The 2026 NFL Draft may have just wrapped up, but the buzz for 2027 is already heating up. ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid has released his early first-round predictions, and it's great news for Texas Longhorns fans—four players from the program are projected to go in the top 11 picks.
Reid's mock draft, based on reverse Super Bowl odds, highlights a potential powerhouse class from Austin. If you thought the Longhorns' 2026 season looked promising, this forecast might have you dreaming even bigger.
Leading the charge is quarterback Arch Manning, projected to land with the Arizona Cardinals at No. 1 overall. Reid raves about Manning's dual-threat ability: "At 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, he's a sturdy playmaker. He threw for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns, and added 10 rushing scores in his first year as a starter. His mechanics need polish, but he has all the traits of a No. 1 pick." Pairing Manning with running back Jeremiyah Love, Reid notes, "would give the Cardinals two elite building blocks." Even after Arizona drafted Carson Beck in the third round this year, quarterback remains a top priority with a high pick.
But Manning isn't the only Longhorn making waves. Wide receiver Caleb Coleman, transferring from Auburn to Texas, is projected to go in the top five. "There haven't been two receivers drafted in the top five since 2003," Reid writes, "but that could change with Coleman and another star prospect." Coleman caught 56 passes for 708 yards and five touchdowns at Auburn despite inconsistent quarterback play. Now paired with Manning at Texas, his stock is soaring—ideal for teams like the Raiders in need of a true No. 1 target.
Two other Texas players round out the top 11, showcasing the depth of talent in the program. For Dallas Cowboys fans, Reid also offers an early look at potential targets, keeping the local interest alive.
With the 2027 draft still a year away, this early mock draft sets the stage for what could be a historic class from the Forty Acres. Stay tuned as these prospects gear up for a season that could reshape the NFL landscape.