Tired of 2026 mock drafts? Meet the 32 future stars who could define the 2027 NFL Draft

Jeremiah Smith headlines the list, while Arch Manning cracks top five but isn't QB1

Blake Brockermeyer

Apr 17, 2026

4:02 pm ET

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8 min read

Imagn Images

Anyone else sick of reading about the same 40 guys everyone has talked about for the last three months? Let's get an early look at one of the most talented draft classes in decades.

The 2027 NFL Draft should be loaded and offer plenty of options at quarterback. Obviously, more players will play their way into this conversation as the season unfolds, but here's my first crack at some names to know.

1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

"Generational talent" is an overused term, but Jeremiah Smith is a unicorn who likely could have gone straight from high school to the NFL. Rare talents like Smith don't come around often, and he has the ability to take over a game every time he touches the football. He has exceptional length and speed, along with the ability to run through defenders after the catch. His presence opens things up for teammates, and when he gets his shots, he delivers.

2. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

It's somewhat puzzling that Dante Moore returned to Eugene despite being a no-brainer top-five pick, but he clearly believes he can improve, and the Ducks return a loaded roster in 2026. Moore plays like a seasoned veteran and throws an accurate ball, completing 72.5% of his passes this season. He looked cool under pressure and delivered in the clutch in numerous games, throwing 24 big-time throws and 24 touchdowns. He can extend plays and create on the move.

3. Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas

An explosive edge rusher who causes major issues for opposing offenses, Colin Simmons finished the year with 11 sacks, 32 hurries and 13.5 TFLs. He's an excellent speed rusher who has improved his counters and can convert speed to power. He's also disruptive against the run and can take over a game if offenses don't account for him with multiple sets of eyes.

4. Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU

The former No. 1 offensive tackle recruit in 2024 is one of the best tackles in the country. Jordan Seaton offers a strong mix of athleticism and technique and is one of the better pass protectors in the country with great feet. His ability to be physical in the trenches is something to monitor closely. He should see a significant uptick in development both in practice against starters and in the SEC gauntlet.

5. Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Arch Manning finished the back half of the season strong and showed massive improvement after a rocky start. He settled in, showing more consistency and growth. His ability to run is a weapon, and 2026 should be the year he puts it all together. Manning threw 24 touchdowns and showed he can deliver the ball on time with good velocity.

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6. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

Leonard Moore boosted his value after an outstanding sophomore season and is one of the better corners in the country. He's an exceptional athlete who plays sticky coverage with consistent technique. Moore has excellent hips, breaks well on the ball and isn't someone you want to test regularly. He finished the year with five interceptions and seven PBUs.

7. Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina

Dylan Stewart is a game-wrecker who must be accounted for on every snap. He's twitchy with length and wins with speed and bend, showing improvement from last season. He finished with 27 hurries, five sacks and 12 TFLs -- subpar production for his talent level -- so expect a big 2026 campaign.

8. Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia

A Georgia staffer told me Ellis Robinson IV had a standout spring and was nearly impossible to complete a pass against. He has the length the NFL covets and does a nice job playing the ball in the air (four interceptions last season). Robinson can play press but excels in zone coverage, showing great instincts. He mirrors routes well and can fill the alley in run support despite a thin frame.

9. Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas

Trevor Goosby has plenty of NFL traits, with ideal size and length, despite only one full season as a starter. He excels in pass protection with good feet and can anchor against speed-to-power, allowing just one sack last season. He flashes physicality in the run game but needs to put it all together in 2026 to have a shot at OT1.

10. David Stone, DT, Oklahoma

David Stone is a physical presence against the run, capable of eating double teams while also disrupting one-on-one matchups. Oklahoma moves its defensive line frequently, and Stone shows excellent lateral quickness, closing quickly on the quarterback while also overpowering linemen.

11. Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Miami

Long and strong, Damon Wilson II has developed his pass-rush repertoire with a blend of speed and power. He finished with nine sacks and 33 hurries and will be a name