u/TopherDavis28

As September winds down, it is the perfect time to revisit my draft rankings. It’s been an eventful first month of the college football season, to say the least. We’ve had some exciting risers and quite a few players who have failed to live up to expectations.

I didn’t take position value into consideration here. I’m just trying to rank my top prospects based on what I have seen so far this season. Let’s dive in.

https://draftseasonneverends.substack.com/p/2027-nfl-draft-big-board-september

1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
There really shouldn’t be a debate about this one. Smith is the Heisman frontrunner and one of the most pro-ready prospects we have seen in some time. He has excellent long speed, great agility for his size, super reliable hands and his route running has improved this season.

2. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
There are few corners I have watched who come close to matching Moore’s coverage ability. He is just so incredibly sticky. He mirrors receivers’ movements well and looks even more physical this year. I think his tackling still needs a bit of work, but it is trending in the right direction.

3. Collin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
Simmons was already trending up prior to his dominant display in Knoxville on Saturday. He is an elite athlete coming off the edge with impressive college production. His pass-rush plan is improved this season. The run defense is still a weakness in his game, but teams will be willing to live with it if he can be even close to average because of how he can get after the quarterback.

4. Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
No, Becker has not faced much legitimate competition so far this season. Indiana has faced North Texas, Howard, Western Kentucky and Northwestern to date. However, as you would want to see, Becker has dominated all of them. His long speed is special. He is a contested catch fiend. At this point, he just needs to keep producing against better competition and he should be locked in as a top-10 pick.

5. Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
By far the best running back in this class, Baugh offers a unique blend of speed and size. At 6’1”, 225 pounds, he moves like a much lighter player. His burst, change of direction and contact balance are impressive. Florida’s offensive line deserves credit, but Baugh creates for himself plenty. He rarely goes down on first contact and has enough long-speed to turn the corner.

6. Will Echoles, DL, Ole Miss
While Florida did run over Ole Miss this past weekend in the swamp, there were still plenty of reps won by Echoles throughout the contest. He is also only a week removed from dominating LSU as well. He will fit best in a defense that prioritizes backfield penetrators. Just a true junior, his ceiling is immensely high.

7. Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa
One of my favorite prospects in this class, Lauck is rock solid across the board. He brings good play strength, impressive foot speed and the level of compete you want to see on the offensive line. Now into his second season as Iowa’s starting left tackle, there will be questions about his length. I’ve seen plenty of discourse about Lauck needing to kick inside to guard. I’m more bullish on his projection as a tackle.

8. Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
It hasn’t been as prolific a start to the season as fans would have hoped for Coleman. He has been a threat in the red zone, scoring four touchdowns already this season, but he has not consistently made big plays in the way we expected him to after transferring from Texas. I’m not totally giving up on him. Obviously, he is still in my top 10. We can end the conversation about him contending to be WR1 in this class, though.

9. Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
Whew, this has been a nightmare start to the 2026 campaign for Stewart so far. He missed the first two games due to a lingering back injury. He played limited snaps in a loss to Mississippi State, then completely tanked his draft stock against Alabama by ignoring his coaches and punching an opponent in the facemask. South Carolina suspended their star edge rusher indefinitely. Stewart has all the physical tools you want in an edge rusher. We are just waiting for him to fully put it together. Looks like we have to wait a bit longer now. This is a small drop for him right now from his preseason ranking, but he could definitely slide more depending on how this plays out.

10. Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
Is this a bit premature? Probably, but I don’t care. Mestemaker is only in his second season as a starting quarterback. Not just in college, but ever. He backed up Deuce Adams in high school, arrived at North Texas as a zero-star recruit and redshirted a year. He led the nation in passing yards as a redshirt freshman last year. This season got off to a miserable start in a dismal loss to Tulsa, but Mestemaker has been on fire since, notching impressive performances and wins against Oregon, Murray State and West Virginia. His arm talent and mobility are a lethal combination. He has a ton of development still to do as a processor, but his upside is off the charts.

11. Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
Goosby is a massive human being. Listed at 6’7”, 325 pounds, he is a tough man to get around, especially in pass protection. His pad level is good despite his massive frame and he has the movement skills to operate well as a puller in the run game. He does struggle with power at times, getting pushed back into the pocket. I also want to see him sustain his blocks a bit longer in the ground game. There is a lot to like here, but Goosby still lacks some polish.

12. Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
There has been plenty of buzz that Johnson is actually a better prospect than his former teammate Kenyon Sadiq, who was drafted 16th overall this past year. He missed two games for the Ducks before returning against USC and dominating to the tune of 7 catches for 119 yards. He is built like a true in-line tight end, listed at 6’5”, 255 pounds. Already an excellent receiver, he is growing as a blocker as well. I like him as a well-rounded option who could climb even higher.

13. Ahmad Moten Sr., DL, Miami
Miami’s edge rusher duo got all the publicity last year. 2026 belongs to the Hurricanes’ interior pairing. I have to do a bit more work on Justin Scott. Moten is a bit further along in his development as a fifth-year senior, as opposed to the true junior Scott. Moten has a penchant for winding up in opponents’ backfields. He has good versatility. I could see him as a shade nose or a 3-tech. I want to see him improve his rush lane integrity, especially against some of the better teams on Miami’s schedule late in the season.

14. Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU
Seaton spent the offseason overhauling his body and preparing to play in the SEC after two seasons at Colorado. Mission accomplished. Seaton looks much leaner, but still has the mass necessary to play the position. He is an incredible athlete for the position, capable of reaching the second level and acting as a puller in the run game. At this point, though, he is still a bit of a project. He needs to sustain blocks longer and I want to see him improve his lower body strength. He has the tools to be a franchise tackle down the line.

15. Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson
Clemson has once again underwhelmed, but the school’s individual talent is still strong. Brown is a dynamic athlete who has a nose for the football. He has true sideline-to-sideline ability with his speed and he is an excellent tackler in space. His coverage skills are strong enough for me to consider him a first-round linebacker.

16. Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
Another Clemson player that I am banking on being even better away from the program, Hampton is my type of corner. He is big, listed at 6’2”, 205 pounds, and physical. I do have some concerns about his long speed, but he excels as a press-man corner. However, he has the instincts and change of direction to play in zone. Go watch some clips of him blowing up screen passes and you will understand why I like him so much.

17. Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU
For any team that struggles in the red zone, Green is likely the answer. He is a massive target with great ball skills. Listed at 6’7”, 242 pounds, he is still growing into that frame. His role as a blocker has expanded this season, but his calling card remains his ability to make contested catches. This spot is a bit tentative right now, as Green was carted off late in LSU’s loss to Ole Miss. He missed this past game against Texas A&M. His return is TBD at the moment. His medicals will definitely be important to track moving forward.

18. Ellis Robinson, CB, Georgia
Robinson is the latest Georgia defensive back who has caught the attention of NFL scouts. He is long and lean. His frame has some room to add some muscle. We haven’t seen the same ball production yet this season, but he hauled in four interceptions as a redshirt freshman just a year ago. Big tests against Alabama and Ole Miss will likely dictate which way his stock is trending.

19. CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame has basically sleepwalked through its schedule, but there is still plenty to like from Carr. He is a young player, just a redshirt sophomore, but his arm talent, pocket presence and touch on deep passes make him an enticing option. He could go back to school, especially if he struggles in the Irish’s two big regular-season tests, at BYU and hosting Miami. We will see how he progresses the rest of the season.

20. KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
Much of the discussion around Ellis Robinson applies here as well. I like what I’ve seen from Bolden so far, but Georgia hasn’t really been tested by a competent passing offense yet. Bolden checks every box you would want physically. I will be eager to see how he handles the challenge of facing dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks like Keelon Russell, Austin Simmons and Trinidad Chambliss.

21. Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Speaking of the Ole Miss star and Heisman candidate, Chambliss, despite all of the red flags about his recruiting profile, checks into the top 25 here. Yes, he will be 25 by the time his rookie season starts. Yes, he is undersized for the position. Yes, he was playing Division II football just two years ago. No, I don’t know if any of it matters. Chambliss throws with elite anticipation. He is accurate, elusive and knows how to beat the blitz. He is a lower-ceiling prospect at this point given his age and stature, but he is easily the most pro-ready quarterback in this draft class.

22. Greg Johnson, G, Minnesota
If you are a fan of players with tons of starting experience, position versatility, great measurables and impressive tape, you will like Johnson. He is locked in as Minnesota’s left guard, but he started the entire 2024 season at center and started a game at both left and right tackle in 2025. He plays like a grown man, opening holes as a puller in the run game and absorbing plenty of power moves on the interior. Very few players are ever truly plug-and-play in the NFL, but Johnson feels pretty close to that.

23. Kade Pieper, OL, Iowa
Pieper is a great athlete. He played offensive and defensive line in high school. He also played basketball and won a state title in the shot put. He is an experienced player, now in his third year as a starter with the Hawkeyes. At 6’3”, 298 pounds, he is a bit undersized for the position, but there is still plenty to like about his game.

24. Chris Cole, LB, Georgia
I have a feeling that Cole is going to be a fast riser as the year continues. His speed is truly outrageous for a linebacker. He showed it off on a huge scoop-and-score against Oklahoma this past week. That alone is enough to turn heads. He started just one game last year, playing behind CJ Allen. As a true junior, there is always a chance he returns to school, but he will earn high marks from the NFL if he keeps producing at this level.

25. Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Manning deservedly tumbles after a lackluster month of September. He has shown flashes of the highly-touted quarterback we were promised when he arrived at Texas four years ago. The issue for Manning isn’t anything physical. It’s the mental side of the game he still seems to be struggling with. His processing is still a bit slow, as he gets stuck on reads or finds them late. He also has not consistently played at a high level. He has plenty of opportunity to turn his trajectory around, but it has been rough so far.

The NFL season is officially back. There was probably a lesson about how elite defenses can overcome promising young quarterbacks, but we are going to talk a lot about quarterbacks today anyway!

Five 2027 NFL draft prospects to watch in Week 2

Every week, I am going to highlight five prospects that I will be keeping a close eye on for one reason or another. It could be a young player making his first start, a transfer facing Power 4 competition for the first time or a player returning from injury. With some monster matchups in college football this week, here is who I will be watching closely.

Arch Manning, QB, Texas (vs. Ohio State)

This game has been circled on my calendar for a while now. This is one of the biggest games of the entire season and it is a massive opportunity for Manning to silence the doubters. He struggled mightily against Ohio State last year. For a lot of people, it ended the conversation about Manning being a 2026 draft prospect. Even after he showed a lot of growth in the second half of the season, it was easy to point to the matchup with the Buckeyes as to why Manning was not ready for the pros.

A win and a good performance against the Buckeyes would shift the narrative in a big way. Manning is the top quarterback on my board right now, but he is facing intense competition for that spot. Dante Moore and Darian Mensah had excellent Week 1 performances. Jayden Maiava has been on fire. I’m still a fan of CJ Carr’s upside as well. One game does not make or break a player’s scouting report, but this game will weigh heavily in Manning’s full evaluation.

Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State (vs. Oregon)

I had Mestemaker on this list well before his dismal performance against Tulsa. This was already going to be a massive test for the redshirt sophomore quarterback, but it feels like the margin for error has greatly decreased after Week 1. Mestemaker missed throws and made poor decisions in the loss.

A strong performance does not completely wipe out what we saw a week ago, but the Oregon game will certainly be weighted more heavily. There are likely five or six NFL draft picks in this upcoming draft alone suiting up for the Ducks right now. If Mestemaker plays within himself and makes plays out of structure against this group, the narrative is going to change in a massive way.

Kenyatta Jackson, EDGE, Ohio State (at Texas)

Let’s swing back to the game of the week, but this time on the other side of the matchup. Trevor Goosby is my top offensive tackle right now. I haven’t done a full watch of Melvin Siani yet, but I’ve started seeing him get first-round buzz. That is a hell of a challenge for Jackson this week.

The Ohio State edge rusher is a former four-star recruit now in his fifth year with the program. He had decent production in 2025, but has yet to truly fulfill his potential or show the ability to take over games. A strong performance against two future NFL tackles would likely push Jackson to the edge of the Round 1 conversation.

Omarion Miller, WR, Arizona State (at Texas A&M)

Miller has his share of fans around the draft community, but in a loaded receiver class, this is a massive opportunity for him to make a statement. The Colorado transfer had a strong opening game, but beating up on FCS opponents doesn’t really move the needle. Showing out against one of the top teams in the SEC absolutely would though.

The Aggies boast a veteran secondary, with all of its starters in at least their fourth year of college football. Miller will have his work cut out for him, but I think the big-play chances will be there. If Miller can show that he can create separation and create after the catch against one of the better defenses in the country, that will go a long way in solidifying his draft stock as a top-8 receiver in this class.

Peter Clarke, TE, Temple (vs. Penn State)

A great reminder of whole global the football world has gone to find talent, Clarke hails from London and is a graduate of the NFL Academy. Now in his fourth year at Temple, he is coming off a strong junior campaign. The 6’6”, 265-pound tight end racked up 483 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2025. He will get a huge stage to showcase his abilities on Saturday.

Clarke checks every box from a measurables perspective. The question now is can he produce against top talent. I’m eager to see how he holds up as a blocker against Penn State’s defense. If Clarke can open up some running lanes and hold his own against Matt Campbell’s crew, you should see his name start to creep up draft boards.

Who did I miss? Does anyone else deserve a shoutout?

Posting the full mock here, but you can also check it out on my Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/draftseasonneverends/p/way-too-early-2027-nfl-mock-draft?r=6kjn7b&utm\_medium=ios

1. Arizona Cardinals (400-1) - Arch Manning, QB, Texas
   A new era in Arizona. This is the dream scenario for the Cardinals, who have a nice complement of skill players waiting for Arch Manning to work with. This is a bit of a projection right now for the highly-touted quarterback. He has elite arm talent and impressive athletic traits, but was very inconsistent in his first season as a starter.

2. Miami Dolphins (300-1) - Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
   Yes, the Dolphins did just sign Malik Willis to a lucrative contract. That being said, if Miami is picking No. 2 overall, there is a good chance Willis failed to meet expectations. He could still be on the roster in 2027 as a bridge to Moore before being cut the following offseason. Moore had a phenomenal junior season after sitting for a year behind Dillon Gabriel. Had he declared, he likely would have been the No. 2 pick in the 2026 draft. He is a fairly polished passer with good mechanics. I’m excited to see how he looks with another year of development.

3. New York Jets (200-1) - C.J. Carr, QB, Notre Dame
   This might be a little early for Carr, who just wrapped up his first year as Notre Dame’s starter. Entering his redshirt sophomore season, it is far from a guarantee he declares. However, if he is able to build upon his 2025 campaign, he will be in line for this type of hype. The Jets need to come out of the 2027 draft with a franchise quarterback. If Geno Smith sticks around for 2027, he would be the ideal bridge for Carr to take over under center.

4. Cleveland Browns (150-1) - Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
   While Cleveland could desperately use a quarterback, it is hard to be mad about Jeremiah Smith falling into their lap. The true junior is on the same level as Marvin Harrison Jr. in terms of hype. He became an impact player the moment he set foot in Columbus. He is not perfect, but there is more than enough in his body of work to suggest he will be the No. 1 player in this class, regardless of position.

5. Las Vegas Raiders (150-1) - Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
   As of now, Maxx Crosby is still on the Raiders’ roster. However, the spot across from him is wide open. Las Vegas jettisoned former top-10 pick Tyree Wilson this offseason. The collection of Kwity Paye, Keyron Crawford and Malcolm Koonce is not enough to make me pass on Stewart. The South Carolina junior has some lapses as a run defender, but he has all the physical tools you could hope for and good production (11 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss) across his first two seasons.

6. Atlanta Falcons - (120-1) - Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
   Coleman has superstar potential. While the quarterback position is certainly a question mark beyond 2026, whoever is under center would benefit from throwing to the explosive Auburn transfer. His numbers (1,306 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns in two seasons) are far from elite, but he should thrive in Texas’ offense with improved playcalling and quarterback play. His blend of size and speed makes him a special prospect.

7. Tennessee Titans (120-1) - Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
   It is hard to find a cornerback prospect with more hype entering their junior year than Moore. He has the size, speed and production to be a quality NFL starter as a rookie. For Robert Saleh, this would be a dream fit. Saleh landed Sauce Gardner in his first draft with the Jets and it was a huge part of New York’s defensive success in his first two seasons. If Moore can have that type of impact on a Titans defense that lacks proven playmakers at corner, this is a home run pick.

8. New Orleans Saints (80-1) - Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia
   Robinson did not play much as a true freshman, appearing in just four games, but he took over the starting role in 2025 and thrived. He posted four interceptions and seven pass break-ups. Getting another year of starting experience will go a long way in refining the technical side of his game. New Orleans lost Alontae Taylor one year after letting Paulson Adebo leave. 2025 fourth-round pick Quincy Riley is in line to start. If he plays great, this won’t be as pressing a need, but until we see it happen, it’s hard not to think the Saints could use an upgrade at corner.

9. Carolina Panthers (80-1) - Collin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
   While a little undersized, Simmons is a menace screaming off the edge for the Longhorns. He has incredible burst, bend and closing speed. He is still developing as a pass rusher, but the physical traits are enough for Carolina to take a chance on him here. The Panthers spent big on Jaelan Phillips and could get increased production from 2025 draft picks Nic Scourton and Princley Umanmeilen. Simmons would add a lot more juice to that room.

10. New York Giants (70-1) - Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU
    While this is not a pressing need for the Giants, it is a worthwhile investment. Jermaine Eluemenor turns 32 this season, Andrew Thomas has missed 22 games over the past three seasons and I think Francis Mauigoa is going to play guard in the NFL. New York’s offensive line has been a work in progress or a total mess for close to a decade. Turning it into a strength would be excellent for Jaxson Dart and Cam Skatebo. Seaton is a Colorado transfer with elite movement skills for a man his size. It will be interesting to see how he fares against SEC talent instead of the Big 12.

11. New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts (65-1) - David Stone Jr., DL, Oklahoma
    Regardless if Aaron Glenn is still the coach by the time the 2027 draft rolls around, New York could use a bit more juice up front. They traded for T’Vondre Sweat and signed David Onyemata to pair with Harrison Phillips. It’s not a bad group, but Stone would be a clear upgrade. He can eat double teams, collapse the pocket and shed blockers almost at will. With Gracen Halton and Dominic Williams both gone, Stone should play an even bigger role for the Sooners.

12. Washington Commanders (65-1) - Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss
    There was a lot of smoke about Jeremiyah Love landing in Washington in the lead-up to the 2026 draft. Obviously, he never made it there. The Commanders didn’t do much to upgrade their backfield either, drafting Kayton Allen in the sixth round and signing Rachaad White. Lacy would provide some much-needed juice to their backfield. The Missouri transfer put up absurd numbers for Ole Miss, racking up 1,567 yards rushing and 24 touchdowns. He also caught 29 passes out of the backfield. Heading into the summer, he leads a strong running back class in my rankings.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (50-1) - Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
    Eventually, Aaron Rodgers is going to retire, and while Pittsburgh has Drew Allar and Walker Howard on the roster, it is hard to imagine them passing up Mestemaker. He put up video game-like numbers at North Texas this past season. Following his head coach, Eric Morris, to Oklahoma State, along with top weapons Caleb Hawkins and Wyatt Young, gives him a much bigger platform to play on and a much stiffer test. Matchups with Oregon and Texas Tech will be circled for scouts to see how he does against elite competition.

14. Minnesota Vikings (50-1) - Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
    Oregon is very quickly becoming Tight End University. After seeing Terrence Ferguson and Kenyon Sadiq, Johnson gets the chance to show what he can do as the leader in the room. The Louisville transfer posted 510 receiving yards and three touchdowns in a crowded field of playmakers for the Ducks. He looks the part and should be in line for a big season. He would be a welcome addition in Minnesota, which is likely to let T.J. Hockenson walk after the season.

15. Jacksonville Jaguars (30-1) - Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
    Honestly, this is probably too low on Goosby. He had some draft buzz before deciding to return to Austin for his redshirt junior season. Measuring 6’7” (cue the memes) and 325 pounds, he looks like he was built in a lab. Getting some more reps in the SEC and improving his lower-body strength would likely vault him into top-10 consideration. For Jacksonville, this would be an investment in keeping Trevor Lawrence healthy. Anton Harrison will be in line for an extension and if Jacksonville wants to allocate resources elsewhere, this would give them a lot of flexibility.

16. New York Jets via Dallas Cowboys (25-1) - Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson
    One of my favorite prospects in this class so far, Brown jumps out when you watch Clemson’s defense. I kept finding myself watching him instead of T.J. Parker and Peter Woods this past season. He fits the mold of the modern NFL linebacker at 6’2” and 235 pounds. His nose for the football and closing speed are impressive. He finished the 2025 campaign with 106 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. With the Jets mostly signing stopgaps at linebacker this offseason, this is going to be a massive need for this defense next offseason.

17. Chicago Bears (25-1) - Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Miami
    Chicago surprisingly did not invest a single draft pick in an edge rusher in 2026. Instead, they will lean on Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker and Shemar Turner to step up this season. I think the Bears will invest in the position early when given the chance in 2027. Wilson is coming off a strong season with Missouri, racking up 9 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss after transferring from Georgia. He hit the portal again and will help fill the void left by Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor (both first-round picks) in South Beach. A year of learning from Miami coach Jason Taylor could see Wilson go even higher than this.

18. Cincinnati Bengals (22-1) - Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama
    The Bengals traded away their first-round pick to land Dexter Lawrence and should continue to invest in their defense. Dax Hill and D.J. Turner will both be free agents after the season and neither has done enough to guarantee they are brought back. Adding Brown would give them a corner heading into his third straight season as a starter in Tuscaloosa. He took a big jump in his level of play this past season and another strong campaign will solidify his status as a first-round player.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (50-1) - Ahmed Moten Sr., DL, Miami
    After nabbing Rueben Bain Jr. in the 2026 draft, the Buccaneers can return to the Miami well to take his teammate Moton. The fifth-year senior is coming off a strong campaign in which he recorded 9 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He is a penetrating force who excels at shooting gaps and disrupting plays in the backfield. Pairing him with Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey would give Tampa a dominant front seven.

20. Denver Broncos (20-1) - Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU
    Denver’s crop of playmakers looks a lot stronger after adding Jaylen Waddle, but tight end remains a bit of a question mark. Green is a massive target who dominates in the red zone and on third down. He took a major step in his production, but is still developing as a pass catcher. If he can cut down on his drops while handling a larger target share, he will earn this draft slot.

21. Detroit Lions (18-1) - Kenyatta Jackson Jr., EDGE, Ohio State
    Jackson’s rise has been a slow burn for Ohio State, but he is finally starting to deliver on the five-star recruit billing he had when he arrived in Columbus. In his first three seasons, he had three sacks. He posted 6.5 this past season while also tallying 11 tackles for loss. His speed and agility are not in question, but he needs to get stronger at the point of attack. I like the fit of him playing across from Aiden Hutchinson in Detroit’s defense.

22. Houston Texans (18-1) - Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri
    Houston has largely neglected the running back position under DeMeco Ryans, so perhaps that trend will continue. If it is up to me, I would be sprinting the card in to take Hardy here. The Texans were tied for the second fewest rushing touchdowns and had the fifth lowest yards per carry average in 2025. Hardy has accumulated 3,000 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns across the past two seasons. He would instantly be the best running back on Houston’s roster.

23. San Francisco 49ers (17-1) - Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
    Eventually, Trent Williams is going to retire. The future Hall of Famer turns 38 this summer. Smith certainly would not have the same impact as Williams right away, but it is hard to find a more pro-ready left tackle. He already has 41 starts under his belt entering his fourth straight season as Indiana’s blindside protector. His measurables (6’5”, 313 pounds) pass the eye test and he is battle-tested against some elite talents, facing Arvell Reese, LT Overton, Mateyo Uiagalelei, Reuben Bain and Akheem Mesidor in last year’s postseason alone.

24. Los Angeles Chargers (16-1) - Cayden Green, G, Missouri
    If there has been a weak spot for the Chargers in recent years, it is the offensive line. Injuries decimated the group in 2025. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt fully healthy, Los Angeles remade the interior of its offensive line. However, I don’t know if that guard-center-guard trio is totally set. Jake Slaughter was a second-round pick and Tyler Biadasz is one of my favorite centers in the league, but Cole Strange is there on essentially a one-year commitment. Green played left tackle for the Tigers this past season, but previously made 18 starts at left guard for Missouri and Oklahoma. I think that will be his home in the NFL as well.

25. Philadelphia Eagles (16-1) - KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
    While Philadelphia typically does not prioritize safeties in the draft, Bolden is a Georgia player, so that might be enough to tip the scales for Howie Roseman. Philly heads into the season with Marcus Epps and Andrew Makuba as their starters on the back end. Bolden could likely step into either safety role and thrive. He is a versatile player and reliable tackler. He got better in coverage as the year went on as well. Another year of playing in Kirby Smart’s defense should have him well prepared for the NFL.

26. New England Patriots (16-1) - Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
    The Patriots let Stefon Diggs leave this offseason and then brought in Romeo Doubs. Their receiver room is not bad, but they still lack a go-to playmaker for Drake Maye. Becker was not overly involved early in the season for Indiana, but he had 609 yards and 3 touchdowns over the final seven games of the season. He is a big target with excellent body control. He thrives in contested catch situations. With Elijah Surratt and Omar Cooper Jr. now in the NFL, he will have to show that he can be more than just a jump-ball player for the Hooisers.

27. Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay Packers (16-1) - Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR, Alabama
    Entering the 2025 season, it felt like Coleman-Williams was in the same conversation as Jeremiah Smith and Cam Coleman. Drops were a major issue for the sophomore receiver as his stats regressed a bit from an impressive freshman campaign. The silver lining? After dropping 6 passes in his first 4 games, Coleman-Williams dropped only 4 over the Tide’s final 10. He is still an intriguing weapon who can stretch the field. Given that George Pickens is on the franchise tag with no extension in sight, Dallas will need someone across from CeeDee Lamb.

28. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) - Jaylen McClain, S, Ohio State
    The Chiefs went all in on retooling their defense, drafting Mansoor Delane, Peter Woods and R Mason Thomas in the first two rounds. The defensive overhaul could continue into 2027, with safety still a bit uncertain long term in KC. Chamarri Conner will be in the final year of his rookie deal this year. Perhaps Jaden Hicks steps into the starting role, but McClain would be a worthy addition as well. He had an excellent true sophomore campaign in his first year as a starter. McClain is a well-rounded player capable of lining up at either safety spot in the league.

29. Buffalo Bills (10-1) - T.J. Moore, WR, Clemson
    Give Josh Allen some playmakers! It’s not for a lack of trying. Buffalo drafted Keon Coleman in the first round in 2024 and traded for D.J. Moore this offseason. However, it is hard to feel like the Bills’ receiver room is good to go. Despite his quarterback, Cade Klubnik, having a much worse season, Moore’s stats took a solid jump. He has just shy of 1,500 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns in his first two seasons. At 6’3”, he has the size and skill to be a true No. 1 option.

30. Seattle Seahawks (19-2) - Quincy Rhodes, EDGE, Arkansas
    Rhodes was a potential Day 2 pick in 2026 before opting to return to school. He is a big body who had a major impact for the Razorbacks this past season, posting 8 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. For Seattle, he has the size to play as a 3-4 defensive end. He could wind up being the heir apparent for Leonard Williams, who turns 32 this summer and will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Cornerback could also be in play, but I think Rhodes is too good to pass up here.

31. Baltimore Ravens (19-2) - Justin Echoles, DL, Ole Miss
    I sincerely hope we get Nnamdi Madubuike back on the field this season, but it is hard to rely on him long-term given that he has been struggling with neck injuries and missed the entire 2025 season. With that in mind, Echoles could be a key contributor early on for Baltimore. He had a breakout season as the Rebels reached the College Football Playoff. With 5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss, he is a disruptive force on the interior.

32. Los Angeles Rams (8-1) - A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon
    Washington garnered draft buzz this past fall, ultimately opting to return to Eugene for his senior season. I think it was a wise move. He is a talented athlete with great size, but not much production to show for it so far. The upside is there for him. Landing in L.A. would give him a chance to learn from Poona Ford in 2027 before taking over the starting role in 2028. Wide receiver could be in play as well, but with five already off the board, Washington felt like better value.