We are just 361 days away from the 2027 NFL Draft in Washington, D.C. – but who’s counting, right? With no shortage of star power at the top, led by names like Arch Manning, Jeremiah Smith, and Leonard Moore, this is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated draft classes in recent memory. With this year’s draft now in the rearview, it’s time to turn the page and take a way-too-early look at what 2027 could have in store. (Note: The draft order was determined using FanDuel Sportsbook’s reverse Super Bowl odds. The Jets have three first-round picks: their own, the Cowboys’ from the Quinnen Williams trade, and the Colts’ from the Sauce Gardner trade. The Cowboys have the Packers’ selection from the Micah Parsons trade.)
2026 NFL Draft essentials The 2026 NFL Draft is over — but the 2027 class might be even better: 32 future stars to know – Blake Brockermeyer
1. New York Jets: Arch Manning, QB, Texas After a turbulent start to his first full season as a starter, Manning helped guide Texas to a 4-1 finish, including three wins over ranked opponents, while flashing athleticism as a runner that adds another layer to his profile. Despite the last name and pedigree as 247Sports’ No. 1 recruit in 2023, Manning needs to sustain that late-season momentum to separate from a crowded field and ultimately come off the board at the top of next year’s NFL Draft.
2. Arizona Cardinals: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon After weighing a potential jump to the 2026 NFL Draft following his first full season as a starter in Eugene, Moore opted to return to Oregon, aiming to help Dan Lanning and the Ducks pursue a national title. Widely regarded as one of the most natural passers in the class, his decision to return should only strengthen his case to be in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick.
3. Miami Dolphins: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State Ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect by 247Sports in 2024 and often described as a “generational talent,” Smith has lived up to the billing through his first two seasons. A rare physical specimen, he became just the second receiver in program history to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. His blend of size, speed, and strength — paired with elite intangibles — makes him one of the most complete receiver prospects in years.
4. Cleveland Browns: Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas A former five-star out of Duncanville High School (Texas), Simmons burst onto the collegiate scene, finishing just shy of double-digit sacks as a freshman before adding 12 more as a sophomore. A quick-twitch, explosive pass rusher with relentless tenacity, he possesses rare physical tools off the edge that help offset concerns about his length and overall mass at…
