2027 NFL mock draft: Arch Manning doesn’t go No. 1 overall

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• 1 — Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiah Smith, WR (Ohio State) — a transcendent No. 1 receiving prospect
• 2 — Miami Dolphins: Colin Simmons, EDGE (Texas) — injecting pass-rush terror
• 3 — New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB (Oregon) — a polished passer ready for a pro ceiling
  • What New York gets
• 4 — Las Vegas Raiders: Dylan Stewart, EDGE (South Carolina) — a disruptive force for the front seven
• 5 — Cleveland Browns: Arch Manning, QB (Texas) — a developmental franchise quarterback
  • How Cleveland could build around him
• 6 — Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Carr, QB (Notre Dame) — the start of a QB run
• 7 — Tennessee Titans: Kewan Lacy, RB (Ole Miss) — explosive running back with big-play DNA
• 8 — New Orleans Saints: Jordan Seaton, RT (LSU) — protecting the pocket with an anchor at tackle
• 9 — Cincinnati Bengals: Leonard Moore, CB (Notre Dame) — lockdown coverage for a high-powered offense
• 10 — Washington Commanders: Cam Coleman, WR (Texas) — youthful speed and big-play production

The NFL calendar has settled into its quiet stretch — practices, OTAs and the slow burn of roster tweaking — which makes now a perfect moment to look ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft. With most headline free agents off the board and training camps still months away, projecting the next crop of stars is as much about team need as it is about upside and fit.

Below is a fresh Top 10 mock for the 2027 draft, rebuilt with an eye toward team construction, looming positional runs and the prospect names scouts are already buzzing about. Expect surprises, trades and plenty of storyline developments over the next year, but this mock aims to map where elite talent could land and why those pairings make sense.

1 — Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiah Smith, WR (Ohio State) — a transcendent No. 1 receiving prospect

Arizona’s rebuild is still in motion, and after investing a premium pick in a different playmaker last year, the Cardinals could use a true No. 1 target to accelerate their turnaround. Jeremiah Smith projects as one of those rare wideouts who can change an offense by sheer separation ability and contested-catch prowess.

• Why it fits: Smith’s combination of size, route polish and contested-catch mechanics gives a franchise a potential centerpiece receiver for years.
• Quarterback situation: The Cards may lean on a veteran bridge QB while Smith grows into the pro game, but adding elite receiving talent simplifies any future QB transition.

2 — Miami Dolphins: Colin Simmons, EDGE (Texas) — injecting pass-rush terror

Miami has offensive firepower, but consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks remains a premium. Colin Simmons is a high-upside edge rusher with the burst and finishing instincts to disrupt timing and tilt games.

• Defensive upgrade: Simmons would help shore up pass rush and take pressure off Miami’s secondary.
• Even if the Dolphins had hoped to add receiving help earlier, locking in a chess-piece like Simmons on defense is a clear move for long-term balance.

3 — New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB (Oregon) — a polished passer ready for a pro ceiling

The Jets have been searching for long-term stability at quarterback. Dante Moore lines up as a pro-ready signal-caller with timing, pocket feel and the mobility to extend plays — traits NFL evaluators covet for franchise quarterbacks.

What New York gets

• Familiarity and upside: Moore’s college tape shows advanced decision-making and NFL-style footwork, making him a realistic candidate to step into a high-pressure job sooner rather than later.
• Even if the Jets have invested in other QBs, landing Moore would be a clear statement that the franchise is retooling around a long-term trigger man.

4 — Las Vegas Raiders: Dylan Stewart, EDGE (South Carolina) — a disruptive force for the front seven

Las Vegas has added offensive pieces, but defensive playmakers remain a high priority. Dylan Stewart brings power, bend and a relentless motor — the kind of pass rusher who can partner with veteran talents or slide into a full-time role.

• Fit in the scheme: Stewart can rush from multiple alignments and offers upside as both a starter and rotational terror.
• If the Raiders decide to flip a veteran or reset the defensive line, Stewart fits the timeline of a team trending back toward contention.

5 — Cleveland Browns: Arch Manning, QB (Texas) — a developmental franchise quarterback

Cleveland’s quarterback future has been a narrative filled with big names and questions. Arch Manning is the kind of high-end prospect teams will chase when they want a long-term answer under center: excellent processing, arm talent and pedigree.

How Cleveland could build around him

• Roster advantage: The Browns already have young offensive pieces and draft capital; adding Manning could pivot the club into a youth-driven, QB-centric window.
• Even if current starters remain, the organization may prefer to secure a potential franchise QB and develop him behind a supportive environment.

6 — Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Carr, QB (Notre Dame) — the start of a QB run

The Falcons could join a growing group seeking a definitive quarterback. C.J. Carr offers pocket accuracy, situational savvy and the leadership traits coaches prize. In a draft with multiple QBs rising, Atlanta might opt to invest early in a signal-caller with upside.

• Why Atlanta might pull the trigger: A new coaching staff and an inconsistent QB room make quarterback continuity unlikely — selecting Carr would aim to end that cycle.
• Expect the Falcons to prioritize a clean transfer of playbook and development resources to groom a rookie starter.

7 — Tennessee Titans: Kewan Lacy, RB (Ole Miss) — explosive running back with big-play DNA

The running-back market in the draft can be streaky, but teams that value contested yards and home-run speed will jump for unique athletes. Kewan Lacy combines top-tier breakaway speed with the instincts to create chunk plays.

• Offensive boost: Lacy would inject an explosiveness that complements Tennessee’s existing pieces and opens up the passing game.
• With a run on skill players possible, the Titans might not hesitate if Lacy’s tape matches pre-draft testing.

8 — New Orleans Saints: Jordan Seaton, RT (LSU) — protecting the pocket with an anchor at tackle

Offensive line stability is a quiet but vital path to consistent offense. Jordan Seaton projects as a tackle who can develop into a long-term right-side anchor, blending power with mauling technique.

• Line investment: If a string of skill prospects thins the board, grabbing a high-upside tackle like Seaton could be a blue-chip investment.
• New Orleans would be buying longevity and fewer rookie-year headaches by targeting offensive-line fundamentals.

9 — Cincinnati Bengals: Leonard Moore, CB (Notre Dame) — lockdown coverage for a high-powered offense

Cincinnati’s offense has been elite, and pairing it with stronger defensive personnel is the standard route to contention. Leonard Moore is a cornerback prospect whose coverage instincts and ball skills translate well to the pro game.

• Defensive balance: Moore would be a top-tier addition to the secondary, helping the Bengals shorten games and give Joe Burrow more margin for error.
• Expect Cincinnati to invest high picks in disruptive defenders as a way to protect their offensive window.

10 — Washington Commanders: Cam Coleman, WR (Texas) — youthful speed and big-play production

Washington could use more explosive playmakers, especially if they plan to hedge on the quarterback market. Cam Coleman has the track speed and route consistency to emerge as a true field-stretching option.

• Impact upside: Coleman’s youth and prior production make him a candidate to step in quickly and stretch defenses vertically.
• Pairing him with a potential top-five QB selection would create a ready-made pairing for a modern passing attack.

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