The 2027 NFL Draft is projected to feature an unusually strong group of prospects, especially at premium positions. Quarterback, cornerback, EDGE and wide receiver all appear to have notable talent near the top of the early projections, while several tight ends could also become first-round candidates.
These rankings are preliminary. A full college season can change draft expectations, and players’ eligibility decisions may affect the eventual field. Still, the early outlook points to considerable star power at the top of the class.
## Early Top-Tier Prospects
The following players are among the leading names in early projections. The order is not a guarantee of where they will be selected.
1. **Ryan Williams, wide receiver — Alabama**
2. **Jeremiah Smith, wide receiver — Ohio State**
3. **Leonard Moore, cornerback — Notre Dame**
4. **Colin Simmons, EDGE — Texas**
5. **Dylan Stewart, EDGE — Missouri**
6. **LaNorris Sellers, quarterback — South Carolina**
7. **Arch Manning, quarterback — Texas**
8. **Julian Sayin, quarterback — Ohio State**
9. **Dante Moore, quarterback — Oregon**
10. **Ellis Robinson IV, cornerback — Georgia**
11. **David Stone, defensive tackle — Oklahoma**
The quarterback group is projected to be stronger than the 2026 class, with early forecasts suggesting that at least four passers could be selected in the first round: Sellers, Manning, Sayin and Moore. Their performances during the coming season will help determine how firm those projections become.
The two wide receivers, Williams and Smith, are among the most prominent prospects in the early discussion. Both are viewed as exceptional talents, and either could be selected within the first four picks. Quarterbacks often draw considerable attention because of the value of the position, but the projected strength of this receiver pair makes them central to the conversation about the top of the draft.
## Other Potential First-Round Prospects
A broader group of players enters the season with a chance to build a first-round case:
– **CJ Carr, quarterback — Notre Dame**
– **Cam Coleman, wide receiver — Texas**
– **Jamari Johnson, tight end — Oregon**
– **Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE — Oregon**
– **Austin Siereveld, offensive tackle — Ohio State**
– **Cayden Green, offensive tackle — Missouri**
– **Ahmad Hardy, running back — Missouri**
– **Zabien Brown, cornerback — Alabama**
– **Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, linebacker — Notre Dame**
– **Trey’Dez Green, tight end — LSU**
– **Quincy Rhodes Jr., EDGE — Arkansas**
– **Kewan Lacy, running back — Ole Miss**
– **Darian Mensah, quarterback — Miami**
– **KJ Bolden, safety — Georgia**
– **Jordan Seaton, offensive tackle — LSU**
– **Will Echoles, defensive tackle — Ole Miss**
– **Trevor Lauck, offensive tackle — Iowa**
The cornerback group does not yet have an undisputed top prospect, but Leonard Moore, Ellis Robinson IV and Zabien Brown are viewed as possible top-15 selections. Their development and performance throughout the season could help clarify how the position ranks against the rest of the class.
Several questions will shape the next round of projections. Can Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr produce a season strong enough to move into the top 10? Will Miami quarterback Darian Mensah show the potential to become a top-12 pick? KJ Bolden is projected as a leading safety prospect, but will his play warrant a selection inside the top 15? And can offensive tackle Will Echoles make a major rise with a strong season for Ole Miss?
## What Could Change the Draft Picture?
The early outlook depends on how these prospects develop during the season. Draft position is influenced by more than reputation: performance, consistency and each team’s needs all contribute to where players are ultimately selected.
Eligibility decisions will matter, too. For example, Texas quarterback Arch Manning could choose to return to school for another year, which would change the shape of the quarterback group if he is not available for the draft.
The eventual draft order is also far from settled. Teams holding additional early-round selections may have more opportunities to address their needs. Kansas City, Minnesota and the New York Jets are among the teams noted as having extra picks in the first three rounds. Clubs may also consider their salary-cap situations as they plan how to replace departing players with draft selections.
## Bottom Line
The 2027 class has the potential to be one of the strongest in recent years, though its depth and final rankings remain uncertain. It may not match the 2026 class in overall depth, but early projections suggest that the top of the 2027 group could offer more star power.
With roughly six months still to go before the draft, no projected first-round selection is a certainty. The coming college season will bring opportunities for prospects to rise or fall, and unexpected developments are likely. For now, the class stands out for its promising quarterbacks, high-end receivers and talent across several other important positions.
