The 2026 NFL Draft is over.
What do we do now?
We start talking about the 2027 NFL Draft, of course.
And although the 2026 NFL Draft will be remembered more for the wide receivers and the number of tight ends taken, the 2027 iteration is set up to be like the 2024 and 2018 drafts, where quarterbacks flooded the first round.
While things can still change — remember, Cade Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier were favorites to go one-two by many at this point last year — it’s never too early to look ahead at who could be atop next year’s board.
Here’s my top five picks for 2027, a year out, based on where I think they’ll go, not necessarily who the best player available is.
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1. Arch Manning, QB (Texas)
Will Manning be the best prospect by April of next year? Maybe, but I don’t actually think it matters.
The pedigree is there, and if he can have a strong season and lead the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff, it’s hard to fathom that he won’t go first overall unless another QB has a Joe Burrow-like sendoff.
He has the arm, the legs, the name, and the marketability any franchise without a superstar QB would want on its roster.
2. Dante Moore, QB (Oregon)
Moore was awesome in 2025, and there’s a real chance that if he can improve on his previous season with the Ducks, he might be the biggest challenger for Manning as the No. 1 overall choice.
What I want to see from Moore in 2026: rising to the occasion. Against Indiana last season, he shrank and turned the ball over too much. The cannon and athleticism are there, but I want to see Moore’s mental take that next step.
3. Jeremiah Smith, WR (Ohio State)
A lot of pundits are going to have Smith going second or even first in their mocks, but it’s difficult to see a wideout go at the top, even if he is a generational talent.
Smith is going to be a top-five pick barring any serious injury, and he’s going to be special in the league. If the Buckeyes win it all, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Smith and quarterback Julian Sayin go in the top five next draft.
4. Brendan Sorsby, QB (Texas Tech)
I love Sorsby as a prospect, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he rockets up beyond the fourth spot when it’s all said and done.
He’s going to a situation at Texas Tech that is great for him, and it’s going to be a large stage for Sorsby to show off his arm and playmaking nature.
Big, surprisingly fast, and a good mind to go along with it, Sorsby is a franchise QB in the making.
5. Colin Simmons, EDGE (Texas)
Alright, after four offensive picks, let’s go with the best defensive end at this point and time heading into the summer. Simmons is an explosive off-the-line rusher, and he’s going to be in a lot of primetime moments this season with Manning and the Longhorns set to be a contender for the national title.
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