With more than eight weeks of college football and seven weeks of the NFL season completed, the early picture of the 2027 NFL Draft is beginning to take shape. This midseason mock draft projects the first ten selections, matching teams with prospects whose skills could address major needs.
These predictions are based on how the season has unfolded so far, but plenty of football remains before draft day. Team records, player performances and draft positions could all change.
## 1. Los Angeles Chargers: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Through the first seven weeks of the season, the Chargers are the NFL’s only winless team. Their offense has struggled, ranking last in scoring and among the league’s least effective passing attacks.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith would give quarterback Justin Herbert a dynamic target with the potential to make an immediate impact. Smith is an elite receiver prospect whose ability could help reshape the Chargers’ passing offense and become a significant part of the team’s future.
## 2. Tennessee Titans: Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas
Colin Simmons has established himself as one of college football’s top pass-rushers. He has produced consistently at Texas, recording 31.5 career sacks, and combines athleticism with the skill set to contribute early in the NFL.
Simmons also has considerable room to develop. His production and potential make him a candidate to become a top-tier pass-rusher at the next level, giving Tennessee a chance to add an impact player to its defense.
## 3. Miami Dolphins: Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
The Dolphins select the first quarterback in this mock draft, taking Drew Mestemaker at No. 3. He offers promising upside, with impressive arm talent, mobility and athleticism.
Mestemaker can also create plays when the structure of an offense breaks down. His production over the past two college seasons has placed him among the most productive quarterbacks in the country. For Miami, his combination of passing ability and movement skills could make him an appealing prospect to build around.
## 4. Washington Commanders: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
Leonard Moore is a smart, experienced cornerback with the size, speed and movement skills to develop into a shutdown defender. He has been consistently impactful at Notre Dame and has shown an ability to make plays on the ball.
Moore has recorded seven career interceptions. That production, combined with his physical tools and experience, gives Washington the opportunity to add a promising playmaker to its secondary.
## 5. Houston Texans: Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
Trevor Goosby is a well-rounded offensive tackle with the size, arm length and athletic ability to compete at the next level. He has also been reliable in both pass protection and run blocking.
Goosby has performed against SEC competition over the past two seasons, giving him experience in a demanding college environment. His consistency and versatility make him a potential long-term addition to Houston’s offensive line.
## 6. Philadelphia Eagles: Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina
Dylan Stewart brings exceptional athletic upside as a pass-rusher. At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, he has impressive arm length and an explosive first step that can help him pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Stewart has also demonstrated an ability to create turnovers, with nine career forced fumbles. His physical tools and knack for disrupting plays could make him an appealing fit for Philadelphia’s defense.
## 7. New York Jets: Darian Mensah, QB, Miami (FL)
Darian Mensah may not have elite arm strength, but he stands out for his accuracy and decision-making. He has been the most productive quarterback in the country through the first eight weeks of the season.
Those qualities could give the Jets a quarterback who can distribute the ball effectively and make smart decisions. Mensah’s performance so far has helped strengthen his position among the leading quarterback prospects in the class.
## 8. Arizona Cardinals: CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
CJ Carr is an efficient passer who throws with accuracy and anticipation. He has protected the football this season, performed well under pressure and remained consistently productive for Notre Dame over the past two seasons.
Carr’s combination of poise, decision-making and reliable production gives Arizona another quarterback option in the top ten. His ability to anticipate throws and maintain his composure under pressure are key strengths in this projection.
## 9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
Charlie Becker became an important contributor for Indiana’s national championship team during the second half of last season. Since then, he has been among college football’s most productive wide receivers.
Becker offers a strong blend of size, speed and contested-catch ability. Those traits make him a dangerous big-play option and give Tampa Bay a chance to add a receiver capable of challenging defenses downfield.
## 10. New Orleans Saints: Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
At 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, Ashton Hampton has unusual size for a cornerback. He also has good speed for his frame and the ability to stay with receivers as they run vertically downfield.
Hampton’s combination of length, size and speed could make him an intriguing defensive prospect for New Orleans. His physical profile gives him the tools to compete against receivers on deep routes.
## Early outlook for the 2027 NFL Draft
There is still a significant portion of both the college and NFL seasons left to play, so the draft picture remains fluid. Even so, several prospects have started to establish themselves as potential top-ten picks.
Smith stands out as an elite wide receiver prospect, while Simmons, Moore and Stewart are among the leading defensive candidates in this group. Each has the potential to make an impact at the next level. Becker, Hampton and Goosby also have the tools to remain in the top-ten conversation as the season continues.
The quarterback group brings a mix of strengths. Mestemaker offers arm talent, athleticism and the ability to make plays outside the structure of an offense. Mensah has excelled through accuracy, smart decisions and strong production, while Carr has impressed with efficiency, anticipation and poise under pressure. Their performances over the rest of the season will help determine how the quarterback order develops.
