With some huge college football games on campus on Saturday — including Ohio State vs. Indiana, Florida vs. Texas, Alabama vs. Tennessee, Ole Miss vs. Missouri and Notre Dame vs. BYU — it's a perfect time to clock in with Sporting News' third first-round mock for the 2027 NFL draft.
The demise of Texas' Arch Manning as a top quarterback prospect and one of the best players across positions has been greatly exaggerated. Even though he's taken some lumps, the physical talent still remains to the point he still is viewed as a near can't-miss franchise QB. The only alternative remains Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, the Heisman Trophy front-runner.
Although there's some change in the stock of several other players, the biggest shakeup comes from surprising early results in the NFL standings. Here's looking at the latest No. 1 through No. 32 projections, with the No. 1 through No. 18 (non-playoff teams) draft order courtesy of Tankathon.
MORE: Early big board of top 100 NFL Draft prospects for 2027
NFL Mock Draft 2027, 3.0
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1. Tennessee Titans
Arch Manning, QB, Texas (6-4, 225 pounds)
Manning needs to cut down on his turnovers, but when looking at the passing metrics overall, his performance so far has been in line with the upside he showed in 2025. It's also forgotten how dynamic of a runner he can be with that production curbed in Steve Sarkisian's offense so far in 2026.
The size, strength, accuracy and athleticism are there and there's plenty of time to raise to consistent elite play. The Titans are learning that their No. 1 pick from '25, Cam Ward, isn't feeling like their franchise QB. It's better for them to start over sooner rather than later should they stay stuck on this selection. It also doesn't hurt to bring another Manning to the Volunteer State. Going with another Buckeyes wideout high after taking Carnell Tate at No. 4 isn't what they would need ahead of a QB who can get Tate the ball.
2. Los Angeles Chargers
- Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State (6-3, 223 pounds)
The Chargers cannot keep wide receivers healthy in 2026. Tre Harris and Quentin Johnson, their outside playmakers, have been bit by the injury bug to join primary slot ace Ladd McConkey. Los Angeles needs to figure it out again with Justin Herbert with an eye on finding a replacement for Mike McDaniel, but the team also should consider giving Herbert a dominant go-to guy all over the field. Smith and McConkey would be some kind of duo getting open to take advantage of Herbert's massive arm.
MORE: Why Chargers won't bench Justin Herbert anytime soon
3. Miami Dolphins
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon (6-3, 206 pounds)
The Dolphins did their best to bridge at quarterback with dual threat Malik Willis and in the end, they may be positioned to land Manning at No. 1 or No. 2. But at the moment, with the Titans ahead, they need to think about a more long-term franchise answer. Moore also is being knocked too much for the Ducks' struggles. He is a natural accurate pocket passer and leader who still made a good decision to return to school.
4. Houston Texans
Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas (6-7, 325 pounds)
The Texans need offensive tackle help badly to boost their pass protection and run blocking. The combination of young Aireontae Ersery and 33-year-old Trent Brown isn't getting it done enough in front of C.J. Stroud. Houston can solve that problem by looking in front of Manning in Austin.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas (6-3, 240 pounds)
The Buccaneers need to keep rebuilding their pass defense and Simmons would form a devastating duo with 2025 first-rounder Rueben Bain Jr., regardless of whether Todd Bowles remains coach. Pending free agent Yaya Diaby is shaky at the other outside linebacker spot Simmons has been very productive with his speed and quickness.
POWER RANKINGS: Chiefs on top, Titans on the bottom
6. Arizona Cardinals
Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame (6-2, 195 pounds)
The Cardinals' pass defense has it rough on the back end. Moore has been so good for the Fighting Irish's dominant defense that opponents are not wanting to test his shutdown skills much in coverage. He's the complete package with his size, technique and nose for the ball.
7. New Orleans Saints
Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina (6-5, 245 pounds)
The Saints need to keep working on improving their pass rush for Brandon Staley. Stewart brings that physicality and power outside they have coveted for a long time in 6-4, 287-pounder Cameron Jordan.
8. Washington Commanders
Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU (6-5, 330 pounds)
Laremy Tunsil (torn triceps) keeps having durability issues and will be turning 33 ahead of next season. Brandon Coleman and Josh Conerly Jr. have struggled at tackle, screaming for Washington to add the smooth blocking athleticism of Seaton.
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9. New York Jets (from Cowboys)
C.J. Carr, QB, Notre Dame (6-3, 210 pounds)
The Jets are getting some stabilizing QB play in the experience of returning Geno Smith, but the 36-year-old isn't a long-term solution for a lingering problem. Carr has been steady and often spectacular throwing accurate balls all over the field. His deep passing prowess should be of particular interest to a team that wants an answer to Josh Allen and Drake Maye in the AFC East.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
Carter Smith, OT, Indiana (6-5, 313 pounds)
The Eagles need to be thinking offensive tackle first with Lane Johnson retiring early in the season. Smith can thrive at the position in the same way with his great hands and footwork and improving pass protection skills.
MORE: Why not to panic about the Eagles, thanks to Hurts and Nick Sirianni
11. New York Jets (from Colts)
David Stone, DT, Oklahoma (6-3, 312 pounds)
The Jets nailed their edge-rushing first-round pick, David Bailey, in 2026. They can stick with that first name and get a disruptive force inside. Stone has a nice blend of strength and quickness to blow up a lot of plays in the backfield.
12. New York Jets
Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State (6-4, 195 pounds)
The Jets might consider taking Leonard Moore should they get a higher pick, but regardless cornerback fills a big need should they have three picks in the first dozen overall. The Jets should love Kelley's size-speed combination to help cover big receivers.downfield.
13. Cleveland Browns (from Rams)
Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss (6-3, 310 pounds)
The Browns need to beef up defensive tackle again and they should covet Echoles' well-rounded play with some untapped inside pass-rushing skills.
14. Atlanta Falcons
Cam Coleman, WR, Texas (6-3, 201 pounds)
The Falcons need to pair a big-play complement with Drake London, especially if a healthy big-armed Michael Penix Jr. remains their starting QB in 2026. Coleman plays like a smaller dynamo with rare quickness and agility for that size.
15. Cincinnati Bengals
Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa (6-5, 310 pounds)
The Bengals always seem to be in the market for a reliable rock in pass protection for quarterback Joe Burrow. Lauck can be a nimble, powerful solution for a decade.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
- Tae Johnson, S, Notre Dame (6-2, 209 pounds)
The Steelers have glaring needs in the secondary, with Jalen Ramsey getting close to the end as he will turn 32 later in October. Johnson has been a huge impact player in coverage for the Irish playing off Leonard Moore and will be back healthy soon to show off his versatility in a linebacker-like frame.
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17. Cleveland Browns
Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State (6-3, 215 pounds)
The Browns are seeing a better Deshaun Watson, but the Jets' loss was a wakeup call that there's still a deficiency at the most important position that Shedeur Sanders can't suddenly solve. Mestemaker is a big-armed athletic dual threat built to throw the ball downfield and make big plays with his legs through the tough later-season weather in Cleveland.
18. Seattle Seahawks
- KJ Bolden, S, Georgia (6-0, 195 pounds)
The Sehaawks have missed Coby Bryant, who left for the Bears in free agency. They need to restore the punch next to Julian Love Bolden can provide that with his toughness, range and quickness in coverage.
19. Carolina Panthers
Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon (6-5, 272 pounds)
The Panthers upgraded their linebacker corps big time in Ejiro Evero's 3-4 with free-agent pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and rangy coverage force Devin Lloyd. They need to get Phillips a bookend producer and Uiagalelei can deliver well with his powerful frame.
20. Las Vegas Raiders
- Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana (6-4, 207 pounds)
The Raiders need to address wide receiver with their early draft capital to help Fernando Mendoza when he does end up starting over Kirk Cousins. Becker would be the ideal complement to tight end Brock Bowers with size, strong hands and natural field-stretching big-play ability.
21. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon (6-3, 330 pounds)
The Cowboys have been destroyed against the run in their new-look defense under Christian Parker. Washington is a load to move in the middle and can get around very well for his size.
22. Denver Broncos
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame (6-3, 230 pounds)
The Broncos need to get better at the second level to clean up more upfield against run and pass. Viliamu-Asa continues to rise up boards as a natural big playmaker, stuffing the stat sheet as a blitzer and cover man.
23. Chicago Bears
Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia (6-0, 180 pounds)
The Bears need to get some cornerback help behind Jaylen Johnson with Tyrique Stevenson struggling in coverage. Robinson can either help outside or cover in the slot with toughness and quickness for his size.
MORE: Remembering the toughest guy in the room, Mike Ditka
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24. New England Patriots
Trey'Dez Green, TE, LSU (6-7, 237 pounds)
The Patriots have Hunter Henry signed through the 2028 season, but he also will turn 32 this December. Green would be a dynamic weapon to consider to help Josh McDaniels and Drake Maye with a new complementary target to A.J. Brown.
25. Detroit Lions
Zach Lutmer, CB, Iowa (6-0, 205 pounds)
The Lions need a do-everything presence to upgrade their terrible secondary. Lutmer is big enough to cover the big slot or use his range in coverage to also make big plays on the ball outside.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars
Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss (5-11, 205 pounds)
The Jaguars will be on the lookout for a top power running back to pair with Bhayshul Tuten to give Liam Coen a formidable 1-2 punch on the ground. Of the potential first-round options, Lacy would deliver best in their system.
27. New York Giants
Justin Scott, DT, Miami (6-4, 303 pounds)
The Giants need to get more disruptive up front after trading Dexter Lawrence to the Bengals in the offseason. Scott can provide that with some major inside pass-rush upside.
28. Buffalo Bills
Kade Pieper, G, Iowa (6-3, 298 pounds)
The Bills also will think about the secondary early but Pieper also would be a solid pick to continue their strength in the running game. He would be a seamless upgrade fit over pending free agent right guard O'Cyrus Torrence.
29. Baltimore Ravens
Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana (6-3, 213 pounds)
Marsh is a tough clutch route-running receiver who thrives opposite Becker and can do the same for the more wideout-oriented version of the offense under Declan Doyle.
30. Minnesota Vikings
Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida (6-1, 225 pounds)
The Vikings lost Jordan Mason (thumb) for a while early with injury and pending free agent Aaron Jones Sr. will turn 32 in December. Baugh's appeal comes from the fact he can explode as a power runner and provide some additional juice as a receiver.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
- Cayden Green, OT, Missouri (6-5, 324 pounds)
The Chiefs' latest tackle combination of Kahlil Benson, Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore is a mixed bag so far with interior run blocking stamping their season. They can look down the road to Columbia for help in Green with his natural size and athleticism.
ALL-FREE AGENCY TEAM: Kenneth Walker III, Mike Evans among best signings, trades
32. San Francisco 49ers
Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama (6-3, 253 pounds)
The 49ers keep seeing their pass rush be a letdown with Nick Bosa having durability issues. It would make sense for them to find more help in that area. Pierre would be ideal with his smarts, production and fine run-stopping for his frame.
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