2027 NFL Mock Draft: Is Arch Manning Really Worth the No. 1 Overall Pick?

We’re a couple of weeks into the college football season, and with Week 1 of the 2026 NFL regular season already in the books, we’re already seeing some changes across the 2027 NFL Draft class and how the talent coming from the college ranks could match up with the biggest needs of all 32 teams next April.

Much has been made of what should be a loaded quarterback class, but the biggest names in the group haven’t been terribly impressive through the early going of the college season so far. Even in a stunning comeback win over Ohio State last week, Texas’ Arch Manning struggled with consistency for most of the game, while Oregon’s Dante Moore was less than stellar in a shocking upset loss to Oklahoma State.

That hasn’t been a problem for Miami’s Darian Mensah, who is climbing the board after a strong start to his first season with the Canes.

2027 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS

QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | Edge | Interior DL | LB | CB | S

Will Manning still prove to be worthy of the No. 1 overall pick? How high can Mensah climb if he keeps playing at such a high level? How many teams will pass up Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith just because they need a quarterback?

Here’s what the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft could look like from where we’re standing heading into Week 2:

1. Cleveland Browns

Arch Manning | QB | Texas

I’m still not sold on Manning as a can’t-miss franchise passer, but the Browns and I haven’t agreed on quarterback decisions for quite some time now. If they’re really gonna ride with Deshaun Watson all year long as their starter, they shouldn’t have much trouble landing this pick, and I won’t be surprised if they believe they can get Manning to reach his full potential despite their track record at the position.

2. Miami Dolphins

Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State

It’s possible that Malik Willis could play poorly enough, and another quarterback prospect could play well enough, for the Dolphins to take one here instead of Smith. But I don’t see either of those things happening to the degree that would be necessary to pass up the best player in the entire draft, and one of the best receivers I’ve ever evaluated. I try really hard not to use the word “generational” anymore, but it applies here.

3. Tennessee Titans

Leonard Moore | CB | Notre Dame

This roster needs to add as much elite talent as possible on both sides of the ball, and if they want to go the “best player available” route here, Moore is the easy pick. A true shutdown corner with ideal size (6-2, 197) and athleticism for the position, Moore matches that with a high football IQ and the toughness, physicality and effort that also shines through in run support. Moore has all the makings of an instant All-Pro.

4. Arizona Cardinals

Dante Moore | QB | Oregon

I doubt the Cards see enough from third-round pick Carson Beck in his rookie season to keep them from spending a top-five pick in a much stronger quarterback class next year. Moore has been hit-or-miss to start the 2026 season, but his entire body of work is full of NFL-level traits as a pocket passer, and his proven track record of success against top competition should have him well-prepared to be a successful starter at the next level.

5. New York Jets

Darian Mensah | QB | Miami (FL)

The Jets have the resources (three first-round picks) to move up for a top quarterback prospect, but with the potential depth of next year’s class, that might not be necessary. Perhaps the biggest winner over the first few weeks of the college football season, Mensah has his draft stock going through the roof after a strong start. If he keeps up his current trajectory and high level of play against tougher opponents later in the season, he could play his way into a top-five slot.

6. Atlanta Falcons

Dylan Stewart | Edge | South Carolina

This quarterback situation is a mess, but if three of them are already off the board before they pick, I could see the Falcons opting for better value at another premium position. James Pearce Jr’s off-field issues and Jalon Walker’s injury situation leaves Atlanta with more questions than answers when it comes to the future of their pass rush off the edge, and Stewart’s rare explosiveness and athleticism could make him a smart investment.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

Cam Coleman | WR | Texas

Brock Bowers is worthy of being the top pass-catcher in this offense, but the injury concerns are starting to become a bigger deal, and the Raiders can’t leave Fernando Mendoza without an elite target to grow with into the future. Coleman is a high-flying playmaker with the speed and athleticism to make a big splash at the next level, and he’d immediately be the most talented receiver on this roster.

8. New York Jets (from IND)

Colin Simmons | Edge | Texas

After securing their quarterback of the future, the Jets are freed up to just keep stacking as much talent as possible at other positions. Even after spending this year’s No. 2 overall pick on David Bailey, New York could add another high-end edge rusher in Simmons, who would give them one of the league’s most promising tandems at a premium spot. Simmons is a complete player who would make an instant impact as a strong value pick here.

9. Washington Commanders

Charlie Becker | WR | Indiana

Terry McLaurin has been one of the league’s more underrated wide receivers for most of his career, but he just turned 31, and was effectively erased in last week’s loss. Antonio Williams is showing promise as a rookie third-rounder, but the Commanders need to find a receiver with WR1 talent who could quickly take the torch from McLaurin as Jayden Daniels’ go-to target. Becker’s combination of size (6-4, 208), athleticism, and contested-catch ability would make him a strong candidate.

10. Carolina Panthers

Trevor Goosby | OT | Texas

Carolina just spent a first-round pick on Monroe Freeling, but Taylor Moton isn’t getting any younger, and Ikem Ekwonu would be better off sliding inside to guard. Goosby still needs some technical refinement, but he’s got rare athleticism and physical traits for such a massive blocker, giving him limitless upside at the next level. Pairing him up with Freeling on the edges and moving Ekwonu inside would make this offensive line much better in 2027 and beyond.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers

David Stone | DL | Oklahoma

I think the Steelers give Drew Allar a chance to prove himself as their potential franchise passer of the future next year, allowing them to pass on what’s left of the quarterback class here. Corner is a strong possibility if Joey Porter Jr. isn’t retained with a new long-term deal, but I’ll never be shocked if Pittsburgh invests in the trenches on either side of the ball. Stone still needs to be more consistent, but he brings juice and explosiveness as an interior pass rusher the Steelers just aren’t getting from Derrick Harmon.

12. New Orleans Saints

Yhonzae Pierre | Edge | Alabama

Cam Jordan is back for another year, but he’s a shell of his former self at 37 years old. The Saints need to find their next great edge rusher, and based on what we’ve seen from him so far this season, Pierre might be up for that challenge. A versatile athlete who can get after the quarterback as well as drop back and make splash plays in coverage, Pierre’s impressive physical traits give him a ton of potential as a high-impact edge player in the NFL.

13. Minnesota Vikings

Ellis Robinson IV | CB | Georgia

Brian Flores is obviously one of the most diabolical defensive minds in the league, and the Vikings would be wise to keep giving him as much talent to work with as possible on his side of the ball. They could use more help at corner, and Robinson checks every box when it comes to evaluating what a starting-caliber prospect looks like at the position. His experience against top talent in the SEC should have him ready to make an instant impact at the next level, especially if he lands with an elite coordinator like Flores.

14. New York Giants

Jordan Seaton | OT | LSU

If there’s one thing we know about the Harbaughs, it’s that they’re going to keep investing in the trenches every year. Even after spending a top-10 pick along the offensive line this year, the Giants could use another first-rounder to further fortify the unit in front of Jaxson Dart next April. Seaton is still more projection than proven product at this point, but with some improved technique and consistency, he could be a dominant presence across from Andrew Thomas.

15. Los Angeles Chargers

Will Echoles | DL | Ole Miss

The most important thing for the Chargers is protecting Justin Herbert, but they also have needs lurking along the interior of their defensive front, where more impact players are needed. Echoles has the size (6-3, 315) and power to be a valuable run-stuffer on early downs, and brings surprising explosiveness and the ability to push the pocket from the inside as a pass rusher.

16. Detroit Lions

Ashton Hampton | CB | Clemson

The Lions’ depth at corner was already an issue before they moved on from recent first-rounder Terrion Arnold, but now they’re in dire need of an instant starter at the position. Hampton brings elite physical traits to the table, with ideal size (6-2, 205) and length that allows him to bully smaller receivers and match up with bigger, more physical pass-catchers at the line of scrimmage and on 50/50 balls.

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Justin Scott | DL | Miami (FL)

This defensive front already looked much improved in Week 1 with the additions of Dexter Lawrence and Boye Mafe, and the Bengals should keep loading up on blue-chip talent to maintain that strength moving forward. Scott would be a fantastic addition along the interior next to Lawrence, fortifying Cincy’s run defense and making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks with instant inside pressure in the pass game.

18. New York Jets (from DAL via GB)

Kelley Jones | CB | Mississippi State

After trading away Sauce Gardner last season, the Jets need to find a high-upside corner with the tools to eventually develop into that same kind of shutdown player. Much like Gardner brought ideal height and length to the party, Jones checks those same boxes, along with the ball skills to be a big-play magnet whenever the ball comes his way. If he continues to develop at his current rate, Jones will have All-Pro potential with this natural talent.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A’Mauri Washington | DL | Oregon

Vita Vea’s new deal keeps him in Tampa Bay through the 2027 season, but the Bucs could still invest in his future successor at nose tackle to ensure they remain one of the league’s better defensive fronts against the run. Washington may not have Vea’s rare blend of size, power and athleticism, but he’s still a strong, stout run defender with the ability to beat double-teams and control the line of scrimmage on every down.

20. Denver Broncos

Trevor Lauck | OT | Iowa

Garett Bolles has been a mainstay for the Broncos at left tackle, but he turns 35 next offseason, so it’s time for them to find his successor. If you want to find blue-chip talent along the offensive line, Iowa is usually a good place to start, and Lauck has a strong blend of power and movement skills that could make him the next stud Hawkeye blocker to become a reliable starter at the next level.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

Greg Johnson | OL | Minnesota

What was once a strength in Philly, this offensive line has been marred by injuries and inconsistency, and the entire offense is suffering the consequences. The most glaring and immediate need is along the interior, where the Eagles could use a stabilizing presence for both the present and future at guard. Johnson is a polished, powerful blocker with a pro-ready skill set who could start right away.

22. New England Patriots

Trey’Dez Green | TE | LSU

The Pats need to keep doing everything they can to build around Drake Maye, and even after trading for AJ Brown, they could still give their franchise passer more explosive downfield weapons. They could use a long-term upgrade at tight end over Hunter Henry, who turns 32 in December, and Green brings a rare combination of size (6-7, 242) and athleticism that could make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

23. Dallas Cowboys

Ahmad Moten Sr. | DL | Miami (FL)

If Week 1 was any indication, the Cowboys still have a ton of work to do on defense if they want to be a true playoff contender anytime soon. If stopping the run first remains the top priority, Dallas could make another investment along the interior of the defensive front, adding a well-rounded prospect like Moten to line up alongside Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark to ensure opposing offenses have way more third-and-long situations in the future.

24. Houston Texans

Jadan Baugh | RB | Florida

David Montgomery had a stellar debut in a Texans uniform last week, but he’ll turn 30 in the offseason, so the Texans could still end up targeting a featured back of the future with this pick. Baugh is one of my favorite prospects in this class right now, with an impressive blend of size (6-1, 225), power and explosiveness that could make him a superstar at the next level if Houston can build up the offensive line in front of him.

25. Seattle Seahawks

Nick Marsh | WR | Indiana

There may be more immediate needs elsewhere on the roster, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Seahawks jumped at the chance to add a long-term upgrade at the WR2 spot opposite Jaxon Smith-Njigba with Cooper Kupp turning 34 next offseason. Marsh is a big, physical receiver with vice-grip hands who can win contested-catch situations and give Seattle another valuable weapon who can win high-leverage reps in key moments.

26. Buffalo Bills

KJ Bolden | DB | Georgia

Over the last few years, the Bills have lost one of the league’s best safety tandems with the departures of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, as well as one of the better slot defenders in the NFL in Taron Johnson. Bolden could help address both spots with his versatile skill set, giving Buffalo’s defense a valuable weapon who can line up all over the secondary and make splash plays.

27. Chicago Bears

Matayo Uiagalelei | Edge | Oregon

As impressive as the Bears’ offense was in Week 1, the defense still gave up 37 points to Carolina, and that unit has to get fixed if they want to be true Super Bowl contenders in the years to come. The biggest needs are in the trenches, where Chicago simply needs more impact players who can make big plays in clutch moments. Uiagalelei’s athleticism and versatility has made him that kind of edge presence for the Ducks, and he’d be a strong addition for the Bears here.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

Tae Johnson | S | Notre Dame

This is one of the most complete rosters in the league right now, but finding a long-term upgrade on the back end of the secondary would be an ideal target for the Jags. Johnson has the talent to go in the top 10, but positional value could push him down the board a bit, allowing Jacksonville to reap the benefits by adding a rangy playmaker to a defense that already has a ton of talent at every level.

29. Cleveland Browns (from LAR)

Kenyatta Jackson | Edge | Ohio State

Getting Jared Verse in the Myles Garrett trade was huge for the Browns to maintain a high level of play in the defensive trenches, but they could still target another well-rounded edge defender to pair with him on the other side. Jackson is following up a strong 2025 campaign with a stellar start to his 2026 season, and his complete skill set, experience and polish should make him an instant starter in the NFL.

30. Kansas City Chiefs

Jamari Johnson | TE | Oregon

Travis Kelce is still making a solid impact on the Chiefs’ passing game, but this could be the last season of his Hall of Fame career, which would leave Kansas City with a massive hole in the starting lineup. They need to find another mismatch weapon who can give Patrick Mahomes that big-play target at tight end, and Johnson has all the physical traits to be an ideal candidate and worthy of a first-round pick.

31. San Francisco 49ers

Cayden Green | OL | Missouri

This offensive line could use some long-term upgrades along the interior, but there’s also the matter of finding a successor for future Hall of Famer Trent Williams at left tackle. Green’s experience should earn him a shot at sticking at tackle in the NFL, but even if he ends up sliding inside to guard, he could be a valuable addition for an offense that could easily be in the Super Bowl conversation every year for a while.

32. Baltimore Ravens

Kade Pieper | OL | Iowa

I want to change this pick, I promise, but it still makes too much sense at the moment. Losing Tyler Linderbaum is sure to have an impact on this offense throughout the 2026 season, and if the Ravens want to get that kind of impact at the position in 2027 and beyond, they’d be wise to go back to his alma mater to find a worthy replacement. Those would be big shoes to fill, but Pieper’s film suggests he’d be up for the challenge.

This story was originally published September 17, 2026 at 4:01 AM.