Ryan McCrystal’s 2027 NFL Mock Draft: First-Look Projections

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The 2026 NFL Draft is now in the rearview mirror, so it is time to turn our attention to the 2027 class.

It is almost impossible to create accurate player/team matches this far in advance, so don’t get too caught up in arguing whether your team would select this prospect over that prospect.

Instead, this mock draft should be treated like a watch list.

In some order, these are the 32 players I feel have the best chance to come off the board in the first round next April.

All stats are from the Sports Info Solutions Data Hub unless otherwise noted. 

Ryan McCrystal's Too-Early 2027 NFL Mock Draft:

*The draft order is based on the reverse order of the 2026 Super Bowl odds

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2027 NFL Mock Draft: Team by Team Breakdown

1. Arizona Cardinals, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Moore is a poised pocket-passer who has demonstrated impressive accuracy at all levels of the field. He would have been a top-10 pick had he entered the 2026 draft, and he will be a candidate to go No. 1 overall so long as he doesn’t suffer a setback in his development. 

Key stat to know about Dante Moore:

Generated a 44% positive EPA rate when facing pressure in 2025, the highest rate among Power Four quarterbacks. 

2. Miami Dolphins, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame

Carr looked like a future top pick during his redshirt-freshman year, though it’s fair to point out how he benefited from defenses stacking the box to stop Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. So long as Carr’s decision-making continues to develop as defenses build their game plan around him, he’ll solidify himself as a top-10 selection. 

Key stat to know about CJ Carr:

Averaged 9.1 yards per attempt with 0 interceptions against two-high coverages. 

3. New York Jets, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Manning’s lack of accuracy was a liability in Texas’ offense last year, and it could be what holds him back. All the other traits point to a future first-round pick, however, so we’re betting on continued development. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have that name on the back of his jersey.

Key stat to know about Arch Manning:

Generated an on-target rate 4.7% below expected based on route-adjusted data, ranked 56th out of 77 qualified Power Four quarterbacks. 

4. Cleveland Browns, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

There are valid questions about Sayin’s size and arm strength, and maybe those will ultimately push him into the second round. However, his ability to see the field and navigate pressure within the pocket was shockingly advanced for a first-year starter, which sets a high floor for his NFL future.  

Key stat to know about Julian Sayin:

Generated an on-target rate 11.3% above expected based on route-adjusted data, the second-best rate among Power Four quarterbacks behind only Fernando Mendoza (11.9%)

5. Las Vegas Raiders, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Smith might be the greatest wide receiver prospect of all time. He’s certainly in the conversation with Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson. His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage is rare, and the way he effortlessly plucks the ball from the air with his massive hands makes him as reliable as they come. 

Key stat to know about Jeremiah Smith:

Generated a catch rate 13% above expected based on route-adjusted data, second best among Power Four receivers, trailing only Makai Lemon (14%). 

6. Tennessee Titans, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas

Simmons likely would have been a top-10 pick this year if he were eligible. He has a special blend of length and explosive traits and is a terror off the edge. 

Key stat to know about Colin Simmons:

Generated a 19.3% pressure rate when lined up on the edge, fifth best among Power Four pass rushers. 

7. Atlanta Falcons, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU

Seaton has the prototypical length, athleticism, and physical build of a franchise left tackle. His production at a young age, especially with a lack of talent around him at Colorado, was impressive. Now he’ll get to prove he can replicate that success in the SEC.

Key stat to know about Jordan Seaton:

Generated a 1.1% blown-block rate when his quarterbacks took a traditional dropback, ranked in the 97th percentile among tackles over the last four seasons. 

8. New Orleans Saints, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

Moore has the athleticism and physicality to play on an island and will likely be one of the most coveted cornerback prospects in recent history. 

Key stat to know about Leonard Moore:

Generated a career ball-hawk rate 61% above expected based on route-adjusted data. 

9. Carolina Panthers, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina

Stewart burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2024, but his production fell off significantly when he was no longer playing opposite Kyle Kennard in 2025. The traits are impressive; now he just needs to prove he can continue to thrive when the offense is keying on him. 

Key stat to know about Dylan Stewart:

Generated a 13.7% pressure rate when lined up from the 7-tech position or wider, ranked 16th in the SEC. 

10. New York Giants, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: David Stone, DL, Oklahoma

Stone is smaller than Dexter Lawrence but plays a similar role in Brent Venables’ defense and has that same bull-in-a-china-shop energy. 

Key stat to know about David Stone:

Recorded a tackle on 22% of his snaps against the run when lined up from the two-tech position or further inside, eighth best among Power Four interior linemen. 

11. Washington Commanders, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Cam Coleman, WR, Texas

Coleman’s production has been inconsistent, but the traits are special. He can thrive as a downfield weapon and should have a breakout season surrounded by more talent at Texas than he had around him at Auburn. 

Key stat to know about Cam Coleman:

Career drop rate of 12% on targets 10 or more yards downfield.

12. New York Jets, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: A.J. Holmes, DL, Texas Tech

Holmes spent three years at Houston before transferring to Texas Tech and upping his game as an interior pass-rush presence. 

Key stat to know about A.J. Holmes:

Generated an 8.3% pressure rate when lined up on the interior defensive line, leading the Big 12. 

13. Minnesota Vikings, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas

Goosby took over for Kelvin Banks Jr. at left tackle in 2025, and the transition was nearly seamless. The 6-foot-7 lineman is built like a prototypical left tackle and could be in the top-10 conversation if his development continues. 

Key stat to know about Trevor Goosby:

Allowed a 2.2% blown-block rate when his quarterback took a traditional dropback of three or more steps, which ranked in the 93rd percentile among tackles over the last four years.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama

Brown is still a work in progress, but he has the size and athletic traits teams will be willing to bet on if his development continues as expected. 

Key stat to know about Zabien Brown:

Allowed a catch rate 13% below expected based on route-adjusted data in 2025.  

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Will Echoles, DL, Ole Miss

Echoles has a versatile skill set, frequently lining up as a nose tackle but still finding ways to impact the game as a pass rusher. 

Key stat to know about Will Echoles:

Generated a 10.2% pressure rate when lined up from the zero or one-tech positions (nose tackle). 

16. Jacksonville Jaguars, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia

Robinson has the special athletic traits to stick with receivers downfield. He’s undersized, but there’s still time for him to bulk up as he enters his redshirt-sophomore year. 

Key stat to know about Ellis Robinson IV:

Allowed a catch rate 26% below expected based on route-adjusted data in his first year as a starter in 2025.  

17. Chicago Bears, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Quincy Rhodes, EDGE, Arkansas

Rhodes could be the Keldric Faulk of the 2027 class — a lineman whose “production” appears underwhelming but only due to his hybrid role in the defense. His ability to line up on the interior and the edge will be attractive to many defensive coordinators. 

Key stat to know about Quincy Rhodes:

Generated 15 tackles for loss in 2025 (34% of his total tackles). 

18. New York Jets, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: KJ Bolden, S, Georgia

Bolden plays a versatile role in Georgia’s secondary, lining up in the deep secondary, the box, and in coverage in the slot. He’s undersized, but plays with a physical style and is a capable run defender. 

Key stat to know about KJ Bolden:

Finished second on Georgia in tackles (79) and only missed 9 (9.2% missed tackle rate). 

19. Cincinnati Bengals, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana

Marsh suffered through some tough quarterback play during his two seasons at Michigan State and hasn’t lived up to lofty expectations. The 6-foot-3 receiver has elite traits, however, and might finally take off at Indiana.

Key stat to know about Nick Marsh:

Route-adjusted catch rate was 2% below expected during his two seasons with the Spartans. 

20. Denver Broncos, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State

The 6-foot-4 Jones was unbeatable during his first year as a starter in Starkville. Tall corners don’t have a great track record in the NFL, however, so scouts will be keeping a close eye on him this year to see if he can replicate last season’s dominance and demonstrate the athleticism to overcome his awkward height.  

Key stat to know about Kelley Jones:

Allowed just 5 receptions on 31 targets (16% completion rate) when targeted 10 or more yards downfield. 

21. Detroit Lions, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU

If you ever wondered what it would look like if LeBron James stuck with football, Trey’Dez Green might provide the answer. He still looks like a basketball player learning to play football, but an enormous catch radius and special athletic traits set an exciting ceiling. 

Key stat to know about Trey’Dez Green:

Generated 10% more yards after catch than expected based on route-adjusted data. 

22. Houston Texans, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri

Hardy has an impressive blend of power and speed, allowing him to run between the tackles but also bounce to the outside for explosive plays. 

Key stat to know about Ahmad Hardy:

Generated 28% more yards than expected when accounting for defenders in the box and the inside/outside direction of the run, ranked fifth among Power Four running backs.

23. New England Patriots, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Ryan Wingo, WR, Texas

Wingo hasn’t lived up to lofty expectations in Austin, but only so many receivers can move as fast as him at his size (he’s listed 6-foot-2, 214 pounds). Coleman taking some attention away might allow Wingo to have his breakout year. 

Key stat to know about Ryan Wingo:

Generated 27% more yards after catch than expected during his career, based on route-adjusted data. 

24. Los Angeles Chargers, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan

Hill is a tall, physical corner with the potential to thrive in press coverage. He spent one year with Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, and his physicality likely still endears him to the head coach. 

Key stat to know about Jyaire Hill:

Generated a ball-hawk rate 57% above expected in 2025, based on route-adjusted data. 

25. Dallas Cowboys, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana

Becker started his sophomore season as a reserve and was arguably the National Champs’ most dangerous weapon by the end of the year. The 6-foot-4 receiver has the size and speed to be a downfield threat. 

Key stat to know about Charlie Becker:

Caught 13 of his 14 catchable targets at 15 or more yards downfield with 0 drops, leading the Hoosiers in receptions at that depth. 

26. Philadelphia Eagles, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Anthonie Knapp, OT, Notre Dame

Knapp has been the Irish’s starting left tackle for the last two seasons, stepping into that role as a true freshman. His powerful run-blocking style might make him a better fit at guard in the long run, but that versatility is also an asset. 

Key stat to know about Anthonie Knapp:

Notre Dame ball carriers averaged 2.3 yards before contact when running to Knapp’s gap in the offensive line. 

27. San Francisco 49ers, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Will Heldt, EDGE, Clemson

The former Purdue lineman flourished at Clemson in 2025, outperforming teammates Peter Woods and T.J. Parker, who entered the year with more hype. Now he’ll need to prove he can replicate that success as the guy offenses key on. 

Key stat to know about Will Heldt:

Ranked fourth on his team in tackles, with 47% coming behind the line of scrimmage in the form of a sack or tackle for loss. 

28. Kansas City Chiefs, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Xavier Lucas, CB, Miami

Lucas transferred from Wisconsin and thrived in Miami’s talented defense in 2025. He’s an athletic outside corner with the speed to stick to receivers downfield and the length to disrupt the catch point. 

Key stat to know about Xavier Lucas:

Generated a ball-hawk rate 36% above expected last year, based on route-adjusted data.  

29. Baltimore Ravens, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Chris Cole, LB, Georgia

If another Sonny Styles-like linebacker emerges from the 2027 class, it could be Cole, who played an off-ball linebacker role but was arguably Georgia’s most dangerous pass rusher. 

Key stat to know about Chris Cole:

Blitzed on 36% of his snaps against the pass, generating a 19.6% pressure rate. 

30. Seattle Seahawks, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Miami

Wilson has flashed potential at Georgia and Missouri and has the athleticism and length to be a disruptive pass rusher. Now he gets to work with Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, who helped turn Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor into first-round picks. 

Key stat to know about Damon Wilson II:

Generated a 20.3% pressure rate when quarterbacks took a traditional dropback of three or more steps, ranked 10th in the SEC.

31. Buffalo Bills, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Cayden Green, OL, Missouri

Green started his career at left guard before shifting to left tackle in 2025. He has thrived in both roles but would likely be in contention to be the first guard off the board in 2027 if he switches back to the interior offensive line. 

Key stat to know about Cayden Green:

Allowed a 4.7% pressure rate in true pass sets, per Pro Football Focus.

32. Los Angeles Rams, 2026 Draft Pick Prediction: Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama

Pierre is an explosive edge rusher who sometimes also shifts to an off-ball linebacker position. Few players can provide as much value as an edge rusher and also have the athleticism to drop in coverage. 

Key stat to know about Yhonzae Pierre:

Generated a 19.6% pressure rate when lined up on the edge, third best among Power Four pass rushers.