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2027 NFL Mock Draft Way-Too-Early Predictions
It's time for the NFL draft to take over the nation's capital. Pittsburgh proved to be a wonderful venue for the 2026 event, but that setup is nothing but a leftover Primanti's sandwich at this point. Now it's onto Washington D.C. and the 2027 class.
Brent Sobleski, Dame Parson and Matt Holder from the Bleacher Report Scouting Department are already looking ahead to one of the strongest classes in recent years. Next year's crop appears loaded with top quarterbacks and premium talent.
This way-too-early prediction sets the scene for what NFL and draft fans can expect come next April.
Editor's note: The draft order was determined by reverse Super Bowl odds courtesy of FanDuel, with adjustments made to fit proper formatting.
1. Miami Dolphins: QB Darian Mensah, Miami
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Texas's Arch Manning will be the highest-profile and most-anticipated QB1 prospect ahead of the 2026 college football season. However, Miami's Darian Mensah is leading the way as B/R's favorite "must-have" quarterback for next year's draft class.
No quarterback in college football did more with less than Mensah. He was the engine that drove the Duke Blue Devils to becoming ACC champions last season.
The 21-year-old signal caller blends an enticing skill set that translates well to the NFL. Mensah plays from the pocket with poise under pressure, accuracy and good ball placement at all three levels. He is a mobile quarterback but prefers to sit in the pocket and dissect defenses. Duke was one of the least talented teams among Power 4 programs, yet Mensah elevated the program with his play.
The Hurricanes' roster is loaded with talent to shine a brighter spotlight on Mensah's game. Expect him to be in more high-leverage moments, where he can display face-of-the-franchise potential ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.
As for the Miami Dolphins, they signed Malik Willis this offseason to be their sacrificial lamb at quarterback. Willis isn't set up to succeed and the Dolphins selecting No. 1 overall is an indication he won't.
2. Arizona Cardinals: QB Arch Manning, Texas
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Arch Manning's expectations in 2026 are through the roof. He is healthier with a talented supporting cast to help him perform better during his second season as the Longhorns' full-time starter. Manning checks many of the physical boxes the NFL wants in a long-term starting quarterback.
He is a 6'4", 219-pound quarterback with plus-level athleticism. Obviously, Manning has elite NFL bloodlines. No quarterback prospect has the network and supporting cast off the field to help accelerate their development quite like the latest Manning.
He did struggle during the first half of the 2025 campaign but found his footing and rhythm down the stretch. If he can build on a strong finish and become a consistent throwing with proper mechanics from inside the pocket, Manning's on-field performance will finally match the hype.
The Arizona Cardinals do not have a franchise quarterback on the roster. Despite drafting Carson Beck with the first pick in the third round, that selection doesn't warrant passing on a higher-upside, athletically gifted prospect. Manning would enter a situation with plenty of weapons at his disposal with Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr, Michael Wilson and Jeremiyah Love.
If the Cardinals secure a top-two draft slot, expect them to spend it on a highly-touted quarterback.
3. New York Jets: QB Dante Moore, Oregon
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Dante Moore was the projected second overall pick for the 2025 draft class, but he decided to take a swing at furthering his development with one more season at Oregon.
However, he did not avoid being drafted by the New York Jets. In this instance, the timing would be much better. The Jets pieced together a strong draft class this past weekend, addressing multiple needs and improving their overall talent pool. This iteration of the team is more equipped to draft a quarterback and expect them to perform well.
Moore is an accurate passer with above-average mobility, extending plays and picking up first downs. His Achilles Heel is handling pressure. Hopefully, he takes the necessary steps to achieve better results during the upcoming campaign. The Jets' offensive line would help keep him clean in the pocket.
Moore would also have former teammate Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper Jr. and Garrett Wilson as a terrific trio of pass-catcher. Unless rookie Cade Klubnik starts and exceeds all expectations, the Jets will select a quarterback to complete their rebuild.
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4. Cleveland Browns: QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
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LaNorris Sellers was a 2025 NFL draft hopeful, similar to Dante Moore, who stayed in college for another year of development. The best physical tools in the class belong to Sellers.
The 20-year-old dual-threat prospect has a modern quarterback frame and build, listed as 6'3" and 240 pounds. He is a dynamic, powerful runner in the open field. He will strike fear into any defensive coordinator trying to devise a plan to keep him contained. His 2025 season epitomized inconsistency with flashes behind a below-average offensive line.
The positive flashes captivate and create the question of how well he would play behind an adequate offensive line. Sellers has all of the potential in the world to be a game-changing and franchise-altering quarterback. Everyone needs to see him put it together for a longer stretch in 2026.
The Cleveland Browns will have to consider a quarterback if their season ended with the fourth overall draft pick. Shedeur Sanders and toolsy rookie Taylen Green could cause the front office to kick the can down the road for one more year, but this draft range makes that approach difficult to swallow.
5. Tennessee Titans: OT Trevor Goosby, Texas
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Trevor Goosby is the upcoming class' projected OT1 and rightfully so. The Texas Longhorns' star has the goods to be a franchise left tackle after another year of positive development and strong play.
Goosby is an athletic mover in space, hunting defenders as a lead blocker. He is a dancing bear with light feet to mirror and move with pass-rushers and flashes strength at the point of attack. If he continues to add strength, the 6'7" blocker will unlock his full potential. Considering he'll be protecting Arch Manning's blind side, the spotlight will shine brightly upon the offensive tackle prospect.
The Tennessee Titans drafted Cam Ward and Carnell Tate inside the top four picks during consecutive drafts. The organization can get out of veteran Dan Moore's contract if his play doesn't improve in 2026.
The situation will be difficult for Ward to distribute the football and take the necessary steps in his NFL development if the protection consistently allows pressure, especially from his blind side. The Titans can draft the best tackle in the draft and improve their efficiency for years to come.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
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Jeremiah Smith is an elite wide receiver prospect who is in a tier of his own entering next season. He has been the best receiver in college football since his freshman season with Ohio State, which almost certainly isn't going to change.
Smith is everything the NFL wants in a truly special pass-catcher. He has the requisite speed, acceleration, route running/separation, strength, football IQ and ball skills.
The 20-year-old is a franchise-changing talent listed at 6'3" and 223 pounds, with 4.4 speed. He is nightmare fuel for defensive coordinators and anyone tasked with facing him in one-on-one coverage.
The Las Vegas Raiders chose Fernando Mendoza with this year's first overall pick. The plan is to hand him the keys in 2027 if everything with Kirk Cousins goes to plan. Smith's addition alongside Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers, and Mendoza instantly makes the Raiders' offense an explosive unit to reckon with. It's the best-case scenario to maximize Mendoza's development.
7. New Orleans Saints: Edge Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
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Dylan Stewart is a superb athlete with elite first-step quickness, bend and pass-rush ability. He is a terror off the edge for poor tackles left alone on an island to fend for themselves.
Stewart defends the run well and plays with a high motor. He is a game-changing edge prospect who will likely grade among the best pass rushers over the last decade. Opposing offenses enter their matchup with the mindset to find No. 6 on every snap.
The New Orleans Saints drafted multiple weapons to fill out the Tyler Shough's supporting cast. Meanwhile, Cameron Jordan has been the face of the team's defense for a decade-plus, yet the organization still hasn't found his long-term replacement. Stewart is the answer. He will immediately pair with Chase Young and create a dynamic, explosive edge-rush combo to terrorize opposing offensive lines.
This selection pushes New Orleans closer to its ceiling in the NFL's weakest division.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers: Edge Colin Simmons, Texas
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Colin Simmons is among the best players in college football and projects to be a top-10 pick because the Texas junior is dynamic and charged up off the edge.
Simmons possesses an elite first-step that will threaten the majority of offensive tackles around the arc. He pairs his top-end athleticism with good hand usage, strong vision to find the football through congestion and attacks the mesh point. He is a game-wrecking talent.
Simmons is a 20-year-old prospect who continues to show improvement.
The Steelers could use a quarterback of the future, but one isn't available to project over a talent like Simmons. TJ Watt's closer to the end of his career than in his prime. Contract-wise, the Steelers are locked into Watt until after the 2027 campaign. Alex Highsmith is a different story; the organization can trade or cut him after the 2026 season, with less than $6 million in dead cap.
Simmons is the perfect edge-defender to pass the torch after learning from Watt. The Steelers could find their next starting quarterback after investing in Will Howard and Drew Allar based on another year of development for both.
9. Carolina Panthers: CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
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Notre Dame's Leonard Moore is a special man-to-man cornerback who can erase opposing star receivers from the picture. He has an outstanding feel for when the football is arriving and reading the receiver's eyes to turn and locate the ball, thus creating turnovers.
Moore is an elite coverage defender who will immediately boost an NFL secondary the moment he steps into the facility. His instincts and football IQ are incredibly high. He has the size and frame to be a lockdown corner, listed at 6'2" and 197 pounds. The unanimous All-American presents inside-out versatility as well.
If the Carolina Panthers find themselves among the top-10 picks, the upcoming season proved to be a failure. Some will demand a fresh face at quarterback. The sense from this coaching staff and front office is they believe in Bryce Young and will exhaust patience with him.
On the defensive side of the ball, bookend corner Michael Jackson will be a free agent after this season. Jaycee Horn is Carolina's CB1, but Moore's addition gives the Panthers two shutdown options for years to come.
10. Atlanta Falcons: WR Cam Coleman, Texas
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Cam Coleman is a well-built, athletic wide receiver prospect whose productivity has suffered due to subpar quarterback play at his previous stop. Yet, the Auburn transfer showcased high-end flashes of playmaking ability.
The 20-year-old receiver possesses the body type teams want for a true X-receiver since he's a 6'3", 200-pound target with outstanding ball skills. Coleman tracks the ball with patience and timing. He is a three-level threat with untapped potential to be a star receiver.
The 19-year-old joined Texas this offseason and should leapfrog his way to the top of their wide receiver room as Arch Manning's WR1.
The Atlanta Falcons must figure out who their long-term quarterback is, whether that guy is already on the roster or needs to be acquired. Their offense currently revolves around Bijan Robinson and Drake London. The addition of an explosive receiving threat opposite London will make the quarterback's life easier.
Coleman and London could form a perfect complementary duo. Add in the recently drafted Zachariah Branch as the slot receiver, Atlanta receiver corps will be one of the NFL's most explosive groups.
11. New York Giants: WR Nick Marsh, Indiana
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Nick Marsh fits the mold of a prototypical boundary X-receiver. He has the frame and strength to flourish against physical coverage and short-area quickness to win early at the line of scrimmage.
At a listed 6'3" and 213 pounds, he uses his frame as an advantage. He transferred from Michigan State to join Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers this fall. Expect him to be featured heavily alongside fellow top target Charlie Becker.
Marsh wins at all three levels and puts defensive backs in conflict due to his strength and size at the catch point.
Malik Nabers is coming off an ACL tear and hopes to return to his electric, dominant pre-injury form. The Giants also drafted Notre Dame's Malachi Fields in this year's third round, but the addition of another trusted weapon for Jaxson Dart still makes sense.
Marsh and Fields bring the size to play on the outside in 11 personnel, which will then allow Nabers to attack defenses from the slot.
That setup sounds like bad news for opposing defenses, ensuring head coach John Harbaugh has the right pieces around Dart to accelerate and optimize the quarterback's development.
12. Minnesota Vikings: CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia
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Throughout the lead-up to the 2026 NFL draft, the Minnesota Vikings were expected to draft secondary help. The organization eventually did in the third and fifth rounds. Those selections probably won't be enough.
Safety Jakobe Thomas can enter the starting lineup after being a Day 2 pick, depending on whether Harrison Smith officially retires. Cornerback isn't as settled, even with Charles Demmings' selection on Day 3.
Georgia's Ellis Robinson IV can provide the Vikings with a true outside cover corner, which creates more flexibility for Byron Murphy's usage. Though the Vikings may move on from Murphy altogether since the salary-cap charge on the final year of his contract escalates to $24.4 million. Plus, Isaiah Rodgers isn't signed beyond the upcoming season.
Robinson has a slight frame and needs to show a little more physicality during his third season on campus. At the same time, the second-team All-SEC honoree displays excellent fluidity in his movement, top-tier coverage potential and ball skills, with four interceptions and seven defended passes during the 2025 campaign.
13. Washington Commanders: WR T.J. Moore, Clemson
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Terry McLaurin still needs help at wide receiver for the Washington Commanders. The team has invested in the position yet lack a true second option.
This year, Washington did select Antonio Williams in the third round. Williams has some explosive traits, but the Commanders could use a bigger, more dynamic target to work outside the numbers. The organization returns to Clemson to find that specific skill set.
T.J. Moore, not Williams, led the Tigers last season with 837 receiving yards. The 20-year-old prospect is a 6'3", 205-pound target. The former 5-star recruit became only the fourth Clemson wide receiver after Justyn Ross, Artavis Scott and Sammy Watkins to contribute at least 650 yards in his freshman and sophomore campaigns.
Moore can sink his hips and accelerate quickly despite being a bigger receiver. He has the ability to create after the catch and play through contact as well. The NFL will ask him to run more precise routes after playing in Clemson's heavy RPO scheme.
The Commanders continue to do what's necessary to ensure Jayden Daniels returns to an upward trajectory.
14. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
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The New York Jets have added a significant amount of talent this offseason and looked to have raised the floor regarding their roster. Next year, they have three more first-round picks to continue this process and hopefully get the franchise back on track.
Quarterback remains the lingering question, of course. Though this projection has them taking Oregon's Dante Moore with the third overall pick. From there, the process becomes about adding even more premium talent.
At linebacker, Demario Davis will be another year older. He turns 38 in January. Also, Mykal Walker isn't signed beyond the upcoming season.
Notre Dame's Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is an immediate shot in the arm for the second line of Gang Green's defense. Granted, the 20-year-old linebacker is currently recovering from a torn ACL. He'll need to get back on the field and show no ill effects after playing outstanding football up until that point.
"His 89.2 PFF grade ranked second among Power Four linebackers," Max Chadwick wrote, "while his 94.0 run-defense grade ranked second among all linebackers in the FBS."
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Jordan Seaton, LSU
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are already ahead of schedule after claiming an outright AFC South division title under first-year head coach Liam Coen. The organization added a 10-player draft class to help fortify an already impressive roster.
However, left tackle is an area where the Jags can improve.
After three seasons as a reserve, Cole Van Lanen took over for Walker Little to become Jacksonville's starting left tackle. He performed well. This fall, the 28-year-old veteran will have an opportunity to prove it's his job to keep. Until that point is reached, Jacksonville must consider the possibility of upgrading at the premium position.
Jordan Seaton entered the collegiate rankings as a heralded 5-star recruit and the crown jewel of Deion Sanders' 2024 class. In two seasons with the Colorado Buffaloes, Seaton started 22 games. His skill set is obvious, but he didn't find much consistency as part of the poorly run program.
Seaton transferred to LSU this year, where he'll have an opportunity to test himself against SEC competition and serve as the anchor of Lane Kiffin's explosive offense. His natural talent coupled with an improved situation/coaching should place Seaton among the 2027 class' top offensive line prospects.
16. Cincinnati Bengals: S KJ Bolden, Georgia
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The Cincinnati Bengals must not have gotten the memo that their defense is atrocious and should have used the majority of this year's draft class to address that side of the ball. Let's rectify that mistake.
In fact, only three of the team's seven draft picks were defenders. To be fair, the organization's first two selections, Cashius Howell and Tacario Davis, should help the situation.
Ironically, the Bengals likely missed a massive opportunity to select the 2026 class' best overall player, Caleb Downs, after trading for nose tackle Dexter Lawrence to man the middle of their defense. Safety is back on the table.
Georgia's KJ Bolden was a Freshman All-American in 2024. His level of performance only increased as a sophomore. The second-team All-SEC honoree ranked second on the Bulldogs with 76 total tackles. The safety also contributed five defensive passes and a pair of interceptions. Bolden is particularly good playing downhill and filling against the run.
With Jordan Battle set to enter free agency in 2027, Bolden can step right in alongside Bryan Cook.
17. Chicago Bears: RB Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
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When Ben Johnson served as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, the organization chose to select Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round even though D'Andre Swift was already on the roster.
The Lions traded Swift a day later to make room for the dynamic Gibbs. Swift is now the Chicago Bears' RB1, though Johnson and the team's front office may not be in a rush to re-sign their lead back when the organization may have the opportunity to upgrade.
Ole Miss' Kewan Lacy is a very different prospect compared to Gibbs, yet both have the ability to open up an offense.
In Lacy's case, he's an explosive and powerful ball-carrier capable of carving through defenses. The Missouri transfer led the nation with 306 carries, ranked second with 24 rushing touchdowns and finished third overall with 1,567 yards. A staggering 1,010 yards came after contact.
While listed at 205 pounds, Lacy is clearly put together and capable of being a workhorse option. He can be something special in the Bears ascending offense.
18. New York Jets (via Dallas): WR Charlie Becker, Indiana
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The New York Jets use their third and final first-round pick to give the team's new franchise quarterback another weapon to improve his surrounding cast.
Indiana's Charlie Becker was the Hoosiers' best wide receiver starting in early November and became Fernando Mendoza's trusted target when a big play was necessary.
At wide receiver, the Jets already have Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell and the recent first-round selection of Omar Cooper Jr.
A couple things should be considered regarding this setup. First, trade rumors might heat up for Wilson if the Jets again underperform. Also, Mitchell must show more consistency than he has displayed for New York so far to consider him a part of the team's core.
Becker, meanwhile, has an opportunity this season to continue in his development as a big-time downfield target with new quarterback Josh Hoover, while playing opposite Nick Marsh.
The 6'4" junior is extremely difficult for defensive backs to handle thanks to elite ball tracking skills and body control.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: TE Jamari Johnson, Oregon
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Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq was a popular projection for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2026 draft cycle. The franchise couldn't pass on a game-wrecker of Rueben Bain Jr.'s caliber when the team was on the clock. However, the logic from those previous projections remains sound. Tampa can turn its attention to a different Oregon tight end.
Much like Sadiq, Jamari Johnson is an ultra-athletic tight end whose full potential may never been realized at the collegiate level. Johnson isn't the rugged blocker that Sadiq was in Oregon's offense. However, the current Duck is a more natural and fluid target in the passing game.
The 6'5", 257-pound junior prospect runs good routes for a tight end, and he's more than capable of extending away from his body and plucking the ball out of the air.
For the Buccaneers, Cade Otton is a rock-solid tight end, hence why he received a three-year contract extension this offseason. Johnson is a more dynamic weapon in the passing game, though. The two can form a complementary duo, while the offense leans heavily on 12 personnel.
20. Houston Texans: DL David Stone, Oklahoma
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The Houston Texans made one of this year's best draft picks when they chose Kayden McDonald in the second round. The rich only got richer. In the Texans' case, their strength only got stronger. The plan is worth revisiting next April.
Oklahoma's David Stone may be another defensive tackle, but he can play next to McDonald as the team's long-term duo along the interior.
The 6'3", 315-pound junior is powerful and fires off the ball. As a result, he excels against the run. At the same time, he's athletic and explosive enough to present upside as an interior pass-rusher. Stone registered only 1.5 sacks last season, which doesn't accurately represent how much pressure he generated as a whole. Stone has the size, length and skill set to be a standout NFL 3-technique.
For the Texans, Tommy Togiai is a free agent after the upcoming season. Also, Sheldon Rankins turns 33 before next year's draft. The veteran may be under contract for 2027, but the Texans could quickly turn the page with McDonald and Stone as their new-look defensive tackle pairing.
21. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): CB Zabien Brown, Alabama
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The Dallas Cowboys addressed their defense this offseason and made significant improvements on that side of the ball, at least on paper.
The veteran additions of Rashan Gary, Dee Winters and Otito Ogbonnia upgraded the team's front seven. The Cowboys killed it in this year's first round by selecting the class' No. 1 overall prospect in Caleb Downs and getting a toolsy pass-rusher in Malachi Lawrence. The unit finished dead-last in pass defense, though.
Downs is a great start, but the Cowboys still have work to do at corner. None of the team's cornerbacks played well last year, and Dallas has yet to make any meaningful additions at the position. DaRon Bland, the squad's CB1, will also enter next offseason with no guaranteed money left on his contract. Change is on the horizon.
Alabama's Zabien Brown is a well-built 195-pound cornerback, who competes hard through the catch-point and plays a physical brand of football when the ball is in front of him. He's also showed a propensity for getting his hands on passes to make plays, with a pair of interceptions and six batted balls last season.
22. Denver Broncos: Edge Quincy Rhodes Jr., Arkansas
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The Denver Broncos already feature one of the NFL's best pass rushes. The duo of Jonathon Cooper and Nik Bonitto working off the edges is the driving force behind the unit's success.
However, Cooper is approaching 30 and is only signed through 2028, per Over The Cap. Plus, if Denver wants to give Bo Nix a contract extension in this quarterback market, it might have to make a hard decision about one of its pass-rushers.
This pick is about maintaining a strength with quality depth, while also looking down the line.
Arkansas' Quincy Rhodes Jr. garnered late first- or early second-round buzz for this year's draft class before returning to Arkansas.
At 6'6", and 277 pounds, the second-team All-SEC performer has excellent size and length, bursting onto the scene last season with eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss.
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Edge Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon
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While the Philadelphia Eagles traded for Jonathan Greenard over the weekend, Nolan Smith is entering a contract year (barring the decision on his fifth-year rookie option) and Jalyx Hunt only has two years left on his deal. Considering Philadelphia is paying Greenard a lot of money, a restocked shelf among edge-rushers is an obvious pathway forward, particularly with how much general manager Howie Roseman prefers a loaded defensive front.
Matayo Uiagalelei could have been a Day 2 pick in this year's draft class before opting to return to Oregon. At 6'5" and 272 pounds, he has good size and moves well despite a larger frame. The 2024 first-team All-Big Ten selection wasn't quite as good last season, but he undoubtedly has the ability to be a defensive standout this fall and re-enter first-round projections.
24. Kansas City Chiefs: Edge Anthony Smith, Minnesota
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Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo loves long base ends, and they don't come much bigger than the 6'6", 285-pound Smith.
The Minnesota product is coming off a great campaign where he led the Big Ten with 12.5 sacks and totaled 17.5 tackles for loss. His combination of size and production is certainly going to pique the league's interests heading into next season.
Meanwhile, Kansas City has gotten enough from George Karlaftis so far. Furthermore, Felix Anudike-Uzomah teeters perilously close to bust status. The future of the Chiefs' defensive line should be under serious consideration, particularly since Chris Jones turns 33 before the 2027 campaign.
A trio of Smith with Peter Woods and R Mason Thomas creates a smooth transition into the Chiefs' next pass-rush era.
25. Detroit Lions: DL A'Mauri Washington, Oregon
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While Alim McNeill has been a good player, he's missed 14 games during the last three regular seasons. His contract has an out where the Detroit Lions can save nearly $20 million of cap space with a post-June 1 designation, per Over The Cap.
Further missed time could cause the Lions to go in a different direction.
Also, the early returns on 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams were underwhelming, so the Lions should be in the market for a defensive tackle. Besides, A'Mauri Washington was highly regarded by B/R's Scouting Department before returning to Oregon and presents a different skill set as a highly athletic yet powerful interior defender.
"Washington has been one of the biggest risers in the 2026 NFL draft class this fall as he's lived in opponents' backfields this season," front seven scout Matt Holder wrote. "Listed at 6'3", 330 pounds, he has plenty of strength and power to be a good run defender, but what separates Washington is the impressive quickness and athleticism he's shown for his size."
26. New England Patriots: TE Trey'Dez Green, LSU
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Hunter Henry will turn 32 years old later this year while also entering a contract year, signaling his time in New England could be coming to an end.
The Patriots did spend a third-round pick on Eli Raridon this past weekend, but offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels likes to utilize 12 personnel. The team could get a more athletic and dynamic option by moving beyond Henry.
Trey'Dez Green projects as an elite pass-catcher at the position. The 6'7", 237-pounder also played on LSU's basketball team and could be a great red-zone target with his combination of size and contested-catch ability.
Green should be a focal point in Lane Kiffin's offense this fall, putting him quickly among the names to know in next year's class.
27. San Francisco 49ers: OT Niki Prongos, Stanford
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While trade rumors surfaced during previous negotiations, the San Francisco 49ers managed to work out a contract extension with left tackle Trent Williams.
Still, Williams is only under contract through the 2027 campaign and is about to turn 38. San Francisco needs to be in the market for a future franchise left tackle.
Stanford's Niki Prongos presents intriguing upside.
"Prongos is a twitchy, fluid mover with a quick trigger in pass protection and above-average movement skills that offer upside to develop into a future starter." B/R's offensive line scout Brandon Thorn wrote. "But below-average play strength and a robotic approach in pass protection signal that he needs more refinement before being trusted on a full-time basis."
It's worth noting that Thorn's report was written in relation to Prongos possibly declaring for this year's draft. With another year of development, the left tackle prospect could easily assert himself as a top option among his position group.
28. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
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The Chargers have concentrated on reworking their interior offensive line this offseason by signing Tyler Biadasz in free agency and using a second-round pick on Jake Slaughter. However, the other guard spot is still a question mark, and Slaughter could have been considered a reach even with the 63rd overall pick.
Another interior lineman should remain on the table. Oregon's Iapani Laloulu is coming off a first-team All-American season, while presenting center-guard flexibility.
"Laloulu is a power plant at the fulcrum, whose hyper-dense, well-leveraged 6'2″, 329-pound frame is the source of spectacular hand force, driving power, and power resistance on blocks," Pro Football Network's Ian Cummings wrote.
"Laloulu is incredibly imposing physically, with the violent strike power to shock opponents out of rhythm, and the suffocating core, grip, and anchor strength to limit displacement before it starts."
29. Baltimore Ravens: RB Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
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The Baltimore Ravens should be big players in the running back market next offseason. Derrick Henry is 32 with only two years remaining on his contract and the team didn't draft a ball-carrier until the fifth round this past weekend. That setup should make Hardy's production—3,000 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns over two seasons—impossible to ignore.
"Hardy, who transferred from Louisiana Monroe, was arguably the best FBS back in 2025," ESPN's Matt Miller wrote on Jan. 15. "He was second in the nation with 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging 6.4 yards per carry.
"The 5-foot-10, 206-pound junior has elite contact balance and enough speed in the open field to hit the occasional big run. Hardy is comparable to Ashton Jeanty as a prospect, and with a big follow-up season, he could be a top-15 pick in a loaded draft class."
30. Seattle Seahawks: Edge Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame
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The Seahawks already lost Boye Mafe this offseason. Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall are entering the final years of their current deals. Also, DeMarcus Lawrence is about to turn 34. So, the club will be in the market for an edge-defender next year.
The 6'5", 253-pound Boubacar Traore has the size, length and potential to be a first-round pick.
"The tape tells two different stories with Traore—one of tantalizing athletic traits that flash first-round potential, and another of a raw prospect who needs seasoning before contributing at the next level," NFL Draft Buzz said of the Golden Domer.
"His combination of length, burst, and bend creates a foundation that defensive coordinators dream about molding into a double-digit sack threat. When he strings moves together and keeps his pad level low, you see shades of the better speed rushers currently terrorizing NFL quarterbacks."
31. Buffalo Bills: IOL Cayden Green, Missouri
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O'Cyrus Torrence is about to enter a contract year, and the Buffalo Bills have question marks about who is their other starting guard heading into this season. While Lloyd Cushenberry III and Austin Corbett were signed in free agency, both inked one-year deals. Also, fourth-round pick Jude Bowry will have to switch positions if he's going to take over at left guard.
The 6'5", 324-pound Green needs to be on Buffalo's radar, as he projects to be one of the top guards in next year's draft class despite converting to left tackle last season.
"A thickly-built, naturally strong offensive lineman who has experience at both guard and tackle, showing impressive functional strength, solid form in his pass sets and an easy anchor against power." Fantasy Pros' Matthew Jones wrote. "Green put together a surprisingly effective season on the blindside this season despite his lack of ideal lateral quickness/mobility."
32. Los Angeles Rams: WR Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama
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The Los Angeles Rams pulled off one of the major surprises from this past weekend by taking Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick to be Matthew Stafford's heir apparent.
Part of the reason why the selection was so shocking involved projections where many believed Los Angeles would target a receiver in the first round.
Both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are scheduled to hit free agency next offseason. Nacua has dealt with off-field issues, while Adams is 33 after battling injuries over the last few seasons. This pairing is about ensuring Simpson has quality targets around him. It helps that the Alabama products are already familiar with one another.
Coleman-Williams had a fantastic freshman season in 2024, recording 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. However, the former 5-star recruit lost some steam last season, struggling with drops and notching just 49 grabs, 689 yards and four scores. The Rams absolutely should take a chance on his talent, especially if the team does win the Super Bowl and undergoes a significant transition next offseason.
.jpg?w=480 "NFL Draft Football")
.JPEG?w=480 "Super Bowl Football")
.jpg?w=480 "NFL Draft Football")
.jpg?w=480 "NFL Combine Football")
.jpg?w=600 "Report: Pavia Accepts Ravens Invite")
.jpg?w=600 "Undrafted Free Agent Tracker ✍️")
.jpg?w=600 "Todd McShay Praises Raiders, Jets, Browns")
.jpg?w=600 "Mel Kiper's Lowest Draft Grades ❌")