Smith goes No. 1

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published May 11, 2026, 11:49 AM

2027 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 Breakdown

  1. Arizona Cardinals – Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

This is gambling that third-round pick Carson Beck will emerge for the Cardinals as a franchise worthy quarterback. Arizona would hold the top pick and feel comfortable taking who many consider will be the overall best prospect of the entire draft class, in Smith.

His rare size-speed combination with elite body control and a massive catch radius is just the tipping point of his elite skillset. He dominates at the catch point and projects as a true No. 1 receiver capable of altering defensive structure.

  1. Miami Dolphins – Dante Moore, QB, University of Oregon

The Dolphins’ investment in Malik Willis gives the franchise flexibility at quarterback moving forward. New head coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan both came over from the Green Bay Packers and are familiar with Willis’ skill set and long-term potential. His three-year, $67.5 million deal is team-friendly compared to the massive contracts around the league, allowing Miami to continue building the roster while evaluating its future under center.

That makes Moore an intriguing fit. Moore is a compact, polished passer with elite-level arm talent and the confidence to attack tight windows. He throws with timing and anticipation, stays composed under pressure, and has the mobility to extend plays when protection breaks down. His ability to create both inside and outside of structure would add another dynamic element to Miami’s offense, and sitting behind Willis early could give him the ideal developmental path before eventually competing for the starting role.

  1. New York Jets – Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State University

Sayin is my No. 1 quarterback in the class right now, even if Dante Moore narrowly went ahead of him in this mock. For the New York Jets, drafting another quarterback may cause some fans to roll their eyes given the franchise’s history at the position, but Sayin has the traits to finally change that narrative.

Even in limited starting experience, Sayin already looks advanced in the finer details of the position. He processes quickly, plays with outstanding rhythm, and delivers the ball with a compact, efficient release. His timing and anticipation stand out immediately, especially in rhythm-based concepts where he consistently gets the ball out on time and in stride. He’s accurate to all three levels of the field and shows the poise to operate comfortably from the pocket while keeping the offense on schedule.

 

  1. Las Vegas Raiders – Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas, Junior

With Maxx Crosby already on the roster the addition of a player like Simmons would be more electric than the Las Vegas strip. In just two seasons with the Longhorns, Simmons has wracked up 29.5 tackles for loss and 21 sacks.

Simmons possesses elite get-off with outstanding bend and closing burst. Natural pass rusher who consistently threatens the outside shoulder of offensive tackles.

  1. Cleveland Browns – Arch Manning, QB, Texas, RS-Junior

Manning must put it all together in 2026 or the last name may not be able to keep him in the conversation for the top spot when the 2027 NFL Draft arrives. Cam Coleman arrives from Auburn, and an argument can be made he is every bit the talent as Jeremiah Smith.

Arch the agility and mobility that both Peyton and Eli Manning lacked. However, from a pocket passing point of view, Arch is still out of sorts too much. He possesses the prototypical frame with the arm strength and football instincts that will intrigue NFL personnel.

  1. Tennessee Titans – Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

Moore is going to make a push to be in the top five overall selections, he is simply an amazing athlete. According to PFF he ranked No. 1 overall with a grade (91.8) highest amongst all defensive backs in 2025.

Elite cornerbacks will not slip far from the top of the draft order. Long, fluid cover corner with excellent recovery speed. Plays with patience and strong ball skills at the catch point.

  1. Carolina Panthers – Carter Smith, OT, Indiana University

The 2027 offensive tackle class is already shaping up as one of the strongest position groups in the cycle, and Smith sits firmly near the top after electing to return to Indiana University for a fifth season. His consistency and reliability earned him Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors and solidified his status as one of the premier tackle prospects in the country.

Smith checks a lot of the boxes NFL teams look for in a franchise left tackle. He’s an easy mover with smooth footwork, balanced pass sets, and the athletic range to mirror speed off the edge. His length and body control consistently show up in pass protection, while his functional strength continues to improve as both a drive blocker and finisher in the run game. There’s still room for technical refinement with hand placement and leverage, but the physical tools and movement skills are clearly there.

 

  1. New York Giants – Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia

On paper the New York defense is very impressive and adding some elite ability to the back end to merge with the chaos of their front seven seems like a smart move. Robinson IV is part of the bigger picture for the Giants. Getting back to Super Bowl talented rosters on the defensive side of the ball.

Robinson IV is highly gifted cover defender with length and easy movement skills. Can press, turn and run, and challenge receivers at the catch point.

  1. Atlanta Falcons – Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina

Entering his junior season with the Gamecocks, Stewart is poised to build off his team leading 12 tackles for loss and possibly finish first after coming in second on the defense with 4.5 sacks last season.

Long reach and bendy, Stewart has an powerful and explosive movements off the snap. He converts speed to power and consistently compresses the pocket.

  1. New Orleans Saints – David Stone, DL, Oklahoma

Stone became a consensus five-star prospect and was regarded as the best defensive tackle prospect. Coming out of IMG Academy he was rated as the No. 4 prospect by ESPN. Leading all defensive linemen at Oklahoma with 42 combined tackles, Stone is emerging centerpiece to Sooners interior.

Penetrating interior defender with heavy hands and disruptive first-step quickness. Offers three-down impact potential.

  1. Washington Commanders – Cam Coleman, WR, University of Texas

The connection between Arch Manning and Cam Coleman has a chance to become one of the most dangerous quarterback-receiver pairings in college football this season. The more you study Coleman’s game, the more legitimate the argument becomes that he belongs in the conversation for WR1 in the 2027 class — even in a loaded group that includes talents like Jeremiah Smith.

What makes Coleman especially intriguing from a scouting perspective is the blend of physical tools and developing nuance in his route running. He shows an advanced understanding of leverage, does a good job stacking defenders vertically, and has started to become more efficient getting in and out of breaks. There’s still refinement needed in the finer details of his releases and separation consistency, but the ceiling is enormous.

  1. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts) – Trevor Goosby, OT, University of Texas

This marks the fourth University of Texas prospect off the board before the draft even reaches the middle of the first round, which says everything about the level of talent heading to Austin this season. The Longhorns are absolutely loaded, and Trevor Goosby is one of the more intriguing long-term projections in the group. A former All-American, two-time all-district selection, and District Offensive Lineman of the Year at Melissa High School in Texas, Goosby has steadily developed into one of the rising offensive tackle prospects in the country. After stepping into the starting lineup last season, he started all 13 games at left tackle and continued flashing the upside NFL scouts have been waiting to see.

What makes him such an appealing developmental prospect is the combination of raw tools and untapped upside. His anchor strength and hand placement still need refinement, and there are moments where his technique can get inconsistent against power rushers, but the traits are starter-caliber across the board. With continued physical development and technical polish, Goosby has the ceiling of a high-level blindside protector and could end up being one of the bigger risers in the 2027 class.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers – A.J. Holmes Jr., DL, Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University sent a major statement to the NFL with David Bailey becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a dominant season that featured 19.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks. With Bailey now off to the next level, the spotlight shifts toward A.J. Holmes Jr., who is positioned to become the next disruptive force along the Red Raiders’ defensive front.

Holmes brings the kind of rugged, physical presence NFL teams covet on the interior defensive line. He plays with outstanding leverage, heavy hands, and the raw power to consistently reset the line of scrimmage against the run. His ability to anchor against double teams and clog interior rushing lanes makes him a difficult player to move, but there’s also more pass-rush upside to his game than his frame initially suggests. He generates steady pocket push with strength and lower body explosion, and flashes the violent hand usage needed to disengage and collapse the pocket from the inside.

  1. Minnesota Vikings – Cayden Green, OL, University of Missouri

Green continues to develop into one of the more reliable and battle-tested offensive linemen in the SEC. After transferring to Missouri, Green quickly became a key piece of the Tigers’ offensive front thanks to his versatility, physicality, and consistency in the trenches. His experience at multiple spots along the offensive line only adds to his value, and entering the 2026 season, evaluators will be watching closely to see if he can continue building on an already impressive foundation against top-tier SEC competition.

Green’s game is built on power, balance, and technical steadiness. He plays with a strong lower half, anchors well against bull rushes, and consistently generates movement in the run game with his leg drive and body control. What stands out most is his ability to stay square through contact and maintain leverage throughout reps, traits that project well to the next level. While he may not be an elite athlete in space, his positional versatility, play strength, and dependable overall skill set give him the profile of a long-term NFL starter who can stabilize multiple spots across an offensive line.

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – KJ Bolden, S, University of Georgia

CJ Allen came off the board in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft to the Indianapolis Colts and was widely viewed as one of the safest prospects in the class because of his football intelligence, leadership, and mature overall makeup. Many of those same qualities can be applied to Bolden, who has quickly emerged as one of the tone-setters in the Georgia Bulldogs secondary. Bolden entered college with massive expectations and has continued trending upward thanks to his versatility, consistency, and high-level instincts on the back end.

Bolden is the type of modern safety defenses covet because of how many roles he can handle at a high level. He’s instinctive in coverage, plays with excellent range from deep alignments, and shows the physicality to drive downhill and impact the run game near the line of scrimmage. His processing speed stands out on tape he diagnoses route concepts quickly, takes smart angles to the football, and rarely looks out of position. For Tampa Bay, Bolden would bring the kind of dependable, versatile presence that can stabilize an entire secondary while still offering legitimate playmaking upside.

  1. Dallas Cowboys – Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU

At 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds, Seaton already possesses the physical profile NFL teams dream about at offensive tackle. After spending two seasons at Colorado, Seaton now heads to Louisiana State, where he’ll face a major jump in competition playing weekly against SEC defensive fronts. He arrived in Baton Rouge as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the transfer portal and is one of three LSU additions who were ranked No. 1 at their respective positions, alongside star quarterback Sam Leavitt and edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen.

What makes Seaton such an intriguing projection is how rare his movement skills are for a player of his size. He’s an easy athlete in pass protection with light feet, impressive lateral quickness, and the range to consistently mirror speed off the edge. His comfort operating in space and ability to recover against counters flashes legitimate franchise left tackle upside. Right now, his game is more advanced as a pass protector than a run blocker, where he still needs to improve his pad level, consistency at the point of attack, and overall finishing power. But the traits are undeniable. If the technical side continues catching up to the athletic ability, Seaton has the ceiling to become one of the premier offensive tackle prospects in the country and a long-term blindside protector at the next level.

  1. Chicago Bears – Matayo Uiagalelei, EDGE, Oregon

While Uiagalelei’s raw production dipped slightly from 2024 to 2025, the overall talent and impact remain easy to see on tape. After posting 12.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks during his sophomore campaign, his numbers fell to 9.5 tackles for loss and six sacks across 15 games last season. Even so, Uiagalelei continues to stand out as one of the premier defensive prospects in Oregon’s front seven and a player NFL evaluators will continue betting on because of his physical tools and disruptive play style.

The production doesn’t fully capture the amount of chaos he creates from snap to snap. Uiagalelei is a long, explosive edge defender with outstanding closing speed, natural leverage, and the ability to stress blockers with his first step burst. He consistently compresses the pocket, forces quarterbacks off their spots, and creates disruption that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet. His length and power allow him to hold up well at the point of attack, while his athleticism gives him legitimate every-down upside as both a pass rusher and run defender. As he continues refining his pass-rush plan and counter usage, the ceiling remains extremely high.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State University

Jones first turned heads during the summer of 2024 when he won Mississippi State’s inaugural “Fast as Hail” competition, earning recognition as the team’s fastest player. That speed, paired with his size and length, gives him the kind of physical profile NFL teams heavily prioritize at the cornerback position. Jones has continued developing into one of the more intriguing defensive backs in the SEC, bringing a combination of athleticism, competitiveness, and energy that consistently shows up on tape.

Jones is a tempo-setting defender who brings toughness and identity to the secondary. He’s a fluid athlete with smooth hips, strong route recognition, and the recovery speed to stay connected vertically. His length allows him to disrupt passing windows and challenge receivers at the catch point, while his competitive nature shows up in both man and zone coverage. What stands out most is the versatility in his game he has the traits to play in multiple schemes and the mentality defensive coaches love on the back end. As his technique and overall consistency continue improving, Jones has the upside to develop into a high-level starting corner at the next level.

  1. Houston Texans – Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR, Alabama

After arriving at University of Alabama with enormous expectations Coleman-Williams enters 2026 looking to reestablish himself as one of the premier wide receiver prospects in the country. Formerly known as Ryan Williams, the name change to Coleman-Williams could also signal a fresh start following a 2025 season where his production dipped from what many expected. Alabama often utilized him on underneath concepts and quick-hitting routes, limiting the opportunities to fully showcase the explosiveness and vertical playmaking ability that made him such a highly regarded recruit coming out of high school.

He remains one of the most naturally gifted receivers in the class because of the stress he puts on defenses with his acceleration, route-running polish, and ability to separate at all three levels of the field. He’s sudden in and out of breaks, consistently creates space with pacing and body control, and has the vertical speed to force defenses to respect him over the top on every snap. What makes him especially dangerous is how effortless his movement skills look in space he can win off the line, transition smoothly through routes, and turn routine catches into explosive plays after the catch.

  1. Denver Broncos – Austin Siereveld, OT, Ohio State, RS-Junior

Versatility has become one of Siereveld’s biggest strengths during his time at Ohio State. Siereveld (pronounced SAIR-uh-veld) has logged meaningful snaps at both guard and tackle, showcasing the flexibility NFL teams highly value along the offensive line. In 2025, he played 810 total snaps while allowing zero sacks and committing just two penalties, an impressive level of consistency considering the volume of work and competition faced throughout the season.

Siereveld wins with strength, balance, and technical discipline. He plays with a sturdy anchor in pass protection, absorbs power well, and rarely looks out of control through reps. His hand placement and overall timing are advanced, allowing him to stay connected to defenders and limit clean rush lanes. While he may not possess elite top-end athletic traits compared to some pure tackles, his movement skills are more than functional, and his positional versatility significantly raises his value.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals – Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Cincinnati Bengals reshaped part of their defensive identity heading into the 2026 offseason, trading away their 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire interior disruptor Dexter Lawrence from the New York Giants. On the edge, they also saw long-time pass rusher Trey Hendrickson depart in free agency, signing with the Baltimore Ravens. With those departures, Cincinnati is expected to prioritize rebuilding its pass-rush presence in the 2027 cycle.

Wilson II fits the mold of what they’ll be looking for an explosive, high-ceiling edge defender capable of generating pressure on his own. He’s a sudden athlete off the snap with a quick first step and the kind of closing burst that allows him to finish plays in the backfield. Wilson wins with speed, energy, and natural disruption, consistently forcing offensive tackles into recovery mode.

  1. New England Patriots – KJ Duff, WR, Rutgers

Duff has emerged as the most promising receiving talent at Rutgers since Kenny Britt was selected in the 2009 NFL Draft. His blend of size, athleticism, and natural play strength has steadily elevated his profile, making him one of the more intriguing wide receiver prospects heading into the 2027 evaluation process. As his role within the offense continues to expand, so does his reputation as a reliable and consistent target in the passing game.

Duff is a polished receiver who wins with technique as much as physical tools. He has dependable hands, refined route-running skills, and a strong understanding of how to manipulate defenders at the top of routes. Against man coverage, he consistently shows the ability to uncover, create separation, and present a clean target for his quarterback. His frame allows him to play through contact and finish catches in traffic, while his route detail gives him a steady floor as a possession threat.

  1. Philadelphia Eagles – A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon

Washington put together a highly productive junior season for Oregon, starting all 15 games as the Ducks reached the College Football Playoff Semifinal. He finished with a career-high 33 total tackles (15 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and eight pass breakups. His eight pass breakups tied for sixth in the Big Ten and were the most among all conference defensive linemen, while also ranking tied for the most among all FBS defensive linemen. According to Pro Football Focus, he also generated 22 total pressures, third-most on the team, and recorded a pressure in all but three games with six contests featuring multiple pressures.

Philadelphia Eagles GN Howie Roseman loves adding pieces in the trenches of his defensive line and Washington is made for it. Washington’s game is built on leverage, power, and relentless effort inside. He consistently wins with strong pad level, violent hands, and the ability to create early disruption at the line of scrimmage. As an interior defender, he can function both as a space-eater and an active penetrator depending on the situation, showing enough athleticism to play multiple alignments across the front. What stands out most is his motor there are no wasted snaps, no quiet stretches, and no lack of urgency. He brings consistent energy and physicality that sets the tone for the entire defensive unit.

  1. Los Angeles Chargers – John Henry Daley, EDGE, Michigan

John Henry Daley broke out in a big way during the 2025 season at Utah, finishing with 17.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks after previously beginning his college career at BYU in 2023. That production solidified him as one of the more productive defenders in the country, and he now heads to Michigan for the 2026 season, where expectations remain extremely high.

He reunites with former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham, who now leads Michigan’s program and is already familiar with what he brings to a defense. That continuity should help maximize a player who already projects as one of the more complete edge rushers in college football. Daley wins with polished technique, active and well-timed hands, and a disciplined approach to setting the edge in the run game. He doesn’t rely purely on athleticism instead, he plays with control, structure, and a clear understanding of leverage and spacing.

  1. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers) – Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri

Ahmad Hardy has rapidly climbed the ranks of college football after beginning his career at University of Louisiana at Monroe before transferring to University of Missouri. In his first season with Missouri, he erupted for 1,649 rushing yards while averaging 6.4 yards per carry, leading the SEC in efficiency on the ground. Across his first two collegiate seasons, Hardy has already surpassed 3,000 rushing yards, putting him firmly on first-round watch heading into the 2027 draft cycle.

For the Cowboys, Hardy would bring a dynamic and versatile offensive weapon capable of anchoring a modern run game. His blend of efficiency, physicality, and big-play ability gives him the profile of a feature back who can impact both the ground game and passing game at a high level.

  1. Kansas City Chiefs – Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon

The Ducks had freak Kenyon Sadiq drafted by the New York Jets 16th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Johnson looks to keep the first-round tradition alive by hearing his name called in round one as well.

Sadiq and Johnson were both coached by Drew Mehringer who now takes hi tight end coaching title to offensive coordinator in 2026 within the Dan Lanning led staff. Johnson is more aligned with traditional tight ends.

Athletic seam threat with strong hands and enough blocking ability to remain on the field in all situations.

  1. San Francisco 49ers – Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame

Fred Warner is by no means done for the 49ers, but the heir apparent could reside in the selection of Viliamu-Asa. A speed fed linebacker who is tremendous versus the run and moonlights as one of the nation’s top disruptors behind the line of scrimmage.

He is an Instinctive linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range and physical downhill temperament. While not injury prone, a clean bill of health throughout the 2026 campaign should help increase confidence by NFL personnel he can endure the pounding of the position.

  1. Detroit Lions – Jackson Bennee, S, Utah

Brian Branch is already one of the top secondary defenders in the National Football League. The Lions decide to boost their talent to another level with the addition of Bennee. Think of how diverse Branch is and this is what Bennee brings to the back end of a defense as well.

Versatile safety with experience in the box and slot, Bennee is uniquely positioned to thrive in Detroit. With strong tackling ability and the range to patrol deep zones, I do get caught up in the idea of that duo playing together in the NFL.

  1. Seattle Seahawks — Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa

He has developed into one of the more dependable and technically refined offensive linemen in the country. Iowa is a program known for producing NFL-ready trench talent. Lauck’s game is built on consistency and detail, with coaches trusting him in both pass protection and run schemes because of his steady execution and sound assignment. He brings a calm, controlled presence to the edge of the offensive line that translates well against high-level competition.

He moves so well and fires off the snap. Very curious how he will test at the NFL Combine next year. He wins less with flash and more with precision. He’s a well-schooled tackle who plays with excellent balance, clean footwork, and a strong understanding of leverage. His pass sets are efficient and composed, allowing him to stay square and neutralize rushers without overextending.

  1. Buffalo Bills – Will Echoles, DL, Ole Miss

Randall Joyner the Ole Miss defensive line coach helped mold Walter Nolan into the 16th overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2024 NFL Draft. Echoles has also but under the tutelage of Joyner.

Not many guys are as disruptive as Echoles. According to PFF, he led the country in Power Four interior linemen in pressures (39) and defensive stops (35) last season. A powerful defensive lineman who controls blockers and collapses the interior pocket.

  1. Baltimore Ravens -Rasheem Biles, LB, Texas

Rasheem Biles began his college career at Pittsburgh before transferring to Texas, where his development has taken a noticeable leap. In a linebacker room already rich with talent, Biles has managed to carve out a prominent role thanks to his speed, physicality, and instinctive feel for the game.

With Anthony Hill Jr. going in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans, Biles now has a clear path to elevate his own draft stock, with some evaluators believing he has the traits to climb into first-round consideration. He also becomes the fifth University of Texas defender selected in this mock, underscoring the depth of talent on that roster.

Biles plays like a modern, rangy linebacker built for today’s NFL. He’s fast to diagnose, quick to trigger downhill, and consistently shows up around the football in both the run and passing game.

  1. Los Angeles Rams – Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State

With Matthew Stafford still operating the offense and an aging Davante Adams entering the later stages of his career, the Los Angeles Rams will eventually need to plan for a new dynamic presence in the passing game. Robinson offers exactly that type of long-term transition piece.

Robinson is the kind of mismatch weapon who stresses defenses before the ball is even snapped. He presents an enormous target in the passing game, excels at high-pointing the football, and consistently wins in contested-catch situations where defenders simply can’t match his frame or reach. size mismatch who can grow into a featured offensive weapon alongside Stafford’s final chapter in Los Angeles.

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com

 

 

 

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