2027 NFL draft quarterbacks to watch: top prospects and sleepers

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• CJ Carr — Notre Dame’s rising signal-caller and pocket presence to watch
  • Why NFL evaluators will pay attention
  • Key questions for 2026
• Julian Sayin — Ohio State’s accurate athlete and pro-style upside
  • Scouting takeaways
  • What to monitor this season
• Arch Manning — Texas passer with pedigree and pro-caliber tools
  • Why his draft stock could climb
  • Risks and verification points
• Sam Leavitt — LSU transfer with mobility and off-platform accuracy
  • Strengths scouts love
  • Developmental concerns
• Darian Mensah — Miami’s new starter with accuracy and pocket elusiveness
  • Why he fits pro profiles
  • What will shape his 2027 outlook

The quarterback market looked thin in 2026, and teams that passed on signal-callers are already turning their attention to next year’s class. After a quieter cycle, scouting departments are buzzing about a deeper 2027 quarterback pool — one that could reshape draft boards and reset franchise plans.

Below are five college passers expected to draw heavy NFL interest come spring 2027. Each profile blends scouting notes, storyline context and what to watch during the 2026 season as they jockey for draft positioning.

CJ Carr — Notre Dame’s rising signal-caller and pocket presence to watch

CJ Carr arrived at Notre Dame with pedigree and instincts, quickly establishing himself as a composed leader under center. Scouts praise his ability to sit in the pocket and deliver accurate throws despite pressure, a trait that projects well to pro systems.

Why NFL evaluators will pay attention

• Timing and accuracy: Carr consistently hits intermediate reads and shows rhythm with his receivers.
• Poise under duress: He keeps his eyes downfield when the pocket collapses, improving big-play potential.
• Leadership: Teammates cite his ability to calm the huddle and elevate the offense late in games.

Key questions for 2026

• Can he expand his deep-ball consistency against top-tier pass rushes?
• Will coaching tweaks unlock added mobility or design quicker release packages?

Julian Sayin — Ohio State’s accurate athlete and pro-style upside

Julian Sayin arrived as a blue-chip recruit and quickly became one of the nation’s most efficient passers. His tape shows a polished drop-back game paired with functional athleticism that allows him to extend plays without forcing throws.

Scouting takeaways

• Accuracy on the move: Sayin finds targets when forced off his spot, a desirable trait for NFL schemes that value improvisation.
• Processing speed: He makes rapid reads against complex defenses, which bolsters his starter candidacy at the next level.
• Arm strength debate: Some evaluators question whether his arm will consistently produce tight-window throws at the pro level.

What to monitor this season

• Performance vs. Power Five pressure packages.
• Progress on velocity and zip on intermediate and deep throws.

Arch Manning — Texas passer with pedigree and pro-caliber tools

Arch Manning carries a famous surname, but his game stands on its own merits. At Texas he’s blended a strong arm with improved decision-making, trimming turnovers after a rocky stretch early in his college career.

Why his draft stock could climb

• Arm and athleticism: He can make every throw on the field and escape designed pressure when necessary.
• Growth curve: Early-season mistakes have given way to smarter reads and safer tendencies.
• Ceiling: With another polished year, he could slot among the top QB prospects for 2027.

Risks and verification points

• Does he sustain accuracy on deep timing routes?
• How does he handle blitz-heavy, schematic defenses designed to confuse young QBs?

Sam Leavitt — LSU transfer with mobility and off-platform accuracy

After an active transfer period, Sam Leavitt landed in Baton Rouge and immediately turned heads. He blends natural throwing mechanics with the ability to create yards by running, an appealing combination for teams that value dual-threat quarterbacks.

Strengths scouts love

• Off-platform accuracy: Leavitt consistently completes throws on the move, which helps against relentless college pass rushes.
• Mobility: He can escape pressure and convert broken plays into first downs or touchdowns.
• Transfer credibility: Multiple programs pursued him, highlighting his perceived upside.

Developmental concerns

• Health and durability over a full season — staying on the field will be vital.
• Showings in prime-time and rivalry matchups to validate big-game readiness.

Darian Mensah — Miami’s new starter with accuracy and pocket elusiveness

Darian Mensah left one program and landed at Miami, where he steps into a role with championship expectations. He brings precise ball placement and the kind of slippery footwork that frustrates defenders and extends drives.

Why he fits pro profiles

• Accuracy-first approach: Mensah locates receivers on timing routes and excels in short-to-intermediate concepts.
• Escape ability: He avoids sacks and turns pressure into positive plays without taking unnecessary risks.
• System fit: Miami’s offense could showcase his strengths and boost his draft stock if he performs in spotlight games.

What will shape his 2027 outlook

• Consistency across a full ACC slate.
• How he handles replacing an established starter and the pressure of title expectations.

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