The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to the Top 50 Prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft

Timing: With college football’s "Week 0" just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to peek at who might be the next big NFL stars.

What Is This List and Why Should You Care?

Imagine you’re building a fantasy football team, but for real life. Every year, NFL teams pick the best college players in a big event called the NFL Draft. This list ranks the top 50 college players who might be picked in the 2027 Draft.

Important Note: Because of new rules (called NIL — Name, Image, Likeness), players can now make money in college. This makes it super hard to guess who will leave early for the NFL and who will stay in school. This list ranks them based on talent right now, not whether they’ll actually declare for the draft.

The "Can’t Miss" Tier: Top 5 Prospects

These five players are widely considered the best of the best — the kind who could change a franchise.

1. Jeremiah Smith — Wide Receiver (WR), Ohio State

• The "Mutant" Label: Analysts call him a "mutant" because his athletic traits are freakishly rare.
• Size: 6’3", 225 lbs (big for a receiver).
• Speed: Runs 23+ mph (track-star fast).
• Jump: Nearly 40-inch vertical (can jump over defenders).
• Agility: Moves like a guy 40 lbs lighter.
• Age: Only 20 years old — still growing.

Watch Bruce Feldman’s "Freaks List" video to see why he’s so special.

2. Leonard Moore — Cornerback (CB), Notre Dame

• Build: 6’2", 197 lbs — ideal size for the position.
• Comparison: Moves like Pat Surtain II (Denver Broncos All-Pro).
• Brain: Elite "football IQ" — understands routes and spacing perfectly.
• Production (Sophomore Year):
  • 10 forced incompletions
  • 7 pass breakups
  • 5 interceptions
• Verdict: One of the most complete defenders in college football.

3. Dylan Stewart — Edge Rusher (EDGE), South Carolina

What’s an "Edge Rusher"? A defensive player who lines up on the outside and tries to sack the quarterback or stop runs to the sideline.

• Build: 6’5", 245 lbs — huge but moves like a wide receiver.
• Tools: Massive hands, incredible length, lines up anywhere on the line.
• Upside: Only 20 years old, hasn’t even scratched the surface as a pass rusher.

4. Cam Coleman — Wide Receiver (WR), Texas

• The "Almost Jeremiah Smith" Guy: In any other year, he’d be #1.
• Build: 6’3", 210 lbs — "do-everything game-wrecker."
• Change: Transferred from Auburn to Texas — now has a better QB and supporting cast.
• Expectation: Sky high for a breakout year.

5. Colin Simmons — Edge Rusher (EDGE), Texas

• Different Style: Not as freakishly athletic as Stewart, but smarter pass rusher.
• Build: 6’3", 255 lbs, junior.
• Record Chase: 14 sacks away from Will Anderson Jr.’s SEC career record (34.5).
• Skill: Has a counter move for every block — like a chess player.
• Trend: Only getting stronger.

The "Future Stars" Tier: Prospects 6–15

6. Sammy Brown — Linebacker (LB), Clemson

What’s a "Three-Down Linebacker"? A player good enough to stay on the field for run plays, pass plays, and everything in between.

• Speed: 4.41-second 40-yard dash (elite for any position).
• Jump: 38-inch vertical.
• Background: Former high school running back + accomplished wrestler.
• Skill: Can run with anyone on the field — true "sideline-to-sideline" player.

7. Charlie Becker — Wide Receiver (WR), Indiana

• Hidden Gem: Only 34 catches last year, but shined in the College Football Playoff.
• Build: 6’3", 207 lbs.
• Tools: Elite top-end speed + great body control.
• Versatility: Can line up anywhere (outside, slot, motion).
• Reliability: Zero career drops entering junior year.

8. Trevor Goosby — Offensive Tackle (OT), Texas

What’s an Offensive Tackle? The big guys on the ends of the offensive line who protect the QB’s blind side.

• Build: 6’7", 315 lbs — massive.
• Quirk: Was 280 lbs in high school — moves like a much lighter guy.
• Concern: Pass protection footwork can be inconsistent.
• Upside: Potential NFL starter at left or right tackle.
• Injury Watch: Might miss start of season with bone bruise in knee.

9. Nick Marsh — Wide Receiver (WR), Indiana

• Build: 6’3", 213 lbs — big, fast, "freaky athlete."
• Role: "X Receiver" (lines up on the line of scrimmage, wins 1-on-1).
• Skill: 28 forced missed tackles last year at Michigan State — great after the catch.
• Move: Transferred to Indiana (better offense) → potential breakout.

10. Arch Manning — Quarterback (QB), Texas

• Pedigree: Yes, that Manning family (Peyton, Eli, Cooper).
• Build: 6’4", 230 lbs.
• 2025 Season: Shaky first half → totally different player down the stretch.
• Traits: Unmatched blend of arm talent, athleticism, and size in this class.
• Note: Would’ve been a 1st-round pick in 2026 if he declared.

11. Dante Moore — Quarterback (QB), Oregon

• Superpower: His mind — calm under pressure, mature decision to stay in school.
• Growth Areas: Some hiccups exposed late last season (like vs. Indiana).
• Outlook: One more year of "time on task" should fix the little things.
• Race: Him and Arch Manning = top-5 QB battle all year.

12. Kewan Lacy — Running Back (RB), Ole Miss

• Style: "Explosive athlete lethal in space."
• Stat: 85 forced missed tackles as a sophomore (!).
• Build: 5’11", 210 lbs — compact power.
• Skills: Sudden cutter, runs with power + twitch, soft hands, good vision.
• Ceiling: Three-down back who could become a household name.

13. Trey’Dez Green — Tight End (TE), LSU

What’s a Tight End? A hybrid: blocks like an offensive lineman, catches like a big receiver.

• Build: 6’6", 238 lbs — massive frame.
• Movement: Runs routes like a giant wide receiver — sinks, bends, adjusts mid-air.
• Production: 12 contested catches last year, dangerous after catch.
• Need: Get stronger.
• Ceiling: Very high.

14. Tae Johnson — Safety (S), Notre Dame

What’s a Safety? The last line of defense — deep middle of the field, stops big plays.

• Build: 6’2", 197 lbs — big, long arms, serious range.
• Ball Skills: 4 INTs + 3 PBUs as sophomore — gets to balls others can’t.
• Hybrid Potential: Can play deep or near the line.
• Work On: Run defense consistency.

15. Kade Pieper — Interior Offensive Lineman (iOL), Iowa

What’s "iOL"? Interior Offensive Line = Guards and Centers (inside the tackles).

• Fun Fact: Two-time winner of the Solon Beef Days Hay Bale Toss (real event!).
• Move: Guard → Center this year.
• Comparison: Most athletic Iowa run blocker since Tyler Linderbaum (1st-round pick).
• Risk: Ranking might be "a touch high" — needs to prove he handles power rushers.
• Upside: Could be Iowa’s next star lineman.

The "High Floor, High Ceiling" Tier: Prospects 16–25

The "Names to Know" Tier: Prospects 26–50

Brief notes on the rest of the top 50. Full scouting reports available for some!

Receivers & Tight Ends

• 26. Bryant Wesco — WR, Clemson
• 33. KJ Duff — WR, Rutgers
• 35. Jamari Johnson — TE, Oregon
• 39. Benjamin Brahmer — TE, Penn State

Offensive Line

• 32. Greg Johnson — OL, Minnesota
• 38. Jacarrius Peak — OT, South Carolina
• 40. Jordan Seaton — OT, LSU
• 45. Anthonie Knapp — OL, Notre Dame

Defensive Line & Edge Rushers

• 27. A’Mauri Washington — DT, Oregon
• 28. Will Heldt — EDGE, Clemson
• 29. Kenyatta Jackson Jr. — EDGE, Ohio State
• 37. David Stone — DT, Oklahoma
• 41. Clev Lubin — EDGE, Louisville
• 42. Ahmad Moten — DT, Miami
• 49. Tavion Gadson — DL, Kentucky

Cornerbacks

• 30. Kelley Jones — CB, Mississippi State
• 31. Ellis Robinson IV — CB, Georgia
• 34. Zeke Berry — CB, Michigan
• 46. Vicari Swain — CB, South Carolina

Safeties

• 43. Ty Benefield — S, LSU
• 47. Zach Lutmer — S, Iowa

Quarterbacks

• 44. Sam Leavitt — QB, LSU (Arizona State transfer — Lane Kiffin effect?)
  

  Tantalizing athlete, great arm, smooth feet, first-round traits — but raw, needs development.

• 48. Julian Sayin — QB, Ohio State
  

  Elite processing for age, but size (6’1") + arm strength concerns. Bo Nix comparison if accuracy improves.

• 50. Drake Lindsey — QB, Minnesota
  

  Huge (6’5", 230), smooth footwork, anticipatory throws, fearless — but not a great athlete, needs near-perfect process.

Running Backs

• 36. Ahmad Hardy — RB, Missouri

Key Takeaways (The "Too Long Didn’t Read" Version)

5 Big Things to Remember:

1. Jeremiah Smith is the clear #1 — rare "mutant" traits at WR.
2. Texas is LOADED — 4 players in top 10 (Coleman, Simmons, Goosby, Manning, McDonald).
3. QB battle is spicy — Arch Manning vs. Dante Moore vs. CJ Carr vs. others.
4. NIL makes declarations unpredictable — don’t bet on who will enter the draft.
5. Traits > Stats — Scouts love "measurables" (size, speed, jump) because they can’t be taught.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Q: When is the 2027 NFL Draft actually happening?

A: Late April 2027 (usually last Thursday–Saturday of April). But the evaluation process starts now with the college season.

Q: What does "NIL era" mean and why does it mess up draft predictions?

A: NIL = Name, Image, Likeness. College players can now get paid (endorsements, collectives). Before, stars had to leave early for NFL money. Now, a top prospect might stay in college 4–5 years because they’re making millions and developing. So we don’t know who will declare!

Q: Why are there so many Texas Longhorns in the top 10?

A: Texas has recruited at an elite level recently + have a great coaching staff (Steve Sarkisian) + play in the tough SEC. It’s a perfect storm of talent concentration.

Q: What’s the difference between an "Edge" and a "Defensive Tackle"?

A:

• Edge Rusher (EDGE): Lines up outside the offensive tackle. Job: Rush the passer, set the edge on runs. Usually taller, longer, bendier.
• Defensive Tackle (DT): Lines up inside (over guards/center). Job: Stop the run, push the pocket. Usually shorter, heavier, stronger.

Q: How accurate are these preseason rankings usually?

A: Top 5–10 tend to stay fairly stable. 10–50 shuffle a lot based on:

• Actual game tape (not just workout numbers)
• Injuries
• Scheme fit
• QB play (for WRs/TEs)
• Senior Bowl / Combine performance (winter 2027)

Pro Tip: Treat this as a "watch list" — not a final mock draft.

Summary

The 2027 NFL Draft is shaping up to be loaded at premium positions:

• Wide Receiver: Smith, Coleman, Becker, Marsh, Wesco… deep group
• Edge Rusher: Stewart, Simmons, Pierre, Heldt, Jackson Jr… freaky athletes
• Quarterback: Manning, Moore, Carr, Leavitt, Sayin, Lindsey… varied styles
• Offensive Line: Goosby, Lauck, Pieper, Seaton… size + athleticism

Bottom line: Grab some popcorn, watch the games this fall, and see who separates themselves. The real ranking gets written on Saturdays — not in August articles.

Ready for kickoff? Week 0 is coming. The evaluation season starts NOW.