The Bills defense faces a bit of a reckoning now with Jim Leonhard joining as DC and replacing Sean McDermott as the team’s defensive mind.
Washington was someone I thought could declare for the 2026 draft but I’m glad is returning to Oregon to improve his technique. He is one of the most athletically gifted players you’ll ever see at 330 pounds and pairs nicely with Ed Oliver.
22. Philadelphia Eagles - OT Trevor Lauck - Iowa
The Eagles definitely need to think about Lane Johnson’s replacement but the interior also has some questions after last season between both injuries and consistency.
One of the beauties of drafting Lauck is he will immediately upgrade the offensive line whether he sticks at tackle or kicks inside. He’s a solid player with well placed hands and reliable pass sets and would really benefit from Philly’s push to run more zone scheme concepts.
23. Houston Texans - RB Kewan Lacy - Ole Miss
I like me some David Montgomery but the key word there is “some”. Can he and Woody Marks form a good enough RB duo? Sure, but I think Houston should find themselves a better backfield difference maker.
Lacy had a remarkable season with 24 touchdowns for Ole Miss. He has quickness and burst to win in tight quarters with breakaway speed as well as some solid blocking reps. Whatever happens with CJ Stroud, Lacy can be the focal point of an NFL offense
24. New Orleans Saints - IDL Justin Scott - Miami
I’m very bullish on the Saints despite some of my lingering reservations with Tyler Shough. I’m also bullish on Christen Miller but Cameron Jordan will be gone soon and Bryan Bresee just suffered a season ending injury.
Scott would be a really exciting piece in the middle of the Saints d-line with plenty of power to hold the point of attack and is just scratching the surface of his pass rush potential.
25. Los Angeles Chargers - EDGE Yhonzae Pierre - Alabama
I’m certainly an Akheem Mesidor fan but the Chargers still need to invest in their pass rush room with 35-year-old Khalil Mack likely heading towards either retirement or a drop in production soon.
The cousin of Courtney Upshaw, Pierre is a solid pass rusher with a really effective inside jab step and can also win with strong swipes and chops that give him a reliable day one floor.
26. Dallas Cowboys (via GB) - WR Devin McCuin - Ohio State
Who knows what George Pickens long-term future is in Dallas but I’m perfectly fine giving Dallas another weapon either way barring an unforeseen Ryan Flournoy or Kavontae Turpin breakout season.
For my money, McCuin can play inside or outside despite being a smaller receiver. He’s got legit start-stop quickness that morphs into field stretching speed and a reliable catch frame. He can easily have a huge season with the Buckeyes even with Jeremiah Smith and Chris Henry Jr. Doesn’t hurt McCuin was also born two hours from Dallas.
27. Seattle Seahawks - SAF KJ Bolden - Georgia
How could this possibly be a defensive player I hear you ask. Well the Seahawks just lost Coby Bryant and have a couple free agents at safety at the end of the season.
Bolden is a really solid safety prospect with high level instincts and tackling ability. He feels like a plug and play starter for the Seahawks that can do a variety of things in Mike Macdonald’s defense.
28. Denver Broncos - LB Ray Coney - Texas A&M
If there’s a sticking point with the Broncos defense it’s the linebacking corps. Right now, the room lacks depth and support behind the pass rush led by Nik Bonitto.
I’m expecting Coney to fully translate his productive play at Tulsa to the SEC as part of the Aggies. He’s an attack-minded physical tackler who has some nice range and burst.
29. Baltimore Ravens - TE Zack Marshall - Michigan
Mark Andrews is on the wrong side of 30 and injuries have slowed him down quite a bit and the Ravens are now without Isaiah Likely. New coach Jesse Minter very well may take inspiration from mentor Jim Harbaugh and feel the need to add a Michigan TE.
Marshall was actually recruited by Harbaugh and I believe he could be a breakout player for the Wolverines this season. He’s flashed exciting athleticism and receiving ability in limited opportunities and if the QB play can be more consistent, he could remind people of Colston Loveland.
30. Cleveland Browns (via LAR) - QB Trinidad Chambliss - Ole Miss
Can’t imagine that most Cleveland fans are going to love this pick and maybe I’ll regret this come January, but I just can’t help but want to buy in to Trinidad Chambliss.
Yes he’s small. Yes his legal battle with the NCAA was obnoxious. But the dude was just making play after play last year in the SEC after he wasn’t even the week 1 starter. He’s a solid athlete who is a great improviser and can attack the middle of the field.
31. New England Patriots - OG Evan Tengesdahl - Cincinnati
I truly am rooting for Alijah Vera-Tucker (even on the Patriots) but the reality is he’s had several brutal injuries and Mike Onwenu just probably shouldn’t be a starter.
Tengesdahl feels like a natural fit in the Patriots offense with displacing power and experience across the interior o-line that could give them some needed flexibility up front.
32. Chicago Bears - OT Melvin Siani - Texas
Braxton Jones is in a prove it season heading towards free agency at the end of the year and I’m airing on the side of the Bears will want an upgrade at offensive tackle.
Siani impresses with a quick first step and some advanced hand usage. He also has quality starting experience at both tackle spots, a very valuable skill in the NFL.