Joe Montana on whether CJ Carr can challenge Arch Manning for the Heisman
Joe Montana shares his thoughts on CJ Carr’s Heisman chances against Texas’ Arch Manning.
One of the most highly anticipated NFL draft classes this century is about to start taking shape.
With the NFL preseason complete and the roster-cut deadline having passed, the Sept. 9 regular-season kickoff is drawing near. But while all teams’ immediate focus will be on the campaign at hand, the 2027 NFL Draft won’t be relegated to an afterthought as the college football season ramps up. With several marquee players already waiting in the college ranks and more stars sure to announce themselves over the course of the fall, a different sort of draft season is already upon us before the leaves start to change colors.
With a first-round order based on a highly unscientific estimated order of finish, here’s our preseason 2027 NFL mock draft:
1. Arizona Cardinals – Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Unlike the Dolphins and Browns, the Cardinals haven’t publicly signaled that they’re fixing their gaze further down the road than this season. But given the competitive layout of the NFC West and its own myriad roster shortcomings, Arizona still seems like the odds-on favorite to be granted the coveted No. 1 pick. Though the hype for Manning was unquestionably premature at this point a year ago, it was clear by season’s end that it wasn’t without merit. With a preternatural feel for the position and the tools to create opportunities by evading the rush, Manning is the kind of ascendant talent any coaching staff would sign up for, even if he’s not a finished product. In Arizona, he’d instantly provide relevance to a franchise that can’t make up considerable ground in the NFC West if it continues to coast behind center.
2. Miami Dolphins – Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Might Miami be among the teams clawing to the front of the pack for a quarterback early in the draft? With the team’s teardown leaving several serious deficiencies, the Dolphins shouldn’t have much trouble getting into striking distance of a top signal-caller. Yet the team’s current setup might not be conducive to plucking a prized passer and dropping him into a rather barren talent landscape. Nabbing hometown hero Smith, who has a strong case to be considered the best player in the class, would supercharge what’s arguably the league’s worst receiving corps and give dynamic dual-threat Malik Willis – or any potential replacement – a bona fide No. 1 target for years to come.
3. Cleveland Browns – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
After Browns brass spent the summer broadcasting diminished expectations for the upcoming season, the process and outcome of a dubious quarterback competition have many ready for Cleveland to hit fast forward to 2027. By then, the organization can move on from this embarrassing chapter by wiping the slate clean and using what almost surely will be a top-10 selection on a signal-caller. Precise throughout his process in the pocket, Moore might be the effortless operator capable of capitalizing on Cleveland’s burgeoning collection of young talent.
After investing key resources to upgrade Cam Ward’s pass-catching arsenal this offseason, Tennessee might need to reconfigure its front next year to truly put the 2025 No. 1 pick at ease. Left tackle would be a natural starting point if big-ticket signing Dan Moore Jr. doesn’t find his way after an alarming debut season for the Titans. At 6-7 and 325 pounds with the fluid movements necessary to flourish in pass protection, Goosby might be a more promising blocker than any offensive tackle selected in last year’s draft.
5. New York Giants – Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
With John Harbaugh taking over, the Giants seem to have focused on setting a foundation and not overcomplicating the kind of decisions that build a good football team. To that end, New York should have few reservations about pouncing on Moore if he’s available when the team comes on the clock. Not only would he shore up a shaky secondary, but the premier cover man in college football sizes up as the rare player who looks fully comfortable neutralizing any manner of elite receiver when left on an island.
6. Atlanta Falcons – CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
A drawn-out quarterback competition has only amplified the unease around Atlanta’s offense, which could do some real damage if it had a more promising catalyst behind center than its two half-measure options. Between the need for a real solution at the position and owner Arthur Blank’s stated impatience with the league’s second-longest playoff drought, the Falcons should be firmly in the market for a quarterback in next year’s draft. Carr’s poise and decisiveness should endear him to Matt Ryan and Kevin Stefanski as someone who can cook with the well-stocked offense’s ingredients.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
Fernando Mendoza’s repeated rocky showings during the preseason only affirmed the need for a patient approach for the No. 1 pick – and more weapons for him to utilize downfield. Big (6-3, 204 pounds), strong and fast, Coleman is the kind of pick that would have earned Al Davis’ seal of approval. The Auburn transfer hasn’t had the opportunity to properly showcase his full skill set given the subpar quarterback play he’s been saddled with in his first two years, but he could position himself not too far behind Smith as one of the elite playmakers of this draft class.
8. New York Jets – Darian Mensah, QB, Miami (Fla.)
Competence could come at a cost this fall, as a Jets team that looks to have several solid pieces in place might end up with a record that puts the organization just far back enough in the draft order to miss out on the clear-cut top quarterbacks. Yet the class has a good chance to become more robust if someone can make a Fernando Mendoza- or Cam Ward-like leap. A strong candidate to enjoy such a rise could be Mensah, who can be a highly efficient distributor when he finds a rhythm. Jumping to join the Hurricanes could accelerate his upward trajectory.
9. Washington Commanders – Colin Simmons, DE/OLB, Texas
A desire to make an expedited return to the NFC’s contender class pointed Washington toward Sonny Styles, an accomplished and astute playmaker who grew his game remarkably over the course of his collegiate career. If the Commanders are looking for another similar asset for their defense next April, they could be drawn to Simmons. With 21 sacks to his name through two years, he’s already a proven entity as a blur off the edge. He could give Washington’s pass rush the reliability it’s lacked since Dan Quinn’s arrival.
A first-round offensive tackle for the second year in a row? Maybe that seems like a stretch for an organization that eight months ago seemed to have its future set at the position with Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton. But with injuries to both complicating any commitments Carolina might make up front, the organization has to take stock of all possibilities for boosting Bryce Young’s protection. Bringing the smooth-moving Seaton aboard would allow 2026 first-rounder Monroe Freeling to remain at right tackle, giving the Panthers the pair of promising protectors they thought they once had in place.
11. New Orleans Saints – Dylan Stewart, DE/OLB, South Carolina
For all the significant strides the Saints defense made in Year 1 under Brandon Staley, the unit is still glaringly short on cornerstones. Stewart could change that in a hurry. Though his game is markedly different from Rueben Bain Jr., the prolific pass rusher enters the fall in a similar predicament as the former Hurricanes standout once faced after following up his stunning freshman debut with a sophomore lull. Given his elite blend and rare closing speed, Stewart should have no trouble joining Bain as a top-15 pick if his production picks up again in a bounce-back campaign.
12. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia
This isn’t just about correcting for last year’s embarrassing interception drought. Aaron Glenn’s crew looks significantly shorthanded on the back end, and it likely won’t have much hope for slowing the likes of Josh Allen and Drake Maye until it brings on some premium talent at cornerback. Though he still needs more reps to polish his game, Robinson looks comfortable staying glued to receivers downfield and attacking the ball whenever opponents dare test him.
13. Minnesota Vikings – Kewan Lacy, RB, Mississippi
If Kyler Murray settles the tumult behind center, the Vikings might be inclined to repair the other half of their backfield. Though Minnesota has taken schematic steps to foster a more robust run game, reaching the next level on the ground will require more explosiveness than either Jordan Mason or Aaron Jones Sr., who will turn 32 in December, can offer. Lacy isn’t on the level of Jeremiyah Love or Ashton Jeanty entering the season, but he’s electric both in tight quarters and the open field.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers – Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
Don’t be fooled by Pittsburgh carrying four quarterbacks into next season. Though the Steelers surely would like for one of Aaron Rodgers’ backups to emerge as a capable successor, a franchise that’s been averse to risk any wobbling in its competitive credentials would likely have a hard time handing the reins to third-round pick Drew Allar or Will Howard. Short of another proven starter becoming available in free agency or the trade market, Mestemaker might be one of the more alluring transitional options. With his 6-3, 210-pound frame and both the confidence and capability to attack every level of the field, the North Texas transfer fits the bill of what GM Omar Khan has said he seeks in a signal-caller.
15. Jets (from Dallas Cowboys) – KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
Many of Darren Mougey’s offseason acquisitions on defense seemed to be driven by a desire for leadership and accountability. Bolden would bring plenty of both to the table if he linked up with Gang Green. As an instinctive and savvy presence in coverage, he would be poised to enhance the long-term vision for the unit after Mougey signed so many veterans as stopgap solutions.
16. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
Jerry Jones averted another offseason disaster with George Pickens shrugging off his franchise tag and lack of extension, but the detente might only be temporary. If the Cowboys balk at bringing Pickens back next offseason, finding a receiver to work alongside CeeDee Lamb will rocket to the top of their priorities. A dangerous downfield weapon after averaging 20 yards per catch last season, Becker could be an enticing replacement option if he can continue expanding his comfort zone beyond contested-catch situations as he takes on a larger role in the Hoosiers offense.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars – David Stone, DT, Oklahoma
Coordinator Anthony Campanile’s hyperaggressive defensive scheme hinges on havoc. Right now, Jacksonville isn’t getting enough out of its front in that category – especially on the interior. Though Stone is still coming into his own with just two starts to his name, his blend of jolting power and quickness to shoot gaps is something the Jaguars would surely love to weaponize.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU
Might Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers reach their breaking point? Things certainly seem strained between the two sides after the quarterback aired out his dissatisfaction with the impasse on extension negotiations, but some sort of return still seems like the most reasonable route for each party. If Mayfield does re-up, Tampa Bay could equip him with one of college football’s most difficult matchups in the 6-7, 242-pound Green. He likely would require some creative usage as a detached option, but his knack for hauling in heaves would no doubt come in handy for a receiving corps charting a new course without former franchise mainstay Mike Evans.
19. San Francisco 49ers – Brauntae Johnson, S, Notre Dame
As head coach of the Falcons, new 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris got plenty of mileage out of letting Jessie Bates III be a roving playmaker in coverage. In San Francisco, he doesn’t have anyone who truly looks up to the task, with the team’s safeties combining for just three interceptions and 11 passes defensed last season. Johnson’s risk-taking tendencies in coverage might be more palatable for a 49ers secondary that hasn’t enjoyed the ball production he can muster.
20. Chicago Bears – Will Echoles, DT, Mississippi
With Gervon Dexter Sr. having been traded and Grady Jarrett carrying a $17.5 million cap hit into his age-34 season next year, the Bears might soon be staring at a nearly blank slate at defensive tackle. That might not be such a worrisome thought, however, if someone like Echoles is waiting on the other end for Chicago. Not only does he hold up at the point of attack against the run, but Echoles also offers the playmaking ability in the backfield required to power a Dennis Allen front.
21. Los Angeles Chargers – A’Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
As many teams continue to tilt toward higher run rates, it never hurts to have a nose tackle who can blow blockers back as soon as the ball is snapped. Washington might never post prolific sack numbers, but his sheer disruptiveness is hard to overlook. Jim Harbaugh would likely covet his tone-setting ways and everything he can offer as a force multiplier for a defense.
22. Kansas City Chiefs – Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana
Shelling out a lucrative second contract to Rashee Rice seems like a dicey proposition given the receiver’s repeated missteps. But with Travis Kelce in the twilight of his career and Xavier Worthy yet to muster any consistency, the Chiefs will need to find someone to step up for Patrick Mahomes. Unafraid to mix barrel into defenders on blocks or after the catch, Marsh can take over as a target who does plenty of unglamorous yet essential work as a high-volume asset in the short-to-intermediate game.
23. Cincinnati Bengals – Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
The price tag for top corners is still surging as DJ Turner II and Dax Hill enter the final year of their respective contracts. With so many costly commitments elsewhere, Cincinnati might feel compelled to let at least one walk. Jones, who allowed just seven receptions last season despite facing top competition, could provide a quick fix as he erases receivers with his imposing length and deep speed.
24. Philadelphia Eagles – Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa
Howie Roseman never needs a reason to invest in his offensive line, but Lane Johnson’s expected retirement after this season ups the urgency for Philadelphia to fortify its front. Lauck is the kind of composed blocker that Johnson would no doubt appreciate taking the mantle at right tackle – assuming he can handle the transition from the left side without too many hiccups.
25. Denver Broncos – Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
With the acquisition of Jaylen Waddle, Sean Payton and George Paton demonstrated their interest in leveling up Bo Nix’s arsenal and the potency of the passing attack. The next step should be to provide a legitimate threat at tight end, perhaps the only position where the roster is lacking. Johnson is more of an in-line option than Payton’s long-sought joker, but he can still make life a good deal easier for Nix with his easy separation skills and comfort piling up yards after the catch.
26. Detroit Lions – Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
With Terrion Arnold released after the filing of eight felony charges and injuries continuing to hamper Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, Detroit’s secondary is in disrepair. Hampton can be a supersized (6-2, 205 pounds) approximation of what the Lions thought they were getting in Arnold: an ultra-physical press corner who can jolt receivers if he learns to properly modulate his aggressiveness.
27. New England Patriots – Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson
Once Christian Gonzalez signs a top-of-market extension, the outlook for the back end of New England’s defense should be sterling. The future for the first two levels of the unit, however, is decidedly less clear. A superlative athlete with extensive range, Brown could juice the playmaking quotient for the Patriots.
28. Buffalo Bills – Greg Johnson, G, Minnesota
From Connor McGovern and Mitch Morse at center to bygone starter David Edwards and replacement Alec Anderson at left guard, Brandon Beane has a clear track record of gravitating toward mammoth interior linemen. At 6-6 and 325 pounds, Johnson could provide greater long-term clarity as Edwards’ successor at left guard by safeguarding Josh Allen and paving holes for the league’s most prolific rushing attack.
29. Seattle Seahawks – Yhonzae Pierre, OLB, Alabama
With DeMarcus Lawrence set to retire after this season and Uchenna Nwosu entering the final year of his contract, the defending champions might soon be due for a reloading of their edge rush. Pierre came on strong down starting around midseason for the Crimson Tide, recording seven of his eight sacks in his final eight games. The 6-3, 251-pounder isn’t particularly polished as a pass rusher at this point, but honing his craft under Mike Macdonald could bring out the best of him.
30. Houston Texans – Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
The receiving corps looks shaky after Jayden Higgins’ torn anterior cruciate ligament, and the work to overhaul the offensive line might not be complete until the front finally demonstrates it can be counted on. Yet with the rest of their roster in fine shape, the Texans might be poised to give a hard look at their running back options early in the draft, particularly if David Montgomery can’t sufficiently elevate a ground game that last year ranked 28th in EPA/rush, according to Next Gen Stats. The 6-1, 225-pound Baugh can be the battering ram that team leadership seems to covet while adding new dimensions with his every-down capabilities.
31. Baltimore Ravens – Kade Pieper, C, Iowa
Out with one smooth-moving former Hawkeye at center, in with another? Pieper is moving from right guard to the pivot this season, and he already looks in line to continue the program’s proud tradition at the position. His impressive movement skills will only further stoke comparisons to Tyler Linderbaum, especially if he lands with a franchise that is sure to miss the three-time Pro Bowler this season following his free-agency departure.
32. Browns (from Los Angeles Rams) – Justin Scott, DT, Miami (Fla.)
Even with Jared Verse leading the way, it’ll have to be a group effort for the Browns to reclaim their status as a feared defensive front in the post-Myles Garrett years. Already disruptive against the run, Scott would pair nicely with 2025 first-rounder Mason Graham to give Cleveland a pair of defensive tackles who can shoot into the backfield in a hurry. If the former five-star recruit can learn to harness his considerable athleticism and become a more proficient pass rusher, he could shoot into the top half of the first round.
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