Super Duper Early 2027 Mock (non-playoff teams)
I've never done a mock this early before and I think it'd be fun to look back on it around this time next year and see how wrong I was, so what the hell. This is the timeline in which Arch lives up to all the hype. Pick order is based on my own personal predictions, obviously:
- Dolphins: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
I fully anticipate Miami being as bad as expected. There are still so many holes on the roster, and while QB wouldn't appear to be one of them, the Dolphins would be insane to pass up taking one at #1 overall.
- Jaguars: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio St.
This will probably be an unpopular take, but I'm expecting a massive drop-off for Jacksonville this year. The schedule is tough and I think they handled the draft and free agency about as poorly as possible. Lucky for them, it lands them one of the best WR prospects of all time.
- Falcons: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Atlanta should undoubtedly have some of the worst QB play this year, which they address here. Moore is my Heisman front-runner at the moment and Oregon could potentially be in line to win the national title.
- Raiders: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
I'm expecting big improvements on the offensive side of the ball for Las Vegas, but their pass defense may take a step back. Moore is one of the most exciting corner prospects in recent memory.
- Buccaneers: C.J. Carr, QB, Notre Dame
I think this season will officially mark the end of the Bowles-Mayfield era in Tampa Bay. I'm not expecting anything more than a one year extension for Mayfield if they're able to reach a deal, as Tampa now finds themselves in rebuild mode.
- Cardinals: Drake Lindsey, QB, Minnesota
I think Arizona has too solid of an overall roster to be as bad as advertised. They still have 3 or 4 legitimate offensive weapons and a young and potentially exciting defense. I'd say they win just enough to knock them out of the top 5. Beck plays enough to display for sure he isn't the answer at QB, and with Monti Ossenfort surely fired, LaFleur can go get his guy. Lindsey is someone I'm thinking may take a major leap this year and vault past names like Julian Sayin and Jayden Maiava.
- Vikings: Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
Another messy situation, I don't think the Vikes want to go to the first round QB well again, so they likely sign another vet; Baker Mayfield perhaps? Anyway, with Greenard in Philly and Van Ginkel on an expiring deal, pass rush becomes a pressing need. I believe Stewart establishes himself as the top pass rusher in college in 2026.
- Jets: Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
Call me insane, but I think Cade Klubnik surprises everyone and wins the QB job out of camp. In Frank Reich's offense I wouldn't be shocked if he has early success. The Jets are still missing a true X receiver, and adding Coleman to that receiving room boosts them into the top 10 in the NFL.
- Giants: Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR, Alabama
Coleman-Williams was a stud in 2024 before drops and injuries plagued his 2025 season. I think he bounces back in 2026 to emerge as the clear WR3 in this class. It becomes abundantly clear that the Giants need weapons outside of Malik Nabers.
- Browns: Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma St.
Cleveland is likely only a QB away from being a playoff team. I doubt we'll see much encouraging play out of the 2026 carousel, making this an obvious selection.
- Steelers: Austin Siereveld, IOL, Ohio St.
Though he'll likely be starting at left tackle for the Buckeyes this year, Siereveld projects as a guard at the next level. His anchor is tremendous and is an immediate contributor in the run game. As for QB, I think Rodgers finally decides to hang it up after the 2026 season, leaving the door open for Drew Allar.
- Commanders: Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
This is a WR room that is sorely missing a big body, and Becker fits the bill perfectly.
- Panthers: Will Echoles, IDL, Ole Miss
Carolina goes back to the trenches with this pick, as Echoles offers scheme versatility and some pass rush upside to go with his elite run-stuffing.
- Jets (from Indianapolis): Matayo Uiagaleilei, EDGE, Oregon
The Jets get a dominant power rusher to complement 2026 first round pick, David Bailey.
- Jets (from Green Bay via Dallas): Ahmad Moten Sr., IDL, Miami
I have the Jets with 3 first round picks for the second year in a row by way of Dallas finishing with a better record than Green Bay. Aaron Glenn and company continue to beef up the defensive line. And yes, I do think Glenn shows enough in year two to keep his job.
- Chiefs: Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU
This projects to be a very weak offensive tackle class, but I'm expecting a fine season from Seaton as he moves from Colorado to LSU; definitely a much better pass blocker than run blocker.
- Bengals: Justice Haynes, RB, Georgia Tech
I thought Haynes clearly looked like one of the best pure runners in college football last season before the injury, and now he moves into an offensive scheme that will feature his skills even more.
- Lions: Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
Incoming "Lions fan made this" comment. I have to admit, I have reservations about Simmons as a prospect. The size is a bit concerning, and I think his production at Texas will take a hit in 2026 as he feels like a terrible fit for Will Muschamp's defense, which has become rather outdated. His role would most likely be that of a "jack of all trades, master of none." I view him very much as a boom-or-bust player, but the Lions would have trouble passing up the value as they still have a major need at speed rusher.
NOTES:
-I wouldn't say I'm totally out on Trevor Goosby, but I do think he could regress considerably next season.
-I'm expecting Julian Sayin to pull a Dante Moore and return to school in 2027 despite likely being a top 10 pick.
-Arch Manning and Jayden Maiava could easily switch spots based on how the season goes down. I wouldn't be surprised with either of them being the QB1 or QB6.
-I'm also very high on Jadan Baugh out of Florida, and would rank him as my RB2 ahead of Ahmad Hardy.
Playoff Teams:
-Bills
-Ravens
-Titans
-Broncos
-Chargers
-Patriots
-Texans
-Eagles
-Bears
-Saints
-Seahawks
-Rams
-49ers
-Cowboys
I didn't include playoff teams since that would involve the exercise of projecting how each team would finish the season, as well as there being many other players I want to scout before making a full first round.