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2027 NFL Mock Draft: The Athletic’s Complete 1st Round Pick Predictions

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

You Tell Us! Who Goes No. 1 Overall in the 2027 NFL Draft?
Step into the War Room: Rate the 2027 Mock Draft

We’ve officially laid down Dane Brugler's initial 32-player blueprint for the 2027 class, but now it's your turn to play general manager and judge the board!

The QB Debate: Is Arch Manning a lock to go No. 1 overall to the Cardinals, or would you take Oregon's Dante Moore or Notre Dame's CJ Carr ahead of the Texas star?

The Skill Weapon Steal: Which wideout in the top 10, Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith at No. 2 or Texas' Cam Coleman at No. 6, will have the bigger rookie impact in the NFL?

The First-Round Bargain: Which player late in the first round, like Missouri's physical runner Ahmad Hardy (#29) or Clemson's edge disruptor Will Heldt (#30), is going to prove to be the ultimate steal of the draft?

Sound off in the comments with your favorite picks and early 2027 draft sleepers!
The Athletic's 2027 NFL Mock Draft
Way-Too-Early Blueprint: The Athletic's 2027 NFL Mock Draft Breakdown

The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, rookie minicamps are wrapped, and teams are grinding through summer preparations. But for true draft nerds, the evaluation cycle never actually stops. Draft guru Dane Brugler over at The Athletic just dropped his early 2027 NFL Mock Draft projection, and it is loaded with blue-chip heavyweights, franchise-altering quarterbacks, and electric perimeter playmakers.

With elite prospects like Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith, and Dante Moore ready to dominate college football Saturdays, next spring’s draft class has all the makings of a legendary group.

We audited Brugler's master board and broke down all 32 first-round picks with our own tactical spin paired directly with The Athletic’s official scouting notes. Here is how the 2027 first round could fall.
32. Los Angeles Rams: Ryan Coleman-Williams
Wide Receiver | Alabama

Sean McVay's passing offense is built around explosive playmakers who can turn quick touches into massive chunk plays in the open field. Coleman-Williams possesses elite speed and game-breaking athleticism that can light up a scoreboard in the blink of an eye. If he sharpens his hands at the catch point, LA gets another terrifying perimeter weapon to bully the NFC.

"Coleman-Williams has electric ability that will get him into the first round if he shows improved concentration to be a better finisher at the catch point."
31. Buffalo Bills: David Stone
Defensive Tackle | Oklahoma

Interior defensive linemen with explosive first-step quickness and natural flexibility jump off the game tape almost immediately. Stone showed flashes of absolute dominance along Oklahoma's front, penetrating interior gaps and wrecking plays before they could materialize. Adding a disruptive interior presence like Stone to Buffalo's defense gives their defense a serious shot of adrenaline up front.

"The Sooners rely on a heavy rotation along the defensive line, but Stone consistently jumped off the film when studying the 2025 Oklahoma defense."
30. Seattle Seahawks: Will Heldt
Edge Rusher | Clemson

Mike Macdonald's defensive scheme relies heavily on physical edge rushers who can set a hard edge against the run while generating organic pressure on third downs. Heldt proved to be an absolute game-wrecker up front, consistently shedding blocks and making disruptive plays in the backfield. Seattle adding Heldt's non-stop motor to their pass rush makes total sense.

"NFL teams focused on the Clemson defensive line last season to watch Peter Woods and T.J. Parker, but Heldt (a Purdue transfer) was the most consistent disruptor on the Tigers’ front."
29. Baltimore Ravens: Ahmad Hardy
Running Back | Missouri

The Ravens' offensive identity will always center around physical, punishing run schemes that wear opposing defenses down over four quarters. Hardy is a violent, contact-seeking runner who has put up staggering production across his collegiate stops by averaging over six yards a pop. Putting Hardy in Baltimore's backfield is a scary thought for the rest of the AFC North.

"With his physical run style, Hardy rushed for exactly 3,000 combined yards over his first two seasons in college (2024 at Louisiana-Monroe, 2025 at Missouri), and he averaged 6.4 yards per carry last season for the Tigers."
28. Los Angeles Chargers: T.J. Moore
Wide Receiver | Clemson

Jim Harbaugh loves physical wideouts who aren't afraid to block in the run game and bully cornerbacks at the catch point downfield. Moore brings a big-bodied 6-3 frame with reliable hands and rapidly improving route-running technique that makes him a quarterback's best friend. Giving Justin Herbert a physical boundary threat like Moore is a match made in football heaven.

"Listed at 6-3, 205, Moore is a physical presence with strong hands and improved route running. He can land in the early-round mix."
27. San Francisco 49ers: Iapani Laloulu
Center | Oregon

Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking system demands interior linemen who move smoothly in space while bringing plenty of functional anchor strength. Laloulu is an absolute rock in the middle of Oregon's line, executing combination blocks effortlessly and anchoring cleanly against powerful nose tackles. San Francisco securing their long-term center solution here keeps their offensive machine humming smoothly.

"The fifth Oregon prospect in this mock, Laloulu enters next season as one of the top projected interior linemen in the draft class."
26. Kansas City Chiefs: Ty Benefield
Safety | LSU

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo loves long, versatile safeties who can fly downhill to stop the run and range back to erase deep passes. Benefield is a tackling machine who racked up over 100 stops by playing with relentless diagnostic speed and elite length. Plugging a physical playmaker like Benefield into Kansas City's secondary is almost unfair to the rest of the AFC.

"A Boise State transfer, Benefield is a tall, long defender who topped 100 tackles last season, while making plays both downhill and in reverse."
25. New England Patriots: Damon Wilson II
Edge Rusher | Miami

Replacing lost production along the defensive line isn't easy, but Wilson possesses the raw athletic tools to become a household name in a hurry. He showed off a twitchy get-off and polished bend while racking up nine sacks at Missouri before taking his talents to South Beach. New England would love adding a high-motored edge rusher like Wilson to its defensive blueprint.

"Missouri’s leader in sacks last season with nine, Wilson has the unenviable task of filling the shoes of Bain and Mesidor — but he has the talent to make a name for himself."
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Teitum Tuioti
Edge Rusher | Oregon

Howie Roseman's obsession with stocking up on relentless, high-motor pass rushers is a well-documented NFL art form. Tuioti was an absolute menace on Oregon's front line, combining high-octane closing speed with a physical edge that sets the tone on every snap. Dropping him into Philly's defensive rotation would keep their front seven terrifyingly deep.

"It was hard to study the Oregon defense last season without seeing No. 44 disrupting plays, using his blend of strength and swarming speed."
23. Detroit Lions: Jayden Maiava
Quarterback | USC

When you play quarterback for Lincoln Riley at USC, the spotlight is burning hot, and the NFL draft hype follows quickly. Maiava has all the arm strength and off-script playmaking ability to turn heads across the league during his upperclassman campaign. Detroit snatching a high-upside passer to groom behind their veteran core is a classic forward-thinking move.

"Despite losing Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, Maiava is in a situation to become a Heisman contender and push for a spot in the first round."
22. Houston Texans: Jadan Baugh
Running Back | Florida

Running backs who combine heavy, downhill power with legitimate home-run speed are making a massive comeback in first-round draft discussions. Baugh is a punishing runner who absorbs contact easily while bringing essential value as a pass protector and receiver on third downs. Houston adding a bell-cow back like Baugh would give C.J. Stroud the ultimate offensive security blanket.

"The first running back off the board in this mock, Baugh brings size, strength and quickness to the position. He averaged 5.3 yards per carry last season and made his presence felt on third downs."
21. Denver Broncos: Ellis Robinson IV
Cornerback | Georgia

Locking down half the field in the SEC as a young defensive back requires supreme confidence and elite technical skill. Robinson showed off his ball-hawk instincts early by picking off four passes and displaying the fluid hips needed to stick with elite receivers. Denver adding another lockdown cover man to their secondary would make their defense flat-out scary.

"A Freshman All-American last season, Robinson tied for the SEC lead last season with four interceptions and shows the physical traits that could make him a first-rounder."
20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB): Nick Marsh
Wide Receiver | Indiana

The Cowboys love adding physically imposing wide receivers who can win outside and create chunk plays after the catch. Marsh brings a big-bodied frame to the field, giving his quarterback a massive target who isn't afraid to work the tough intermediate areas. Adding him alongside Dallas' current weapons would make their passing attack deeply dangerous.

"A transfer from Michigan State, Marsh (6-3, 215) is a good-sized athlete with playmaking potential."
19. New York Jets (from DAL): Will Echoles
Defensive Tackle | Ole Miss

Finding 315-pound interior defensive linemen who move with the agility of an edge rusher is an absolute rarity. Echoles lives in the opponent's backfield, using explosive leverage and violent hand placement to blow up interior run schemes before they even start. The Jets, armed with three first-rounders, can stack up scary defensive depth by landing Echoles.

"A smooth-moving big man at 6-3, 315, Echoles frequently made trips to the backfield last season. He is just scratching the surface of his ability."
18. Chicago Bears: Kelley Jones
Cornerback | Mississippi State

Cornerbacks built like tall safety hybrids who can still run with 4.3 speed are the ultimate cheat code for defensive coordinators. Jones brings rare physical length to the boundary, making it nearly impossible for quarterbacks to throw back-shoulder fades over his head. The Bears love physical secondary weapons, and Jones fits their defensive identity seamlessly.

"Listed at 6-4, Jones has rare speed and ability for a player his size, which will draw obvious attention from NFL teams."
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Jacarrius Peak
Offensive Tackle | South Carolina

Protecting the franchise quarterback is always priority No. 1 in Cincinnati, and finding raw tackle talent with blue-chip upside is key. Peak is a massive offensive lineman who possesses natural strength and explosive power in his hands. With another year of SEC coaching to clean up his technique, he has all the tools to become a dominant NFL starter.

"A transfer from NC State, Peak isn’t the most polished lineman, but his talent is clear. Scouts will be watching his situation closely to see if he takes the next step in his development."
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: KJ Bolden
Safety | Georgia

Safety play in today's NFL demands total versatility, from erasing slot receivers in coverage to coming downhill and blowing up ball-carriers in the run game. Bolden plays with an unhinged motor and elite football instincts that allow him to be everywhere on the field at once. Jacksonville adding a playmaker of his caliber would immediately transform their secondary.

"The top-ranked safety at this point in the process, Bolden lacks ideal size, but he makes plays in the run game and in coverage (he also had a blocked punt in 2025)."
15. New York Jets (from IND): CJ Carr
Quarterback | Notre Dame

Having multiple first-round picks gives the Jets the luxury to take a calculated swing on a high-upside franchise signal-caller. Carr showed incredible poise and high-level arm talent during his redshirt freshman campaign in South Bend. If he takes another major leap forward this fall, New York might just lock down their long-term quarterback solution right here.

"The Jets are set to pick three times in next year’s first round, and there’s an extremely high probability they use one of those picks on a quarterback. Carr produced promising tape as a redshirt freshman."
14. Washington Commanders: Ahmad Moten Sr.
Defensive Tackle | Miami

When the games get biggest, elite interior disruptors step up and completely alter the line of scrimmage. Moten proved he can deliver on the grandest stage, anchoring Miami's front with relentless power and surprising interior quickness during their national championship run. Dan Quinn would have a field day plugging a game-wrecker like Moten right into the heart of his defensive front.

"While Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor made their presence known, Moten was the Hurricanes’ most impactful defensive lineman in the national championship game. If he builds off that performance, you can pencil him in for the first round next April."
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jamari Johnson
Tight End | Oregon

Modern NFL offenses crave tight ends who can stretch the seam like a wide receiver while bringing enough functional block strength to stick in the run game. Johnson is a mismatch nightmare who operates with smooth athleticism and reliable hands in high-traffic areas. The Bucs grabbing another weapon to attack intermediate zone defenses would make their offense absurdly fun to watch.

"Kenyon Sadiq was the Ducks’ top tight end last season, but it was impossible not to notice Johnson and his impact catching the football. There’s a high chance Oregon will produce a top-50 pick at tight end for the third straight year."
12. Minnesota Vikings: Trevor Goosby
Offensive Tackle | Texas

Developing into a reliable starting tackle in the SEC requires relentless technique and high-level functional strength. Goosby showed rapid growth throughout his sophomore campaign, anchoring the edge for Texas with impressive consistency. Minnesota loves building through the trenches, and adding Goosby gives them a high-upside protector for the long haul.

"The fourth Longhorn in the top 12, Goosby got better throughout the 2025 season. If he can continue to build off that production, he will be an easy first-round projection."
11. New York Giants: Charlie Becker
Wide Receiver | Indiana

Big Blue is always searching for big-bodied perimeter playmakers who can dominate in contested-catch situations down the field. Becker has emerged as a high-leverage target with an enormous catch radius and the speed to stretch safety help over the top. Adding a weapon of his caliber would give the Giants a legitimate perimeter threat to energize their passing attack.

"Despite mass changeover on the Indiana offense, Becker is a key returning talent — he made several clutch plays last season. With his speed and catch radius, he is primed for a breakout season, which could be a springboard to a first-round selection."
10. Carolina Panthers: A’Mauri Washington
Defensive Tackle | Oregon

Interior defensive linemen who can eat up double-teams against the run while simultaneously collapsing the pocket on third downs command top dollar in today's game. Washington is a massive, disruptive force in the middle of Oregon's defense who regularly wrecks offensive game plans before they even develop. Carolina adding this kind of muscle upfront would instantly solve a lot of their defensive issues.

"If he’d declared for the 2026 draft, Washington likely would have been a top-25 pick and had a chance to be the first interior defensive lineman selected. Another year of development in Eugene could get him in the top 15."
9. Atlanta Falcons: Jordan Seaton
Offensive Tackle | LSU

Offensive tackles with Seaton's rare combination of massive physical stature and light-footed athleticism simply don't grow on trees. He has completely transformed his body and refined his pass sets to become a dominant edge protector against elite SEC pass rushers. Atlanta grabbing a franchise left tackle to secure their offensive line for the next decade is a slam-dunk move.

"Humans of Seaton’s size (6-5, 307) shouldn’t be able to move as he does. The Colorado transfer is in the best shape of his life and has a good chance to translate a productive 2026 season into being a top-10 pick next April."
8. Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Mestemaker
Quarterback | Oklahoma State

You have to love a classic underdog story, and Mestemaker's rise from walk-on status to first-round projection is the stuff of legends. He brings a gritty, high-IQ approach to the quarterback position with a rapidly developing arm that scouts are falling in love with. The Steelers are always looking for tough, composed leaders under center, making this a match made in football heaven.

"Mestemaker put himself on the NFL radar with his performance at North Texas last season. Now at Oklahoma State (with the same coaching staff), he has an ascending skill set that has scouts highly intrigued."
7. New Orleans Saints: Colin Simmons
Edge Rusher | Texas

Simmons stepped onto the SEC stage as a young pass rusher and immediately started turning offensive tackles into turnstiles. His first-step explosion off the edge is pure lightning, allowing him to bend the corner and terrorize opposing quarterbacks at will. New Orleans is always hunting for elite pass-rushing juice, and Simmons is a certified blue-chipper.

"The SEC sacks leader in 2025, Simmons announced himself as a future first-round pick as soon as he set foot in Austin two years ago. His burst and body control are outstanding, especially at his size (6-3, 245)."
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Cam Coleman
Wide Receiver | Texas

Jumping into Steve Sarkisian's high-octane passing offense at Texas is going to do wonders for Coleman's draft evaluation. He is a smooth-striding vertical threat who can elevate over defensive backs and turn routine five-yard hitches into explosive house calls. Las Vegas desperately needs a true alpha receiver to build around, and Coleman fits the bill seamlessly.

"As special as Smith is as a prospect, Coleman isn’t too far behind. His inconsistent tape the last two seasons was more about the Auburn offense than anything else, and he should thrive with an upgrade at quarterback after joining the Longhorns."
5. Tennessee Titans: Dylan Stewart
Edge Rusher | South Carolina

Edge defenders with this rare combination of explosive get-off and raw physical size don't stay on the board for long. Stewart flashed game-wrecking potential as a true freshman before battling through the inevitable double-teams that come with SEC survival. If he puts together a consistent junior campaign, NFL defensive coordinators will be drooling over his raw traits.

"After a Freshman All-America season in 2024, Stewart wasn’t as dominant on the 2025 tape. However, his athletic twitch at 6 feet 5 inches tall and 245 pounds is what NFL teams covet at the position."
4. New York Jets: Leonard Moore
Cornerback | Notre Dame

Shutdown cornerbacks with length and elite ball skills are absolute gold dust on the NFL market. Moore has been a total nightmare for opposing receivers in South Bend, using his long arms and instinctual eyes to erase entire halves of the field. The Jets love stocking up on premium defensive backs, and Moore has top-five lock written all over him.

"A tall, athletic cover man, Moore blankets wide receivers — he’s combined for seven interceptions over his first two seasons in South Bend."
3. Cleveland Browns: Dante Moore
Quarterback | Oregon

Cleveland is laying down the blueprint for a seamless quarterback transition by building out a rock-solid offensive infrastructure first. Moore possesses effortless arm talent and smooth pocket mechanics that fit perfectly into a modern pro-style passing attack. If he keeps ascending out in Eugene, the Browns will sprint to the podium to lock in their long-term signal-caller.

"The Browns did an excellent job addressing offensive needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, setting up a scenario for them to grab a quarterback early next April and drop him into a ready-to-go offense."
2. Miami Dolphins: Jeremiah Smith
Wide Receiver | Ohio State

Finding a wide receiver with this level of absurd physical traits and natural ball-tracking ability doesn't happen very often. Smith is a generational perimeter threat who makes contested catches look like routine warm-up drills on a weekly basis. Bringing the hometown hero back to South Beach would immediately give the Dolphins one of the most terrifying offensive weapons in football.

"A Miami native, Smith is too special a prospect for the Dolphins (or anyone) to pass on him here."
1. Arizona Cardinals: Arch Manning
Quarterback | Texas

The hype train surrounding Arch Manning has officially left the station and is barreling down the tracks at full speed. All eyes will be glued to Austin this fall to see if the young signal-caller can parlay his second-half surge into a consensus No. 1 overall resume. If he delivers on those massive genetic expectations, Arizona won't hesitate for a single second to make him the new face of their franchise.

"Had Manning been in the 2026 draft class, the Fernando Mendoza-vs.-Manning debates would have commanded all the pre-draft attention. If the Texas star continues to build off his improvements from the second half of last season, he will be the clear favorite to be 2027’s top pick."
You Tell Us! Who Goes No. 1 Overall in the 2027 NFL Draft?
Step into the War Room: Rate the 2027 Mock Draft

We’ve officially laid down Dane Brugler's initial 32-player blueprint for the 2027 class, but now it's your turn to play general manager and judge the board!

The QB Debate: Is Arch Manning a lock to go No. 1 overall to the Cardinals, or would you take Oregon's Dante Moore or Notre Dame's CJ Carr ahead of the Texas star?

The Skill Weapon Steal: Which wideout in the top 10, Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith at No. 2 or Texas' Cam Coleman at No. 6, will have the bigger rookie impact in the NFL?

The First-Round Bargain: Which player late in the first round, like Missouri's physical runner Ahmad Hardy (#29) or Clemson's edge disruptor Will Heldt (#30), is going to prove to be the ultimate steal of the draft?

Sound off in the comments with your favorite picks and early 2027 draft sleepers!
The Athletic's 2027 NFL Mock Draft
Way-Too-Early Blueprint: The Athletic's 2027 NFL Mock Draft Breakdown

The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, rookie minicamps are wrapped, and teams are grinding through summer preparations. But for true draft nerds, the evaluation cycle never actually stops. Draft guru Dane Brugler over at The Athletic just dropped his early 2027 NFL Mock Draft projection, and it is loaded with blue-chip heavyweights, franchise-altering quarterbacks, and electric perimeter playmakers.

With elite prospects like Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith, and Dante Moore ready to dominate college football Saturdays, next spring’s draft class has all the makings of a legendary group.

We audited Brugler's master board and broke down all 32 first-round picks with our own tactical spin paired directly with The Athletic’s official scouting notes. Here is how the 2027 first round could fall.