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The latest 2027 NFL mock draft projects five quarterbacks selected in the opening round, while the Cleveland Browns execute a trade-up for a passer. Preseason expectations for the quarterback class have shifted following injuries and inconsistent performances across the board.
Quarterback Class Shifts and Top Passers
The 2027 quarterback class faced major changes two months into the season. Dante Moore’s campaign ended after he suffered a concussion against USC in late September, while Arch Manning experienced enough inconsistency to raise questions about whether he should enter the draft. Darian Mensah has emerged as the top quarterback prospect with consistent performances, alongside Drew Mestemaker, who generated significant draft buzz after a strong start in Stillwater and an impressive outing against Moore and Oregon.
A preseason First-Round Readiness Score (FRED) model had previously evaluated Mensah, Mestemaker, and Jayden Maiava as first-round talents while identifying underlying questions surrounding Moore and Manning. On-field action over the first two months of the season largely validated those model projections.
Jeremiah Smith Headlines Non-QB Prospects
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith stands out as the best overall player in the draft class. Passing on Smith presents a greater risk than drafting him high, given his size, physicality, ability to win at all three levels, and exceptional catch radius, drawing comparisons to elite receivers like Julio Jones, Terrell Owens, and Calvin Johnson.
The winless Los Angeles Chargers currently hold the top selection in the 2027 draft. Despite having prior investments at the wide receiver position with Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey, holding the No. 1 pick without a trade partner means selecting the draft’s top player rather than addressing a roster need.
Overall First-Round Position Breakdown
The latest mock draft features a total of five quarterbacks selected in the first round, with Arch Manning absent from the projection for the second consecutive mock. At non-quarterback positions, offensive tackles lead the group with six players selected in the opening round, followed closely by wide receivers with five selections.
