NFL Draft prospects 2027: Big board of top 50 players overall, position rankings for next year originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. did not take long to come to the realization after looking at the top-10 prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft.
"That draft is potentially loaded," Kiper said on a teleconference April 16. "You've got a lot of talent in next year's draft. If those guys all play up to the level of their talent – then that is a loaded draft. … Teams will be very reluctant to be parting ways with any pick next year just because on paper it looks like one of the better drafts we've had in a while."
Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith is at the top of Sporting News Top 50 Big Board. The Buckeyes' receiver is one spot ahead of Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who was No. 1 on our Big Board last year. Manning is at the top of a loaded quarterback class, and he is one of six Texas players in our Top 50. Notre Dame has five players, including standout cornerback Leonard Moore. Georgia, Ole Miss and Oregon have four players apiece.
Here is a look at the top 50 best players projected to be available in the 2026 NFL Draft, regardless of position, and how high each might be selected based on team needs, position scarcity and other factors.
2026 NFL DRAFT HQ:Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Best players still available
Smith (6-3, 233) is the best player in the 2027 NFL Draft. He has a 77.3% catch percentage – 163 catches on 211 targets – the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. Is it possible to be a safe pick at No. 1? Smith had 1,243 yards and 12 TDs last season with increased attention from opposing defenses, and perhaps no player has carried a larger presence in college football the last two years at the position. A receiver has not been selected with the No. 1 pick since the New York Jets took Keyshawn Johnson with the No. 1 pick in 1996. Smith will challenge that.
Manning (6-4, 219) is back in our top five – and this time the second-year starter will deliver on that help. He averaged 255.9 passing yards with 13 TDs and two interceptions in Texas' last seven regular-season games. The Cheez-It Bowl performance against Michigan – where he totaled 221 passing yards, 155 rushing yards and four TDs – was a reminder that he brings a combination of a deep-ball passing attack and above-average mobility. He needs to clean up mistakes and accuracy in the intermediate passing game – but the patience will pay off for the next Manning quarterback to become a first-round pick.
Simmons (6-3, 240) gives the Longhorns a go-to pass rusher in 2026. He led the SEC with 12 sacks last season after compiling 10.5 sacks as a freshman. Simmons had at least one sack in each of Texas' last five games. Simmons ranked 10th in the FBS with 59 pressures, according to PFF, and his win percentage (21.5%) was a touch behind Texas Tech's David Bailey (21.6%). Simmons will build on that in 2026.
Moore (6-3, 206) could have been a top-five pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He opted to return to the Ducks, where he had 15 TDs and two interceptions on passes of 20 yards or more last season. The arm talent is there – but he will need to cut down on interceptions in 2026. He had 12 TDs and seven interceptions against top-25 teams in 2025. The fact he stayed in school shows the confidence to maintain his spot in the QB pecking order.
Moore (6-2, 195) put up seven interceptions and 18 pass breakups the last two seasons as an elite cover cornerback for the Irish. He makes game-changing plays – Moore also forced three fumbles in his first two seasons. He is a complete cornerback; part of a Notre Dame defensive backs pipeline that has sent Kyle Hamilton (2022), Benjamin Morrison (2025) and Xavier Watts (2025) to the next level.
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Seaton (6-5, 330) was a blue-chip recruit who transferred to LSU after two seasons with Colorado. He allowed two sacks last season, and the combination of size and strength has carried over from his blue-chip high school career. Seaton missed four games because of injuries last season, and he will have to make the adjustment to the SEC with first-year coach Lane Kiffin. It's a talent-rich tackle class – so Seaton will have to live up to those expectations.
Green (6-5, 324) switched to left tackle after playing guard at an All-America level the previous two seasons – one with Missouri and one with Oklahoma. He allowed just two sacks and played – and the versatility to play multiple positions in a year where he could pass off as the top interior lineman is going to make the senior an attractive prospect. He should emerge as an even better left tackle with a year of experience.
Echoles (6-3, 310) had 68 tackles last season – including 39 on run plays – which matched Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald this season. Echoles added five sacks, and is at the top of a strong defensive-tackle class for 2027. Ole Miss lined up Echoles in the backfield on occasion – a nod to that athleticism that will flash at the 2027 NFL Scouting Combine.
Stewart (6-5, 245) is a freakish talent off the edge who averages six sacks and 32 quarterback hurries through the last two seasons. Stewart dealt with a back injury last season – and he was limited in spring practice. The upside here is similar to Jadeveon Clowney, a Gamecocks' pass rusher who was the No.1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Stewart can firm this ranking up with a productive junior season.
Biles (6-1, 220) was a high-school teammate of Sonny Styles at Pickerington Central (Ohio) High School and could see a similar rise up draft boards next season. Biles is a converted defensive back who had 101 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and two interceptions at Pitt last season. He transferred to Texas and will fill a void left by Anthony Hill Jr.
MORE: Arch Manning, Dante Moore lead early top 10 for next year's QB class
Sayin (6-1, 208) remains one of the most-efficient passers in college football. He had a FBS-best 77% completion percentage in 2025, a stat that overshadows the five-star talent that put up 3,610 yards and 32 TDs as a Heisman Trophy finalist in Year 1 as a starter. Sayin will work with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith – who has an extensive NFL background – in 2026. That means Sayin should be ready to handle the pressure of being a franchise quarterback.
Coleman (6-3, 201) is another Texas transfer to keep an eye on. While most of the focus will go on Jeremiah Smith, Coleman will be in the mix to be a top-10 pick. He had 13 TDs at Auburn the last two seasons. According to PFF.com, Coleman had 13 contested catches and a 59.1% contested catch percentage; numbers that should lead to improved totals with Manning at Texas – especially in the red zone. It seems like a reach now, but it won't be next April.