SEC poised to dominate 2027 NFL Draft: Arch Manning leads wave of stars ready to break league's Round 1 record

With a loaded class featuring Manning and elite trench talent, the SEC is primed to shatter its own record for first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft

Brad Crawford

Apr 27, 2026

9:48 am ET

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8 min read

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The SEC isn't just trending toward another big first round in the 2027 NFL Draft -- it's barreling toward history with a class defined by former five-stars and developmental home runs second to none nationally. After producing the second-most Day 1 picks last week and a new record 87 total selections, college football's most competitive conference will challenge its own individual record (15 selections in 2021) with the expectation of dominating the opening round.

SEC edge rushers, offensive linemen and defensive backs have been first-round staples for years, and the transfer portal has only increased the consolidation of talent at the top. Volume is enhanced with body types and athletic profiles becoming more uniform across the league, and when evaluators see consistent production against top-tier competition, it carries weight.

Potential preseason No. 1 Texas has its best roster in years and may possess the best players next cycle at four different positions. The expansion additions of the Longhorns and Oklahoma in 2024 have widened the gap with other Power Four leagues in terms of draft strength and is increasing given resources in the NIL era.

The SEC isn't just sending players to the NFL -- it's shaping what pro-ready looks like. And if the current trajectory holds, draft night in 2027 is going to feel like a roll call of the conference.

1. Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Destined to be an eventual first-rounder as soon as he stepped on campus as the top player overall in the 2023 recruiting cycle, Manning's opportunity to walk the stage and embrace Roger Goodell is almost here. He has the frame (6-4, 215), pedigree and skill set numerous quarterback-needy franchises are looking for with the production to back it up after maturing quickly as a first-year starter last fall. The 2026 class was not strong overall at the quarterback spot, but the 2027 group makes up for it.

2. Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas

Simmons doesn't just look like a future first-rounder -- he plays like a sure thing. The Texas pass rusher has already shown the kind of explosive first step and closing speed NFL scouts covet, and by 2027, that ceiling should be fully realized as the best defensive player available. What separates Simmons isn't just production, it's polish. His pass-rush arsenal is advanced for his age, blending power, bend and timing in a way that consistently stresses offensive tackles.

3. Cam Coleman, WR, Texas

Texas continues to stockpile elite offensive talent, and Coleman's blend of size, body control and catch-radius makes him a matchup problem defenses struggle to solve. He's not just a jump-ball specialist; his route-running is more refined than most receivers his age, and he understands how to create separation at all three levels. What will push Coleman into the top 10 just behind Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith at the position is consistency against top-tier competition. In the SEC, wideouts either produce or get exposed. Coleman's physicality and ball skills suggest he'll thrive in the Texas passing game, especially in contested situations where Manning will provide an opportunity to go get it.

4. Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina

At South Carolina, Stewart's been identified as a cornerstone piece, and his combination of length, burst and raw power gives him a high ceiling off the edge. The former five-star isn't just winning on athleticism -- his motor runs hot, and that shows up in pursuit and second-effort plays that evaluators notice. What will elevate Stewart into possible top-five territory is refinement and a positive medical check. He missed spring practice with a back injury that will be monitored throughout his junior season. His flashes of disruption are what NFL teams covet, and he's a talent who has already proven to set the edge against the run and collapse the pocket.

5. David Stone, DL, Oklahoma

Stone anchors the Sooners' defensive front with a rare blend of power, leverage and initial quickness that's tough to handle inside. Stone doesn't just occupy space; he collapses pockets, forcing quarterbacks off their spot and creating opportunities for others. What stands out is his ability to win with technique as well as strength. His hand placement and pad level are already advanced, and that typically translates into early production. In the SEC, interior linemen are tested snap after snap, and Stone has the frame and stamina to hold up against the run while still providing pass-rush juice.

6. Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU

Another talented LSU starter, Seaton comes to Baton Rouge from Colorado as a former five-star anchor of the program. He's got the fram