This is the first time I recall ever projecting a wide receiver at #1 overall in a mock draft. It's only happened three times prior in NFL history. Smith could make it number four.
Goosby has lived up to the hype thus far this season for the Longhorns. I'd think the Titans would have some lucrative offers to trade back in this scenario.
This might seem odd considering that Tampa Bay used a first-round selection on Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. this past April, but the Bucs are expected to have a major need opposite Bain for next year and Simmons is an elite EDGE rushing talent.
4. Los Angeles Chargers Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss
Echoles is an elite talent who would give the Chargers a big boost, though this projection would anticipate a trade-back by the Chargers.
There are some who think Manning should return to Texas for the 2027 season. But if he heads to the NFL, it's hard to fathom Manning lasting very long on the board on night one.
Moore took a brutal cheap-shot hit against USC that knocked him out of the game. This presumes Moore being able to bounce back and keep playing at a high level.
Pittsburgh has an obvious need at QB, but it's not the only need the Steelers will be targeting in the draft. Robinson is one of the top draft-eligible corners on many early scouting lists.
14. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
Becker has a chance to be the first Father Ryan High School (Nashville, Tennessee) graduate ever selected in round one of the NFL Draft.
15. Detroit Lions Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
Cornerback suddenly became a big need for Detroit with the off-season release of 2024 first-round CB Terrion Arnold.
16. Philadelphia Eagles Greg Johnson, OL, Minnesota
The biggest offensive line riser among the top prospects, Johnson built on an impressive resume with some strong showings in 2026. Has the size of a tackle but the agility to be effective on the inside. Exceedingly skilled as a pass-blocker, which will be true for the bulk of the top offensive line prospects.
Green will provide unique receiving skill and great height for the position for whichever NFL team lands him. An injury suffered against Ole Miss has kept Green off the field lately, but his skill-set (particularly as a receiver) is tremendous.
Johnson took over the lead role at tight end in 2026 after Kenyon Sadiq departed for the NFL. Johnson is a promising prospect who would fill a need for the Pats.
21. Cleveland Browns (from Los Angeles Rams) Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
Cleveland acquired this draft pick from the L.A. Rams in the Myles Garrett trade.
Washington showed first-round talent in 2025 and hasn't regressed from that this season. Skilled at forcing pressure on passing downs from an interior position.
The Bills trading back thrice in the first round of the 2026 draft was impressive. Johnson entered the season as one of the top draft-eligible safety prospects and he has maintained that status to this point.
Pieper is a talented, versatile offensive lineman who would be a great addition to the 49ers.
2027 NFL Draft Location
The 2027 NFL Draft will be held in Washington, DC. This will be the first time for the draft to take place in the District of Columbia since the 1941 draft at the Willard Hotel.
According to the NFL, "Over the course of the three-day event, D.C. will host a slate of Draft activities, including a variety of community events, the Draft Concert Series and the NFL Draft Experience."
The 2027 NFL Draft will take place from Thursday, April 29 to Saturday, May 1, 2027.
