The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and while teams are celebrating their newest additions, it's already time to look ahead. If you're wondering what the next class might look like, here are 32 future stars who could define the 2027 NFL Draft.
This class is expected to be loaded, especially at quarterback, with Dante Moore and Arch Manning headlining a group that could surpass what we just saw in 2026. Several teams that passed on a quarterback this weekend - or didn't land a long-term answer - could already have their eyes on this group, which also features high-end playmakers like Jeremiah Smith and impact talent across the board.
More names will emerge as the season unfolds, but here's a first look at some of the top prospects to know.
"Generational talent" is an overused term, but Jeremiah Smith is a unicorn who likely could have gone straight from high school to the NFL. Rare talents like Smith don't come around often, and he has the ability to take over a game every time he touches the football. He has exceptional length and speed, along with the ability to run through defenders after the catch. His presence opens things up for teammates, and when he gets his shots, he delivers.
It's somewhat puzzling that Dante Moore returned to Eugene despite being a no-brainer top-five pick, but he clearly believes he can improve, and the Ducks return a loaded roster in 2026. Moore plays like a seasoned veteran and throws an accurate ball, completing 72.5% of his passes this season. He looked cool under pressure and delivered in the clutch in numerous games, throwing 24 big-time throws and 24 touchdowns. He can extend plays and create on the move.
An explosive edge rusher who causes major issues for opposing offenses, Colin Simmons finished the year with 11 sacks, 32 hurries and 13.5 TFLs. He's an excellent speed rusher who has improved his counters and can convert speed to power. He's also disruptive against the run and can take over a game if offenses don't account for him with multiple sets of eyes.
The former No. 1 offensive tackle recruit in 2024 is one of the best tackles in the country. Jordan Seaton offers a strong mix of athleticism and technique and is one of the better pass protectors in the country with great feet. His ability to be physical in the trenches is something to monitor closely. He should see a significant uptick in development both in practice against starters and in the SEC gauntlet.
Arch Manning finished the back half of the season strong and showed massive improvement after a rocky start. He settled in, showing more consistency and growth. His ability to run is a weapon, and 2026 should be the year he puts it all together. Manning threw 24 touchdowns and showed he can deliver the ball on time with good velocity.
Leonard Moore boosted his value after an outstanding sophomore season and is one of the better corners in the country. He's an exceptional athlete who plays sticky coverage with consistent technique. Moore has excellent hips, breaks well on the ball and isn't someone you want to test regularly. He finished the year with five interceptions and seven PBUs.
Dylan Stewart is a game-wrecker who must be accounted for on every snap. He's twitchy with length and wins with speed and bend, showing improvement from last season. He finished with 27 hurries, five sacks and 12 TFLs -- subpar production for his talent level -- so expect a big 2026 campaign.
A Georgia staffer told me Ellis Robinson IV had a standout spring and was nearly impossible to complete a pass against. He has the length the NFL covets and does a nice job playing the ball in the air (four interceptions last season). Robinson can play press but excels in zone coverage, showing great instincts. He mirrors routes well and can fill the alley in run support despite a thin frame.
Trevor Goosby has plenty of NFL traits, with ideal size and length, despite only one full season as a starter. He excels in pass protection with good feet and can anchor against speed-to-power, allowing just one sack last season. He flashes physicality in the run game but needs to put it all together in 2026 to have a shot at OT1.
David Stone is a physical presence against the run, capable of eating double teams while also disrupting one-on-one matchups. Oklahoma moves its defensive line frequently, and Stone shows excellent lateral quickness, closing quickly on the quarterback while also overpowering linemen.
Long and strong, Damon Wilson II has developed his pass-rush repertoire with a blend of speed and power. He finished with nine sacks and 33 hurries and will be a name to watch on a well-coached, reloaded defensive line led by Hall of Famer Jason Taylor.
Cam Coleman has the size, speed and catch radius to produce a monster season in a Texas offense that looks dangerous. He's a big-time prospect who should benefit from improved surrounding talent and could be the No. 2 receiver drafted.
Kelley Jones is a rare, tall, long corner with excellent range and a bright future. He excels in press coverage and shows strong quickness, with the ability to run with receivers on in-breaking routes. He had two interceptions and 11 PBUs in 2025 and has top-10 potential.
Oregon continues to produce tight end talent, and Jamari Johnson looks like the next in line. He's a big target with good hands and a large catch radius, along with run-after-catch ability. He dominates short and intermediate routes but also shows open-field running skills and a solid stiff-arm.
Kewan Lacy was a game-changer, rushing for nearly 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns with 37 explosive runs last season. He excels as a north-south runner with good contact balance and cutback ability, and he also caught 25 passes. He could be RB1 in 2026.
Quincy Rhodes Jr. is a versatile, twitchy edge rusher who broke out with eight sacks and 27 hurries. He has a wide array of moves, shows excellent change of direction and can dominate at the line of scrimmage. Rhodes could have entered this year's draft but returns to build on his breakout.
LaNorris Sellers had a disappointing 2025 season behind a porous offensive line, but if traits are what you're looking for, he has a ton of them. Sellers has a cannon arm and makes unscripted plays look routine. He is an exceptional athlete with a big frame and can turn negative situations into explosive plays.