With the calendar turning to October, it’s time to start stacking the top prospects in the 2027 NFL draft class, which begins on April 29 in Washington, D.C. I’ve been watching and evaluating these players for a couple of years in some instances, and these rankings are a compilation of my scouting (both on film and in person) and conversations I’ve been having with scouts and evaluators around the NFL.
We’re going to start these rankings with 50 players, with scouting reports on the top 25, but this list will expand as the draft gets closer and closer. And these rankings will evolve -- some players will shoot up boards, others will fall and still more will ultimately return to school for another year. But this is how I currently see things in the 2027 class.
Let’s get to it, starting with arguably the best wide receiver prospect of the past 15-20 years. (And the top names at every position are listed at the bottom.)
1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 222
Smith could have All-Pro potential early in his NFL career as a true No. 1 receiver. He immediately changes the offensive outlook for the team that adds him. He is sure-handed and can glide past defenders with ease. And he’s equally as capable of winning with strength at the catch point. Smith’s change of direction in routes needs to become sharper, as he can take too many choppy steps when working back toward passers. But he is tough to stop when allowed to attack defenses vertically.
Stats through Oct. 1: 33 receptions for 617 receiving yards (18.7 yards per reception) and seven touchdowns
2. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 197
With excellent length, speed and technique, Moore is the prototypical cornerback prospect. His length and physicality allow him to excel when getting hands on receivers in press man coverage. He also has the awareness to identify and defend route concepts in zone coverage. Moore has the ball skills to match receivers, routinely tracking and attacking the ball out of the air. But he needs to improve his discipline and hand timing at the top of routes.
Stats through Oct. 1: Seven tackles, two passes defensed, 0% completion percentage allowed
3. Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 246
Simmons is an energetic and high-effort pass rusher, with a quick first step to explode past blockers. He has a nifty combination of hesitation moves and shoulder fakes. But he still needs to develop consistent counter moves, as he can get stuck if his initial move isn’t effective. Simmons is a powerful run defender, using a strong base and hands to keep his frame clean when setting the edge.
Stats through Oct. 1: 13 tackles, 7.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery
4. Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 315
An explosive 3-technique, Echoles is one of the most versatile and well-conditioned interior defenders in the country. He has energetic hands that help him accelerate past blockers, and reliable lower body strength helps him be a malleable run defender. Echoles still needs to make major improvements in his counter moves, as he can get stuck on blockers when his power and initial moves are matched. Plus, he can get caught not being firm on contact and get moved off his spot.
Stats through Oct. 1: 12 tackles, 0.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, one pass defensed
5. Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 250
With a slender frame, Stewart has rare burst and closing speed as a pass rusher. That allows him to wreak havoc on twists and stunts, though the tools have yet to lead to high-end production at the college level. And he might not have many chances to add to his tape, as he’s currently suspended from the team. Stewart must also become more consistent with using his length and shedding against the run.
Stats through Oct. 1: one tackle, one tackle for loss
6. Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 307
Seaton combines a good blend of awareness, quick hands and lower-body suddenness to be a high-level pass protector. He’s also an easy mover in space, which allows him to excel as a puller or on screen plays. Seaton can be trusted on an island, but his biggest area of improvement must come as a run blocker. His hands and feet are inconsistent when driving on blocks to the second level.
Stats through Oct. 1: 264 snaps, 0% pressure rate allowed, 0.7% blown run block rate
7. Yhonzae Pierre, Edge, Alabama
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 251
Pierre is an aggressive defender whose pursuit energy has very little drop-off throughout games. He is equally as effective from a stand-up outside linebacker position or with his hand in the ground. Pierre is a true havoc creator on stunts and twists, using overwhelming strength to get blockers. As a run defender, he can stand his ground and be a consistent edge setter. But he is more of a build-up rusher than true bender, which limits his amounts of clean wins against offensive tackles.
Stats through Oct. 1: 14 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception for 27 yards and one touchdown
8. Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 208
Becker is primarily used as a vertical threat, and there are few college players who can match his straight-ahead speed. But he is more than just a threat with his legs; he’s similar to an NBA rebounder with the way he wins 50-50 passes. That ability comes from a combination of elite body control at the catch point and A-plus hand-eye coordination, which helps him see the ball in slow motion. Becker does need to round out his route tree, showing NFL teams that he has more branches on it than just vertical patterns.
Stats through Oct. 1: 19 receptions for 370 receiving yards (19.5 ypr) and six touchdowns
9. Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 325
Goosby has a gangly build for a tackle prospect, which gives him excellent length to match and mirror defenders off the edge. His hand power and timing allow him to generate movement at the point of attack. But Goosby has lapses with his body balance and weight distribution, which can cause him to lean into blocks and slide off defenders. But he is effective with adjusting to counter moves, which makes it difficult for rushers to unravel from him.
Stats through Oct. 1: 259 snaps, 0% pressure rate allowed, 3% blown run block rate
10. Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 225
Baugh is the top running back prospect in this class, a chiseled and powerful runner with timely short-area quickness. He activates his lower body to slither his way through creases, while also being able to simply plant his foot and accelerate through the line of scrimmage. Baugh doesn’t have the home run speed to rattle off long touchdowns, but he has enough to generate explosive plays with the yardage that’s available to him. He has a lot of work to do as a pass protector, showing inconsistency with his technique and in recognizing blitzing defenders.
Stats through Oct. 1: 83 carries for 600 yards (7.2 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns; two receptions for 18 receiving yards
11. Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 215
Mestemaker is my top quarterback prospect despite this being only his second season as a starter in high school and college. He has an unconventional style, holding the ball at his waistline before ripping a fiery, three-quarters release. Mestemaker has the confidence to test the tightest of windows from various platforms, but that can get the best of him and lead to turnovers. Plus, he can be oblivious to underneath defenders. Mestemaker is bit of a streaky passer, though his hot streaks feature plenty of “wow” moments. And he is capable of being a running threat.
Stats through Oct. 1: 95-of-141 passing (67.4% completion percentage) for 1,271 passing yards and 11 touchdowns with five interceptions; 13 carries for 106 rushing yards (8.2 YPC) and one touchdown
12. Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 204
A lanky and long-striding target, Coleman is a no-nonsense route runner who quickly drives off the line of scrimmage when given free releases. He has routine hands and an extended catch radius that help him snatch the ball out of the air regardless of where it’s located. And Coleman has an expansive route tree, which makes him a target at all three levels of the field. His biggest concern is getting past physical defenders at the line of scrimmage and at the top of his routes.
Stats through Oct. 1: 12 receptions for 208 receiving yards (17.3 ypr) and four touchdowns
13. Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205
Hampton is a physically imposing cornerback who strives to humiliate receivers at the line of scrimmage by getting his hands on them. Since most receivers struggle to untangle from his coverage, he would be ideal for press man coverage schemes at the next level. Hampton is also a forceful tackler on the perimeter, with lots of knockback strength when coming into contact with ball carriers. But he does need to be more disciplined with his timing in coverage.
Stats through Oct. 1: 10 tackles, one interception for two yards, seven passes defensed, 22.7% completion percentage allowed
14. Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 205
Mensah is a locate-and-loft thrower who has a great sense of true progressions and can string together long stretches of accurate completions. He has great touch on passes, as he can drop throws right into the outstretched arms of targets. Mensah is also unafraid to throw into the teeth of blitzes and make defenses pay for trying to rush his throw plans. He is sufficient enough with his legs to buy time and make throws outside of structure. But Mensah has average velocity when forced to throw into tight windows. And he needs to improve his ball security, as rushers have had success jarring the ball loose from him in the pocket.
Stats through Oct. 1: 94-of-106 passing (88.7%) for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdown with zero interceptions; nine carries for 52 rushing yards (5.8 YPC) and one touchdown
15. Greg Johnson, G, Minnesota
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 325
Johnson is a hulking interior blocker whose strength helps him latch and sustain at the point of attack. He has a reliable anchor that helps him tether his feet and quickly stall pass-rush moves. In gap run schemes, Johnson has shown quickness when pulling. In zone run schemes, Johnson can be fluid enough to climb and cover up linebackers on the second level. A lot of Johnson’s losses are a result of him relying solely on his upper body to generate torque and movement. His recovery athleticism is average, and he can face challenges when forced to readjust after being beaten quickly around either shoulder.
Stats through Oct. 1: 226 snaps, 0% pressure rate allowed, 0% blown run block rate
16. Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205
A headache for the opposition in multiple ways, Chambliss can break down defenses with both his throwing ability and mobility. His excellent field vision complements a compact and fiery release, helping him anticipate and attack over the middle. Despite his lack of size, he can consistently reach all areas of the field. Chambliss also isn’t afraid to welcome high-leverage moments, which he showed throughout last year’s College Football Playoff and so far this season. His frame and age (he’ll be 25 years old before next season) could inhibit his draft profile.
Stats through Oct. 1: 102-of-144 passing (70.8%) for 1,222 passing yards and eight touchdowns with three interceptions; 28 carries for 108 rushing yards (3.9 YPC) and four touchdowns
17. Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 222
Manning has prototypical size and a well-built frame for the position. His arm strength provides exciting plays when throwing to the intermediate and deep portions of the field, and his above-average mobility allows him to take off when defenses leave an opening. Manning is still only at best with concepts that allow him to execute simple reads. When trying to make full-field progressions, he can hold onto the ball too long. There are also too many moments when poor footwork and mechanics lead to scattershot ball placement.
Stats through Oct. 1: 73-of-115 passing (63.5%) for 862 passing yards and seven touchdowns with three interceptions; 32 carries for 82 rushing yards (2.6 YPC)
18. Chris Cole, LB, Georgia
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235
Cole is an easy moving, urgent defender from the second level. He has excellent lateral agility and pursuit speed to close on ball carriers in a hurry. But his ability to read and react to run concepts is still a work in progress, as his eyes can get fixated in the wrong spots. And he can be slow at recognizing concepts in zone coverage, leading to easy catches in his area. Cole is frequently used as a blitzer, which he does effectively.
Stats through Oct. 1: 18 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, one pass defensed
19. Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180
Robinson is an ultra-athletic cornerback whose quick feet and sudden change of direction helps him stay connected in man coverage. But there are times when Robinson gives up big gains because his technique tends to be abandoned. His best reps come in zone coverage, where he has a great feel for concepts unfolding. Robinson has excellent awareness with attacking the ball in flight, and he has a linebacker-like appetite for contact in run support.
Stats through Oct. 1: Eight tackles, three passes defensed, 63.6% completion percentage allowed
20. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220
From his footwork to throwing release, Moore is a natural in every area for the position. He orchestrates Oregon’s up-tempo attack efficiently with B-level arm strength. His game is predicated upon rhythm, timing and anticipation, showing comfort with concepts to all levels of the field. Moore can routinely stack completions when protected. He isn’t afraid to attack the seams and shred defenses. Moore is also an underrated runner, but he uses his mobility only as a last resort. He still needs to become more consistent against top-tier defenses and in withstanding early pressure. Moore has had stretches of bypassing open playmakers downfield to make safer throws underneath.
Stats through Oct. 1: 69-of-99 passing (69.7%) for 926 passing yards and nine touchdowns with zero interceptions; 10 carries for minus-seven yards (minus-0.7 YPC)
21. Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 255
Johnson is a big playmaker in the passing game, especially over the middle of the field. He has natural hands and the catch radius to pluck balls outside his frame. As a route runner, Johnson wins with controlled tempos, decisiveness and spatial awareness. He can compete through contact when challenged, but he won’t surprise defenders with his top-end speed or suddenness. Johnson also isn’t a dynamic threat who can stack up extra yards after the catch that aren’t created for him schematically. He isn’t overly reliable on single blocks as a run blocker.
Stats through Oct. 1: 11 receptions for 176 receiving yards (16.0 YPR) and one touchdown
22. CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215
Carr is a refined pocket passer whose eyes, feet and throwing motion are always in cohesion. With an easy throwing motion, he is a decisive passer who trusts his eyes to pick apart defenses. He has a great feel for the types of passes that are needed, putting enough touch or velocity on them. And he is routinely in control at the line of scrimmage with protections and when calling audibles. Carr’s overall arm strength and velocity are average. And he sometimes creates chaotic negative losses trying to make a positive play instead of moving on to the next play.
Stats through Oct. 1: 67-of-95 passing (70.5%) for 963 passing yards and nine touchdowns with one interception; eight carries for 13 yards (1.6 YPC) and two touchdowns
23. Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 237
Green is like an NBA small forward on the turf, constantly presenting a tall task for defenses. As a true “F” tight end, he’s a movable offensive weapon who provides most of value as a pass catcher from the slot or split out wide. Green can routinely glide past matchups with an expansive route tree through the middle of defenses. His ball tracking and leaping ability help him sky over defenders, especially in the red zone. Green’s physicality as a blocker has improved, but his lack of bulk can be used against him inside of the box.
Stats through Oct. 1: 14 receptions for 222 receiving yards (15.9 YPR) and one touchdown
24. KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195
Bolden plays a variety of spots in Georgia’s secondary but projects best as a center field free safety. He is a mistake eraser in the back end, showcasing range and instinctiveness to quickly bring a halt to plays. Bolden is an aggressive tackler who comes downhill with urgency. His lack of strength can hurt him in man coverage, as bigger receivers can outmuscle him and make catches through his frame.
Stats through Oct. 1: Eight tackles, one interception for 29 yards, one pass defensed, 50% completion percentage allowed
25. Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 314
Lauck is an old-school, tough offensive tackle. His playing style isn’t flashy or glamorous; he simply collects wins in bunches by executing his hand power and physicality. Lauck has upper-tier upper-body strength and hands that are active when initiating contact. His pass sets are a bit unconventional given his average athleticism, but he’s savvy with sorting and terminating rush moves. Lauck isn’t firm on contact and can get moved off his spot, so he will need to learn to better churn his feet after the initiation process. He could improve his lower-body strength.
Stats through Oct. 1: 191 snaps, 1% pressure rate allowed, 0% blown run block rate
26. Brauntae Johnson, S, Notre Dame
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200
Stats through Oct. 1: One tackle, one pass defensed, 50% completion percentage allowed
27. Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210
Stats through Oct. 1: 16 receptions, 221 receiving yards (13.8 YPR) and three touchdowns
28. Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 205
Stats through Oct. 1: 39 carries for 191 rushing yards (4.9 ypc) and 4 touchdowns; 7 receptions for 16 receiving yards (2.3 ypr)
29. Deuce Alexander, WR, Ole Miss
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180
Stats through Oct. 1: 27 receptions for 429 receiving yards (15.9 YPR) and four touchdowns
30. Kingston Lopa, S, California
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 210
Stats through Oct. 1: 27 tackles, five interceptions for 104 yards and one touchdown, 33.3% completion percentage allowed
31. Kade Pieper, C, Iowa
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 298
Stats through Oct. 1: 191 snaps, 1.0% pressure rate allowed, 1.2% blown run block rate
32. Justin Scott, DT, Miami
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 303
Stats through Oct. 1: Seven tackles, one tackle for loss
33. Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205
Stats through Oct. 1: 14 tackles, 28.6% completion percentage allowed
34. Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR, Alabama
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 184
Stats through Oct. 1: 17 receptions for 333 receiving yards (19.6 YPR) and three touchdowns
35. A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 325
Stats through Oct. 1: 11 tackles, one pass defensed
36. Devan Thompkins, Edge, Alabama
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 300
Stats through Oct. 1: 16 tackles, three sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble
37. Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 194
Stats through Oct. 1: Nine tackles, four passes defensed, 20.0% completion percentage allowed
38. KJ Duff, WR, Rutgers
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 225
Stats through Oct. 1: 29 receptions for 550 receiving yards (19.0 YPR) and seven touchdowns
39. David Stone, DT, Oklahoma
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 312
Stats through Oct. 1: 14 tackles, 0.5 sacks, two tackles for loss
40. Samson Okunlola, OT, Miami
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 330
Stats through Oct. 1: 207 snaps, 0.9% pressure rate allowed, 0.9% blown run block rate
41. Clev Lubin, Edge, Louisville
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 260
Stats through Oct. 1: 14 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles
42. Ahmad Moten Sr., DT, Miami
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 300
Stats through Oct. 1: Three tackles, 0.5 sacks, 0.5 tackles for loss
43. Jaylen McClain, S, Ohio State
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 203
Stats through Oct. 1: 17 tackles, one interception for seven yards, three passes defensed, 28.6% completion percentage allowed
44. Carter Smith, G, Indiana
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 310
Stats through Oct. 1: 221 snaps, 0% pressure rate allowed, 0% blown run block rate
45. Melvin Siani, OT, Texas
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 317
Stats through Oct. 1: 262 snaps, 1.5% pressure rate allowed, 0.9% blown run block rate
46. Reed Harris, WR, Arizona State
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220
Stats through Oct. 1: 19 receptions for 374 receiving yards (19.7 YPR) and five touchdowns
47. Boubacar Traore, Edge, Notre Dame
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 253
Stats through Oct. 1: Nine tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery
48. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 234
Stats through Oct. 1: 10 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one fumble recovery
49. Anthonie Knapp, G, Notre Dame
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 305
Stats through Oct. 1: 230 snaps, 0.9% pressure rate allowed, 0.9% blown run block rate
50. Jide Abasiri, Edge, USC
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 280
Stats through Oct. 1: 15 tackles, one sack, 3.5 tackles for loss
Rankings at every position
Quarterbacks
1. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
2. Darian Mensah, Miami
3. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
4. Arch Manning, Texas
5. Dante Moore, Oregon
Running backs
1. Jadan Baugh, Florida
2. Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
3. Nate Frazier, Georgia
4. Hollywood Smothers, Texas
5. LJ Martin, BYU
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Jelani Thurman, North Carolina
2. Andrew Rappleyea, Penn State
3. Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech
Wide receivers
1. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
2. Charlie Becker, Indiana
3. Cam Coleman, Texas
4. Nick Marsh, Indiana
5. Deuce Alexander, Ole Miss
Tight ends
1. Jamari Johnson, Oregon
2. Trey’Dez Green, LSU
3. Luke Reynolds, Virginia Tech
4. Benjamin Brahmer, Penn State
5. Hunter Tipton, Memphis
Offensive tackles
1. Jordan Seaton, LSU
2. Trevor Goosby, Texas
3. Trevor Lauck, Iowa
4. Samson Okunlola, Miami
5. Melvin Siani, Texas
Guards
1. Greg Johnson, Minnesota
2. Carter Smith, Indiana
3. Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame
4. Austin Siereveld, Ohio State
5. Evan Tengesdahl, Cincinnati
Centers
1. Kade Pieper, Iowa
2. Drew Bobo, Georgia
3. Sheridan Wilson, Texas Tech
4. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
5. Justin Evans, Nebraska
Edge rushers
1. Colin Simmons, Texas
2. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
3. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
4. Devan Thompkins, Alabama
5. Clev Lubin, Louisville
Defensive tackles
1. Will Echoles, Ole Miss
2. Justin Scott, Miami
3. A’Mauri Washington, Oregon
4. David Stone, Oklahoma
5. Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami
Linebackers
1. Chris Cole, Georgia
2. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
3. Sammy Brown, Clemson
4. Xavier Atkins, Auburn
5. Raylen Wilson, Georgia
Cornerbacks
1. Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
2. Ashton Hampton, Clemson
3. Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia
4. Kelley Jones, Mississippi State
5. Zabien Brown, Alabama
Safeties
1. KJ Bolden, Georgia
2. Brauntae Johnson, Notre Dame
3. Kingston Lopa, California
4. Jaylen McClain, Ohio State
5. Adon Shuler, Notre Dame
Kickers
1. Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss
2. Tate Sandell, Oklahoma
3. Peyton Woodring, Georgia
