NFL MOCK Draft: Big Apple Manning?

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Every so often, a draft class arrives with a storyline that overshadows the rest of the field. This year, it’s Arch Manning who commands the spotlight—football royalty, consensus top pick, and the center of every early draft headline. Whether it’s whispers of another Manning power play or visions of draft-day drama, Arch’s every move will define the run-up to April.

But after Arch, it’s anyone’s guess. Beyond the top spot, the rest of the board feels like it’ll be shuffled more than the shoe at the Bellagio—except, for football fans, the only “Shoe” they really care about this fall is the one in Columbus. That’s where Ohio State’s own dynamic duo, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin, will be putting on a show for scouts and draft pundits alike. Smith’s blend of explosiveness and polish makes him a top-10 lock in early mocks, while Sayin’s steady hand and big arm could launch him into round-one conversations if the Buckeyes light up the scoreboard.

Of course, the intrigue doesn’t end with Columbus. Oregon’s QB Dante Moore withdrew his name from the 2026 class to return to Eugene and enters the season with first-round buzz; Miami’s Darian Mensah has the tools to rise quickly, and Oklahoma State’s transfer QB Drew Mestemaker is a late-summer riser who could shake up the top of the draft board.

So as the preseason mock drafts hit the internet, remember: past the Manning narrative, everything else is up for grabs. Stars will emerge, boards will change, and surprises are inevitable. The only thing you can count on is that the journey from August to draft night is wide open—so let’s deal out the first mock of the 2027 season.

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1. New York Jets—Arch Manning, QB, Texas, 6040, 226

Arch Manning headlines the early 2027 NFL mock draft season, with projections placing him squarely in the top three—and more often than not, at No. 1 to the New York Jets. Fresh off a standout 2025 at Texas (3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and a Citrus Bowl win), Manning’s blend of size, poise, and advanced field vision has scouts convinced he’s the answer to New York’s decades-long quarterback search. The Jets, armed with three first-round picks and the most ammunition to move up, look like the team most likely to snag the top spot next spring.

Of course, the Manning family storyline practically writes itself. With Uncle Eli a Giants legend and the specter of past draft drama, speculation is swirling: would the Mannings let Arch become the Jets’ new face, or steer him elsewhere? Regardless, Manning’s skill set and unflappable nature fit perfectly with a Jets roster loaded with young talent but desperate for stability under center. If the stars align, he could finally deliver the franchise quarterback New York’s been chasing for generations.

2. Cleveland Browns—Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina, 6050, 245

Dylan Stewart is projected as one of the top defensive anchors in the 2027 NFL Draft, frequently mocked to the Cleveland Browns within the top five. Stewart’s blend of elite length, sudden twitch, and natural bend has evaluators calling him one of the rarest edge prospects in years, already earning FWAA Freshman All-American and All-SEC honors at South Carolina. Entering his junior year, he’s piled up 56 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and 6 forced fumbles in just 24 SEC games. Analysts rave about his explosive get-off and raw upside, even as some question if his pass-rush production can fully match his disruptive flashes on tape. The next step: proving he can consistently finish plays and hold up against the run to become a true every-down force.

For the Browns, Stewart fits exactly what their defense needs after moving on from Myles Garrett. Cleveland’s philosophy depends on relentless edge pressure, and Stewart’s high motor and lateral quickness would give them a dynamic weapon to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. Surrounded by an aggressive defensive front, he’ll have the chance to win in one-on-one situations and immediately reset the Browns’ defensive identity as they look to retool for the future.

3. Miami Dolphins—Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State, 6030, 223

Jeremiah Smith is the name dominating early 2027 NFL mock drafts for the Miami Dolphins, emerging as the clear solution for a team desperate to rebuild its wide receiver room. After a massive offseason overhaul that saw Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle exit, Miami’s receiver depth is now among the weakest in the league—headlined by Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, and a handful of developmental players. With Malik Willis at quarterback and no legitimate top target, the Dolphins’ offense is in dire need of a true alpha receiver who can command coverage and redefine the unit’s identity.

Smith, a Miami native and vocal supporter of a hometown reunion, offers exactly that. With prototypical size, elite body control, and a résumé that includes a national title, a freshman receiving record, and unanimous All-American honors at Ohio State, he’s widely considered the best receiver prospect in over a decade. Smith’s ability to win against tight coverage, create separation, and make plays after the catch would immediately elevate Miami’s passing attack, giving them the focal point they’ve lacked and opening up opportunities for everyone else on the field.

4. Atlanta Falcons—Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas, 6030, 245

After watching their promising rebuild collapse almost overnight, the Falcons now face an agonizing decision in the 2027 NFL Draft. The bold move to trade up for James Pearce Jr. in 2025 looked brilliant at first—he put up a rookie-record 10.5 sacks and seemed poised to anchor the defense for years. But Pearce’s off-field issues, culminating in a February arrest and an 8-game suspension, left Atlanta exposed and out of options, having already surrendered their 2026 first-rounder to get him.

Now, the franchise is truly backed into a corner. Do they double down and spend their top pick on another edge rusher—someone like Colin Simmons—to insure against Pearce’s unpredictability? Simmons’ explosive first step and low-center-of-gravity rush would create a terrifying tandem if Pearce stays on the field, but it also means passing on a potential quarterback of the future like Dante Moore. With the defense suddenly fragile and the roster’s cap situation complicated by Kirk Cousins’ dead money, the Falcons are forced to choose: protect their defensive foundation and risk missing out on a signal caller, or gamble on Pearce staying clean and healthy, hoping the original plan still holds water.

5. Arizona Cardinals—Dante Moore, QB, Oregon, 6030, 206

Dante Moore is widely projected as the Arizona Cardinals’ solution at quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the 2027 NFL Draft—a move that would mark a total franchise reset. Moore enters the draft as a 2026 Heisman Trophy contender and 2025 All-Big Ten selection, coming off a breakout campaign in which he threw for 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, completing 71.8% of his passes while leading Oregon to the College Football Playoff. His blend of poise, anticipation, and field vision has put him in a different class from most college passers.

It’s a natural fit for head coach Mike LaFleur’s system, which demands a rhythm passer who can fit throws into tight windows and operate smoothly off play-action. While Carson Beck has shown flashes of starting-caliber ability, Moore’s generational ceiling is too high for Arizona’s front office to ignore. Bringing Moore in would let the Cardinals move on from the expensive Kyler Murray era and build around a dynamic, cost-controlled quarterback—one who could immediately open up the team’s playoff window and anchor the next chapter of Arizona football.

6. Tennessee Titans—Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas, 6070, 325

The Tennessee Titans’ offensive identity completely relies on establishing upfront dominance, yet their passing game has consistently stalled due to persistent weakness at the left tackle position. Selecting Trevor Goosby instantly solves this multi-year vulnerability. Goosby provides the rare size, elite length, and technical footwork required to survive in isolation against the AFC South’s premier edge rushers. His arrival allows the coaching staff to form a towering, impenetrable wall on the left side of the line, giving their young quarterback a perfectly clean pocket to operate and resetting the team’s offensive baseline.

7. Minnesota Vikings— Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss, 5110, 205

With veteran Kyler Murray newly installed under center, the Minnesota Vikings’ offense desperately requires a dynamic, multi-dimensional weapon to ease the passing burden and control the tempo of the game. Kewan Lacy provides the exact explosive, high-volume baseline the offense is missing. His rare ability to execute precise routes out of the backfield gives Murray a lethal, built-in safety valve, while his violent rushing style prevents defenses from dropping into deep coverage shells. Lacy instantly transforms Minnesota into a balanced, unpredictable unit, giving them a focal point to dictate terms in the NFC North.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers— David Stone, DL, Oklahoma, 6030, 310

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ identity has always centered around dominant, physical play in the trenches, but Cameron Heyward’s looming retirement leaves a glaring hole on the interior defensive line. Even with the front office locking down Keeanu Benton on a lucrative new extension, the defense is still searching for a true difference-maker to round out its front.

David Stone emerges as the ideal solution. His explosive first step and disruptive gap penetration would pair seamlessly with Benton, who’s transitioning to a more versatile interior role. Together, Stone and Benton give Pittsburgh a dynamic, interchangeable duo capable of anchoring the defensive front for years—preserving the Steelers’ tradition of elite line play and setting the tone for the next generation of “Steel Curtain” defense.

9. Las Vegas Raiders— Cam Coleman, WR, Texas, 6030, 200

The Las Vegas Raiders have built a solid offensive foundation around Fernando Mendoza at quarterback and Ashton Jeanty’s workhorse running style, but a glaring need remains for a true vertical threat who can stretch defenses and open up the field. Without that outside presence, opponents have had little reason to respect the deep ball or back off from loading the box.

Cam Coleman changes that equation instantly. As a physically imposing boundary receiver with elite body control, he dominates contested catches and back-shoulder throws, forcing defenses to account for his presence on every snap. With Coleman threatening downfield, safeties can no longer crowd the line against Jeanty, and passing lanes open up for tight end Brock Bowers. The result: Mendoza finally gets a complete arsenal of top-tier playmakers, transforming the Raiders’ offense into a dynamic, multi-dimensional attack.

10. San Francisco 49ers— Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri, 5100, 210

The San Francisco 49ers’ offense is built around a devastating rushing attack, but Christian McCaffrey’s ongoing durability concerns have left the unit on shaky ground. As McCaffrey’s workload catches up with him, the need for a reliable, high-ceiling back has become impossible to ignore.

Ahmad Hardy fits that need perfectly. With rare vision and explosive lateral agility, he’s an ideal fit for Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone scheme and projects as the clear future bell-cow in San Francisco. Bringing Hardy into the fold not only eases the burden on McCaffrey, keeping him fresh for playoff pushes, but also sets up a seamless transition to the next era of dominant 49ers ground football.

11. New Orleans Saints— Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon, 6050, 270

The New Orleans Saints have long built their defense around big, physical edge players who dominate the line of scrimmage. With franchise icon Cameron Jordan nearing the end of his run, the team faces a major void at the heart of its identity.

Matayo Uiagalelei offers the perfect solution. With a powerful 270-pound frame, elite length, and the strength to play the demanding five-technique, he’s tailor-made for New Orleans’ scheme. Uiagalelei’s ability to stifle interior runs and collapse the pocket with a relentless power rush gives the Saints a new defensive anchor—someone capable of keeping their front four formidable for years to come.

12. Carolina Panthers— Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame, 6020, 195

The Carolina Panthers have struggled to contain explosive plays in the secondary, hampered by undersized and inconsistent cornerback play on the outside. This vulnerability has repeatedly cost them against the league’s top receivers, exposing a glaring need for a physical, reliable presence on the perimeter.

Leonard Moore answers that call. With a rare, long-limbed frame and standout press-man skills, he brings the size and physicality Carolina has been missing. Moore’s ability to hold his own in single coverage finally allows the Panthers to tighten up the boundary, freeing the coaching staff to unleash more aggressive blitz packages and restore confidence in their defensive backfield.

13. Houston Texans— Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU, 6050, 307

The Carolina Panthers have struggled to contain explosive plays in the secondary, hampered by undersized and inconsistent cornerback play on the outside. This vulnerability has repeatedly cost them against the league’s top receivers, exposing a glaring need for a physical, reliable presence on the perimeter.

Leonard Moore answers that call. With a rare, long-limbed frame and standout press-man skills, he brings the size and physicality Carolina has been missing. Moore’s ability to hold his own in single coverage finally allows the Panthers to tighten up the boundary, freeing the coaching staff to unleash more aggressive blitz packages and restore confidence in their defensive backfield.

14. Kansas City Chiefs— A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon, 6030, 330

The Kansas City Chiefs have built their championship defense around Chris Jones’s interior dominance, but with Jones now in his mid-30s, the team faces the challenge of planning for life after their star disruptor. The need to shore up the defensive front has become increasingly urgent as the window on Jones’s prime begins to close.

A’Mauri Washington fits the bill as the perfect successor. With a massive 330-pound frame and a relentless burst off the snap, he commands double-teams against the run and brings a disruptive pass-rushing presence reminiscent of Jones. Adding Washington to the rotation allows the Chiefs to lighten Jones’s workload, keep him fresh for postseason runs, and ensure the interior of their defense remains a dominant force well into the future.

15. New York Jets (IND)— Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia, 6000, 180

The New York Jets’ defensive scheme hinges on having a true lockdown corner who can thrive in single coverage without help—a need thrown into sharp relief by Sauce Gardner’s departure. Losing such a cornerstone leaves a major gap in their coverage-heavy approach, forcing the front office to seek a new solution on the outside.

Ellis Robinson IV looks like the most logical answer. With top-tier speed, fluid movement, and instincts for the ball, Robinson has the tools to handle the league’s best receivers on an island. Plugging him into the starting lineup on a rookie deal allows the Jets to preserve their aggressive defensive identity while freeing up significant cap space to bolster other areas of the roster—a practical path as they look to remain competitive in a wide-open AFC.

16. New York Giants— Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama, 6000, 194

The New York Giants have struggled to find a dependable cornerback who can consistently hold up against top-tier receivers on the outside, leaving their secondary exposed to big plays and forcing safeties into damage control. This lack of a reliable, technically sound boundary presence has become one of the roster’s most pressing needs.

Zabien Brown looks ready to fill that role. With an elite SEC background and sharp press-man technique, he has the skill set to step in as a day-one starter and bring immediate stability to the perimeter. Brown’s disciplined play fits seamlessly with the Giants’ defensive philosophy, tightening up coverage on the outside and giving the safety group the flexibility to be more aggressive and creative in their assignments

17. Washington Commanders— Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR, Alabama, 6000, 182

The Washington Commanders have found stability in their passing game with veteran options, but the offense still lacks a true vertical threat to pair with Jayden Daniels for the long haul. Without a young, dynamic playmaker on the outside, the unit has struggled to fully unlock its explosive potential and stretch defenses deep.

Ryan Coleman-Williams could be the missing piece. His elite speed forces safeties to respect the vertical game, opening up space underneath for Stefon Diggs and giving Daniels a legitimate deep-ball target. With Coleman-Williams in the lineup, Washington gains a true number-one wideout and instantly elevates its offense into one of the most dangerous in the NFC East—perfectly positioning the team to contend for years to come.

18. Jacksonville Jaguars— Ahmad Moten Sr., DL, Miami, 6030, 300

The Jacksonville Jaguars need a relentless, powerful force on the interior to shore up their run defense and keep opposing offenses from controlling the line of scrimmage. The lack of a true anchor up front has made it difficult to consistently win in the trenches and protect the linebackers behind the line.

Ahmad Moten Sr. stands out as the answer to that problem. With the combination of size and interior quickness, he can absorb double teams and clog the A-gaps, freeing up linebackers to make plays. Moten’s presence gives Jacksonville a steady, reliable piece in the middle—one that can stabilize the front seven and bring much-needed toughness to the heart of the defense.

19. Chicago Bears— Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame, 6030, 230

The Chicago Bears’ defense is built around having a smart, hard-hitting linebacker who can command the middle of the field and make the crucial pre-snap calls that hold everything together. Without a true anchor at the position, the team has struggled to maintain its trademark edge and prevent big plays from developing over the middle.

Kynstonn Viliamu-Asa looks like the ideal fit for this role. With exceptional instincts and a knack for shooting through traffic, he brings the blend of processing speed and physicality Chicago needs. Viliamu-Asa’s ability to stay on the field in all situations gives the Bears a young leader for the front seven—one who can keep the franchise’s proud linebacker tradition thriving well into the future.

20. Dallas Cowboys (GB)— Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State, 6040, 195

The Dallas Cowboys’ secondary is designed to thrive on physical, press coverage outside, demanding cornerbacks with both length and speed to neutralize the NFL’s biggest vertical threats. With a need to consistently match up against towering receivers, finding the right fit on the perimeter has become a top priority.

Kelley Jones is built for this challenge. Standing at a rare 6’4”, he gives Dallas the size advantage needed to handle large boundary targets without sacrificing the speed to run with them downfield. Jones’s physical style in run support and exceptional ball-tracking ability make him an ideal, high-upside addition—one who can bring long-term stability and playmaking to the Cowboys’ defensive backfield.

Rounding out the mock:

21. Baltimore Ravens— Cayden Green, OT/IOL, Missouri, 6050, 324

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers— Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon, 6050, 257

23. Denver Broncos— KJ Bolden, S, Georgia, 6000, 195

24. New York Jets (DAL)— Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana, 6030, 213

25. Los Angeles Chargers— Austin Siereveld, OT, Ohio State, 6050, 325

26. Detroit Lions— Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson, 6020, 235

27. New England Patriots— Will Echoles, DL, Ole Miss, 6030, 315

28. Philadelphia Eagles— Tae Johnson, S, Notre Dame, 6020, 200

29. Buffalo Bills— Carter Smith, OT, Indiana, 6050, 313

30. Seattle Seahawks— Quincy Rhodes Jr., EDGE, Arkansas, 6060, 277

31. Cleveland Browns (LAR)— Darian Mensah, QB, Miami, 6030, 205

32. Cincinnati Bengals— Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa, 6050, 310