As we’re about halfway through the college football and NFL seasons, much has changed in the NFL draft world. Notable players have had their stock drop, like quarterbacks Arch Manning and Dante Moore, while other players continue to rise and take their place.
Using the draft order from PFN’s NFL Mock Draft Simulator, here’s our latest projection of how the 2027 first round will play out.
1) Los Angeles Chargers
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Few would’ve expected the Los Angeles Chargers to be in this spot, but entering Week 8 of the season, here we are. Their roster problems are numerous, and though Justin Herbert has struggled, they likely won’t take a quarterback.
Instead, they go with the best player on the board in Jeremiah Smith, who also fills a massive need. While Ladd McConkey is an above-average receiver, his fellow pass catchers leave much to be desired. Herbert gets a bona fide top target in Smith, who’s the most dominant receiver in college football.
2) Tennessee Titans
Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU
The Tennessee Titans’ season has been a disaster so far, though it’s difficult to place all the blame on Cam Ward. Their offensive line is a below-average unit, brought down by left tackle Dan Moore Jr., who’s been arguably the worst left tackle in football. They desperately need an upgrade.
Enter Jordan Seaton, who has an 89.3 PFN OL Impact Score. His elite athleticism for someone measuring in at 6’5 and 307 pounds shows his impressive upside. After transferring into the SEC from the Big 12, he’s done more than hold his own.
3) Miami Dolphins
Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
It shouldn’t come as a shock after trading wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, but the Malik Willis experiment in South Florida has not worked through the first half of the season. The Miami Dolphins have perhaps the most underdeveloped roster in the entire NFL, and they could use help everywhere.
Quarterback is a good place to start. Though Drew Mestemaker didn’t start the season well, he’s since shown great arm strength, accuracy, and pocket presence, highlighting his ability to navigate pressure. As long as Jeff Hafley sets him up for success, the Dolphins could get their franchise quarterback they’ve been searching for since Dan Marino.
4) Washington Commanders
Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
With Terry McLaurin going down with a season-ending injury and Stefon Diggs on a one-year deal, the Washington Commanders will likely be targeting pass catchers in the upcoming offseason. Young quarterback Jayden Daniels needs consistent targets to throw to in order to realize his full potential.
Admittedly, Cam Coleman going top five could be considered a projection, though he’s shown the skill set to be drafted in this range if he becomes more consistent. He has rare speed for someone at 6’3 and shows incredible ball tracking while utilizing his large catch radius.
5) Houston Texans
Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss
It’s unlikely the Houston Texans will be drafting in the top five, but in the scenario they do end up here, upgrading the defense might be too intriguing to pass up.
Will Echoles can shore up the middle of their defense, both as a run stuffer and pass rusher. He has active hands that allow him to disengage with blockers, and he has the versatility to line up at nose tackle or three-technique.
6) Philadelphia Eagles
Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
No one expected the Philadelphia Eagles to have a complete meltdown in 2026, though it’s pretty clear they won’t be getting back to the playoffs. In fact, they may not even finish above .500. There are still some Super Bowl pieces left on this team, though it’ll take a lot of work to get back to contending.
Number one on the priority list should be getting back to having a stacked defensive line, and adding Colin Simmons is a great place to start. The Texas Longhorn has 10.5 sacks in just six games this year. It’s looking likely that he’ll be the top edge off the board, thanks to his deep pass-rush arsenal.
7) New York Jets (via Colts)
Darian Mensah, QB, Miami (FL)
It’s expected that the New York Jets will select a quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft; it’s likely just a matter of which one. With Geno Smith recently turning 36 years old and Cade Klubnik being a fourth-round pick, New York is in need of a long-term solution under center.
Darian Mensah is the latest in the Miami transfer quarterback pipeline, where he’s really shown improvements in his accuracy and anticipation. His chemistry with Malachi Toney is exceptional, highlighted by his impressive touch and ball placement on deep throws.
8) Arizona Cardinals
Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Jacoby Brissett has looked like himself this year: around a top-20-32 quarterback, with his fair share of ups and downs. He may stay around next year to bridge the gap and help mentor the future franchise quarterback, who happens to be Trinidad Chambliss in this scenario.
Chambliss has a quick release and almost always throws with anticipation. He’s shown he can win in the biggest moments, thanks to his improvisation and mobility, qualities that are increasingly valuable in the modern NFL.
9) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need cornerback help. Zyon McCollum hasn’t shown he can consistently guard the opposing team’s top receiver week to week, and second-year player Benjamin Morrison has struggled to stay healthy and consistently produce even when he’s on the field.
Leonard Moore excels in man coverage, mirroring receivers while showcasing strong ball skills with seven career interceptions. He should be able to step into the CB1 role wherever he ends up.
10) New Orleans Saints
Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
Cornerback used to be the strong suit of the New Orleans Saints’ defense for years, though the position has fallen on rough times. Kool-Aid McKinstry is still a young, improving player, though the depth behind him is a big reason why the Saints have been giving up so many points.
Ashton Hampton’s size and length are his biggest strengths at 6’2 and 205 pounds, allowing him to compete with the most physical receivers as he transitions to the NFL. He also adds significant physicality to defenses with his tackling.
11) New York Jets
Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia
The Jets have slowly started rebuilding their defense following the trades of stars Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, though it’s time to expedite the process. Cornerback remains a big hole, and they’ll likely use one of their first-round picks to address the position.
Ellis Robinson IV has natural ball skills, as evidenced by his four interceptions and seven pass breakups last season. He’s also excellent in man coverage, able to stay attached to receivers and restrict their ability to separate.
12) New York Jets (via Cowboys)
Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
The Jets have already looked into trading Will McDonald IV, and it’s unlikely he is part of their long-term plans. With this, they should look into getting a partner in crime for David Bailey so they can grow together.
Maturity issues remain for Dylan Stewart, though if he can figure those out, he’s one of the top talents in this draft. At 6’5 and 250 pounds, he has the frame to keep blockers from getting too close to him. He already has multiple ways to win against a blocker, whether with pure speed or more technical moves.
13) Las Vegas Raiders
Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
The Las Vegas Raiders easily have the best tight end duo in the league in Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer; however, they’re severely lacking at the wide receiver position.
In this scenario, Charlie Becker reunites with his former quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. He’s a long strider with great speed at 6’4, while also showcasing clean separation ability. If he continues performing well this season, he should be a lock to go in the top 15.
14) Cleveland Browns (via Rams)
Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama
Early returns on the Myles Garrett trade haven’t looked great, as Jared Verse has zero sacks through the first seven weeks of the season, though he’s too talented not to eventually get back on track. Regardless, they’ll need to bolster the position.
Yhonzae Pierre has looked like one of the most talented edge rushers in college football, notching 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble so far. His versatility to play in a 3-4 or 4-3 will greatly boost his value.
15) Atlanta Falcons
Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
The Atlanta Falcons were probably caught off guard when right tackle Kaleb McGary retired in the offseason, and replacement Jawaan Taylor doesn’t look to be a long-term option. Additionally, Jake Matthews could easily be playing his final season in the NFL, so the Falcons badly need tackle depth.
Trevor Goosby has an incredible 6’7, 325-pound frame, which allows him to match up with anyone physically. He’s currently best in pass protection, boasting impressive footwork and a strong anchor.
16) Baltimore Ravens
Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
As a run-heavy team, the Baltimore Ravens often operate with multiple tight ends on the field. They lost important run-blocking tight end Charlie Kolar in free agency last year and didn’t properly replace him. Plus, Mark Andrews is getting up there in age.
Jamari Johnson will be better in the NFL than college, and his 6’5, 257-pound frame will help his game easily translate to the next level. Similar to his Oregon predecessor, Kenyon Sadiq, he also has impressive long speed and yards-after-catch ability.
17) Seattle Seahawks
David Stone, DT, Oklahoma
Even though the Seattle Seahawks haven’t gotten off to a super strong start, their defensive line still has most of their Super Bowl pieces, though they are aging.
It’s time to bring in a younger replacement for Jarran Reed, and David Stone has all the upside the Seahawks would want. Stone has violent hands that allow him to control opposing linemen, shed blocks, and disrupt the run game.
18) New England Patriots
KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
The New England Patriots’ defense is solid overall, though it lacks at safety. They lost a nice piece in Jaylinn Hawkins to Baltimore last offseason, and they haven’t replaced him well.
KJ Bolden has great range and closing speed from the deep safety position. It’s one of his biggest assets, alongside his ability to read the quarterback and recognize route combinations, and he’s a huge part of the Bulldogs’ back end defense.
19) Carolina Panthers
Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
The Carolina Panthers’ rushing attack is led by Chuba Hubbard, but the 27-year-old already has a lot of miles on his body dating back to his Oklahoma State days, and Jonathon Brooks continues to deal with injuries. Pairing Hubbard with college football’s top running back could create an explosive duo.
Jadan Baugh’s contact balance, vision, and patience have made him an unstoppable force in the SEC. He has major workhorse potential in the NFL, plus the receiving ability to make additional impact.
20) Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana
It doesn’t take much to realize the Dallas Cowboys can’t possibly pay all their players market value, and they’ll likely end up having to choose between re-signing George Pickens or Joey Porter Jr. Given they just traded for the latter, it seems more likely they’d let Pickens walk and get a compensatory pick for him.
Nick Marsh is similar to Pickens, with a tall 6’3 frame and fantastic catch-point ability. He can also adjust well to off-target throws and does a good job of finding the soft spot within zones.
21) New York Giants
A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
New head coach John Harbaugh has done a great job of turning the Giants around, as they now sit atop the NFC East. However, the roster still needs work, including the middle of their defensive line, as the aging D.J. Reader isn’t a long-term solution.
A’Mauri Washington has significant raw power and strength, as shown by his ability to collapse the pocket with a bull rush. His block shedding is up there with any defensive tackle in the class, which will help him greatly improve the run defense of any line he joins.
22) Jacksonville Jaguars
Tae Johnson, S, Notre Dame
There isn’t much missing from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense; however, safety remains a weak spot. Antonio Johnson is a solid young option, but as Eric Murray ages and nears the end of his contract, they’ll need to find a replacement.
Jacksonville should look no further than Tae Johnson, who has incredible instincts and anticipation, with the ability to read quarterbacks’ eyes and recognize route combinations. He’s also quite versatile, able to play single high, in the box, and take over slot responsibilities as needed.
23) Cincinnati Bengals
Chris Cole, LB, Georgia
The Cincinnati Bengals’ defense has looked better with the addition of Dexter Lawrence II, though they still have plenty of areas to improve, including linebacker.
Chris Cole is an elite athlete at the linebacker position, with the sideline-to-sideline speed that scouts covet. He’s also comfortable in zone coverage and can man-up against running backs and tight ends.
24) Pittsburgh Steelers
Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
After trading away Joey Porter Jr., the Pittsburgh Steelers need an infusion of youth at the cornerback position. Jamel Dean is likely not a CB1 for much longer, and Asante Samuel Jr. is a replacement-level player.
Kelley Jones excels in man coverage thanks to his 6’4 height and long arms, allowing him to contest balls and box out receivers. Plus, he moves well for his height and can keep up with receivers downfield unlike some tall cornerbacks.
25) Detroit Lions
Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU
After Sam LaPorta’s frustrated comments about not receiving a contract extension, it feels increasingly possible that he’ll be leaving Detroit this offseason. Lions head coach Dan Campbell, a former tight end himself, knows the value of the position and its importance to his offense.
Trey’Dez Green has rare size at 6’7, with a gigantic catch radius and receiver-like movement skills. He’d already be the top red zone threat on plenty of NFL teams on Day 1, and even has the versatility to line up in the slot or split out wide.
26) Cleveland Browns
Greg Johnson, G, Minnesota
The Cleveland Browns did a nice job of retooling their offensive line, bringing in Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson, and 2026 first-round pick Spencer Fano into the fold, but a hole remains at right guard.
Greg Johnson could easily be the top guard in the draft. His ability to play any offensive line position, combined with his athleticism and mobility, could easily get him drafted earlier than this.
27) Denver Broncos
Xavier Gilliam, DT, Tennessee
The Denver Broncos’ defense is already suffocating, though they could upgrade the defensive line alongside D.J. Jones and Zach Allen.
Xavier Gilliam’s first step is among the best in the class for defensive tackles, and he shows polished pass-rush technique from the inside, letting him win with speed and technique. Keep an eye on him as he may rise up the boards.
28) Tennessee Titans (via Bears)
Justin Scott, DT, Miami (FL)
After trading away Jeffery Simmons, the Titans now have a big need at defensive tackle. They currently have Solomon Thomas and Nazir Stackhouse as the starters, two players who can play valuable rotational roles but shouldn’t start.
Justin Scott would be an instant starter in Nashville. He fires off the ball at 303 pounds and boasts the lateral agility to beat interior blockers before they set. On Day 1, he’ll greatly improve whichever run defense he joins.
29) Buffalo Bills
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame
The Buffalo Bills’ linebacking corps has been slightly lacking ever since they had the duo of Matt Milano and Terrell Edmunds. It’s time they upgrade the position, since Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams are solid players, but not stars.
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa can be a big help in run defense, thanks to his premier play recognition. Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard could fall in love with his versatility, as Viliamu-Asa can play in the middle, weakside, or strongside, and can even line up on the edge occasionally.
30) San Francisco 49ers
Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa
The San Francisco 49ers’ roster is strong overall, though it could use some bolstering on the offensive line, as left tackle Trent Williams is 38 years old and will eventually decide to hang it up.
Trevor Lauck is a great pass blocker thanks to his outstanding footwork and patience in pass sets. He allowed zero sacks in 2025, and he could slide inside to guard to start his career depending on which team drafts him.
31) Kansas City Chiefs
KJ Duff, WR, Rutgers
The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense has been lacking from a receiver standpoint for years now, as Xavier Worthy hasn’t lived up to his first-round draft status and Rashee Rice struggles to stay on the field.
KJ Duff brings a different skill set to the Chiefs’ receiver room, using his elite 6’6, 225-pound size to easily bring down contested catches. He has some of the most reliable hands in the draft, with excellent body control and physicality.
32) Minnesota Vikings
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Kyler Murray has been decent this season under head coach Kevin O’Connell, though it hasn’t been enough to cement his status as Minnesota’s quarterback beyond 2026. He currently ranks No. 27 in PFN’s QB Impact Score, and it’s time they find a pocket passer who can fully unlock O’Connell’s offense.
Dante Moore won’t be suiting up for Oregon again this season, though he’s shown promise (mostly from the 2025 season). While his 2026 performances were spotty, he’s displayed great ball placement at all three levels of the field in the past. His arm talent is enough to make any throw on the field; it’s just a matter of consistency with him. O’Connell should be able to get the most out of Moore.
