Top Options For No. 1 Overall Pick In 2027 NFL Draft

"Wait until next year" is a common sentiment regarding the NFL draft. Future potential is always more tantalizing than what's currently presented.

It doesn't always work out, though, with the 2026 class being a shining example of what was supposed to be a loaded class but lacked star power in the end.

The 2027 crop looks to be drastically different, with multiple talents capable of making a strong case to be next year's No. 1 pick.

The biggest contrast between what recently occurred and what may come stems from value at premium positions. This year's draft class featured elite talent at non-premium positions such as safety, linebacker and running back.

Next year's group is different, because the quarterback class appears to be loaded, with a handful of individuals vying to hear their name called first. Also, a premium pass-rusher and wide receiver will compete to top the overall rankings.

Five specific prospects will enter the '26 campaign as the headliners. As long as they continue to progress and perform as expected, whichever NFL team leaves next season with the worst record will almost certainly be selecting from this pool of talent.

QB Arch Manning, Texas

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Arch Manning's status is built on more than just his surname. Yes, his last name places him in the spotlight and under a microscope, but his traits make him a legitimate prospect.

Manning started slowly during his first full year as Texas' starting quarterback. That's what happens when you open the season against college football's best defense, as the Longhorns did against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

However, his improvement throughout the season provided glimpses of his immense potential. As Pro Football Focus noted, he posted an 89.5 grade—ranked sixth among all quarterbacks—starting in Week 9 of the 2025 campaign.

The latest Manning is different from his uncles. His game is closer to his grandfather's, where athleticism and mobility are baked into the entire package. The Texas signal-caller found his way onto the field early in his college career because of his mobility. Last season, he ran for 399 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Natural arm talent is easily recognizable, with his whiplike release. However, Manning must refine his mechanics, particularly with his footwork, to become a more consistent and deadly passer. He sprayed far too many passes last season.

His status is built on the promise he'll continue to improve during his second season at the helm of the Longhorns' offense. Texas is loaded with talent among every position group.

Either Manning elevates his game and earns his projected status, or he may need to wait another year before declaring for the NFL draft.

QB Dante Moore, Oregon

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Dante Moore could have easily been the second overall pick in this year's draft had he declared. Instead, he chose a return to Oregon.

"This year, I've had many great throws, many great plays, but at the end of the day I feel I can still learn so much more," Moore told ESPN's Pete Thamel. "As a kid, since I was four years old, I've dreamed about being in the NFL, but this team, we've been through a lot, a lot of people are returning, so we've got some exciting things to come this year. I'm excited to keep pushing my team."

The 20-year-old Moore has a certain level of maturity that shows up on the field.

"Mentally, Moore plays with poise inside the pocket," B/R scout Dame Parson wrote. "He is not easily rattled or thrown off his game. Moore shows the leadership and respect of his teammates on the sidelines that NFL coaches will love."

The third-team All-Big Ten performer presents the mental makeup and athleticism that fits perfectly in the NFL. Moore's arm strength isn't elite, and his mechanics tend to fall apart when pressured. Both can be improved over time with consistent technique, which may come with more reps.

Due to his age, growth potential and already established baseline, Moore would have to fail spectacularly this coming fall to not be considered an elite quarterback prospect next April.

WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

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The term "generational talent" is used far too casually. In Jeremiah Smith's case, it may actually apply.

Calvin Johnson entered the NFL in 2007. He's held the title as the standard-bearer for all wide receiver prospects since that point. Twenty years is long enough. Smith should be primed to take the title. This claim may be lofty, but the Ohio State target has everything a team wants as a legitimate WR1.

First, the 20-year-old target is listed at 6'3" and 223 pounds. He has the frame, body control and explosiveness to dominate ever since the 5-star recruit stepped onto campus (2,558 yards in his first two seasons). The two-time Big Ten Wide Receiver of the Year and first-team all-conference selection generated NFL excitement over a year ago.

"The fact you're that big, move that fluidly, then have the body control to adjust your body to make these ridiculous catches—it's just, check, check, check," an NFC personnel executive told ESPN's Jake Trotter before the 2025 NFL draft.

An AFC scout added, "That's what jumps off the film when you watch him. You place him in this draft and you're like, 'Well, I don't really see anyone on that level.'"

To that point, Smith will almost certainly open the 2027 cycle as the No. 1 prospect regardless of position. Wide receiver may not be viewed as a traditional premium position, but an exploding market changed the math, with nine NFL targets now claiming contracts worth $110 million or more.

Besides, Smith is legitimately worthy of being the first wide receiver selected No. 1 overall since Keyshawn Johnson even in a class featuring significant quarterback talent.

Edge Dylan Stewart, South Carolina

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South Carolina's Dylan Stewart is Jeremiah Smith's primary competition among non-quarterbacks to earn the designation of the No. 1 overall prospect for the 2027 class.

Stewart has the requisite tools to be a premium NFL pass-rusher, which always elicits significant interest.

To be fair, the 6'5", 245-pounder isn't built quite like Myles Garrett. The Texas A&M product was significantly heavier and more powerful entering the professional ranks. However, he has the explosiveness and flexibility that every NFL team covets to label him with top-pick potential.

Like Smith, Stewart has been on the NFL's radar after joining the Gamecocks as a 5-star recruit. Unlike the wide receiver, the edge-defender hasn't been ultra-productive since stepping onto campus.

Granted, Stewart is a highly disruptive performer. His burst and bend allow him to regularly get into opposing backfields. His biggest drawback is being a less-than-stellar finisher.

The underclassman generated 22 tackles for loss, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles in two seasons. Comparatively, Texas' Colin Simmons, who was in the same prep class as a fellow 5-star recruit, already amassed 29.5 tackles for loss, 21 sacks and six forced fumbles.

Why isn't Simmons on this list instead of Stewart? He could be when it's all said and done. At this point, Stewart is a little longer, plays with his hand in the dirt, has a tad more juice and likely presents a higher ceiling.

This year's draft showed that NFL teams will invest more in traditional edge-rushers than in those who don't fit the same mold.

QB Darian Mensah, Miami

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An incorrect narrative emerged during this past April's draft weekend, and it went something like this, "No one expected Fernando Mendoza to be here (as a top pick) when the season began."

It's a nice story, but it's not rooted in reality. In fact, the Bleacher Report Scouting Report had Mendoza, who was transferring from Cal to Indiana, as the 2026 class' QB1 and a top-six overall talent in...*checks notes*...August.

Not every projection works out as expected. But Mendoza serves as an example of being able to identify translatable traits, while understanding a player's situation, to portend a big season.

Less than a year later, Miami's Darian Mensah is the favorite to open as the B/R Scouting Department's QB1 once its initial 2027 draft board is released.

"No quarterback in college football did more with less than Mensah," scout Dame Parson wrote. "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 Four programs, yet Mensah elevated the program with his play."

Despite an inferior surrounding cast while playing against Power Four competition, Mensah finished second in passing yardage (3,973) and touchdown tosses (34) last season.

Now, the 6'3", 205-pound transfer enters a situation where the Hurricanes feature an elite wide receiver in Malachi Toney and a top running back in Mark Fletcher Jr., while also signing Mensah's favorite Duke target, Cooper Barkate, from the transfer portal.

Mensah was already one of the nation's best quarterbacks. He's now capable of surpassing every other signal-caller in regards to the 2027 class.