The 2027 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a generational class, and the buzz is already electric. At the center of it all: Arch Manning, the first of four quarterbacks projected to go in Round 1. But that's just the tip of the iceberg—five wide receivers are also expected to hear their names called early, making this a draft that could reshape franchises for years to come.
Let's start with the headliner. Manning isn't a polished product yet, but his blend of raw talent, football IQ, and sheer potential makes him the clear frontrunner for the No. 1 overall pick. Even though the team that lands him signed Malik Willis this offseason, don't expect that to stop them from targeting a franchise passer. Manning's ceiling is that high.
Right behind him is Dante Moore, who would have been the No. 2 pick in the 2026 draft if he'd come out early. Now, he's set to follow a similar path—but with a twist. The Jets, holding three first-round picks thanks to trades involving Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner, are perfectly positioned to move up or build around a young quarterback. Moore could be their guy, and with all that draft capital, New York has the flexibility to make a splash.
But it's not just about the quarterbacks. Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith is arguably the best prospect in the entire class—a wide receiver who combines size, speed, and route-running precision in a way that reminds scouts of a young Julio Jones. If a team like Arizona, which already has Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr., passes on a quarterback to take Smith, it's because they believe he's simply too good to ignore. Wide receiver isn't their biggest need, but elite talent trumps need every time.
And don't sleep on South Carolina's Dylan Stewart. The edge rusher is still developing, but his raw athleticism and pass-rush moves have scouts drooling. By next April, he could be neck-and-neck with Smith for the title of best player in the draft.
The draft order we're using here is based on FanDuel's Super Bowl odds, reversed—so it's a projection, not a prediction. Keep in mind, the Packers and Colts don't have first-round picks, while the Jets are the only team with multiple selections (three, to be exact). And mark your calendars: the 2027 draft will be held in Washington, D.C., with the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue serving as the backdrop for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.
As for the quarterbacks who didn't make the cut? Texas Tech's Brendan Sorsby is out of the picture for now, pending an ongoing gambling investigation. That leaves the door open for other signal-callers to rise. But one thing is clear: this class is loaded, and the teams that draft wisely could be set for a decade.
