B/R NFL Scouting Dept's Initial 2027 NFL Mock Draft
The starting point isn't the same for every NFL draft class. The timetable remains the same, though the makeup of each group varies. For the 2027 crop, it's viewed as further ahead and more abundant than recent classes.
Decision-makers at the NFL have already had one eye toward next April, with teams proactively trading for picks in 2027 due to the assumption the class will be loaded with talent.
The excitement is primarily built around a quarterback class that could eventually need more than one hand to count the first-round options. In the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's initial projection, four signal-callers are on the list.
Furthermore, an actual "generational" talent may be counted among this class, as a wide receiver prospect starts the cycle with the highest grade B/R's scouts have handed out to date.
Big names and big talent at premium positions, along with what appears to be impressive depth across the board, have NFL scouts salivating at the potential found among the 2027 draft class.
Editor's Note: Draft order determined by FanDuel's reverse Super Bowl odds, as of Aug. 13 while tweaked to reflect the NFL's playoff formatting.
1. Arizona Cardinals: QB Darian Mensah, Miami
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Texas' Arch Manning may be the early obsession throughout NFL draft circles due to name recognition and growth potential, but Miami's Darian Mensah is QB1 entering the 2027 campaign.
"Mensah is a poised, accurate, and mentally tough passer, who has elevated his game in each of his last two programs," B/R scout Dame Parson said. "Mensah isn't afraid of big moments and is a proven winner with lesser talent around him.
"At Miami, the 21-year-old will have a supporting cast allowing his game to flourish and potentially perform on college football's biggest stages. He's a precision passer, completing nearly 68 percent of his attempts, while having plus-level mobility to break a defense's back on key downs as a scrambler."
Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals sit at a crossroads, with two veteran quarterbacks who are better off serving as backup options and a recent third-round draft pick in Carson Beck, who should start as a rookie but isn't guaranteed anything.
2. Miami Dolphins: WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
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The Miami Dolphins will have a choice to make if they're sitting in this particular spot: Does the organization push Malik Willis aside for a top-shelf quarterback prospect, or does it select the highest-graded prospect in the B/R Scouting Department era?
"Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is arguably the best draft prospect in over a decade," Parson said. "Smith has the size (6'4", 222 lbs), strength, route-running and athleticism to dominate one-on-one matchups. He's the caliber of talent that requires an entire game plan to be built to keep him from breaking the game wide open.
"Miami could have gone with a quarterback here, but with a relatively bare supporting cast, the franchise drafts the class' best player, while giving Willis another year to prove himself."
To Parson's initial point, Smith should be considered on par with Myles Garrett and possibly Quenton Nelson as the best prospects regardless of position over the last 10 years.
3. New York Jets: QB Arch Manning, Texas
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Another Manning lands in New York City (technically New Jersey, but that's neither here nor there). The hype around Arch Manning this fall will be staggering.
A combination of being a member of football's royal family and legitimate upside as a franchise quarterback, while playing for a true college football blueblood with legitimate national title aspirations, will place the latest Manning under a microscope unlike anything a prospect has quite experienced.
All the Texas quarterback has to do is ride the wave, handle the scrutiny with some grace and continue to show improvement. If he does those things, he's a virtual lock to be a top-three pick in April.
"Manning found his footing from the middle part of the 2025 season and finished strong," Parson said. "He does need to start faster during the upcoming season, stay healthy and be consistent as a pocket passer. He has the requisite size (6'4", 222 lbs), athleticism and flashes of mental processing to become a franchise quarterback. The Jets have promising young offensive talent but lack a future face of the franchise, which Manning can fill."
Gang Green's decades-long search for a franchise quarterback ends. Manning could have well been worth the wait.
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4. Cleveland Browns: QB Dante Moore, Oregon
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Another draft class arrives but the story remains the same in Cleveland: The Browns continue their seemingly unending search for a franchise quarterback.
This time, the organization turns to East Cleveland native Dante Moore.
"Moore is a pure pocket passer with natural mechanics," Parson said. "His game is predicated on accuracy, ball placement and poise, bringing a calm demeanor in big moments and, hopefully, to the Browns offense.
"The 21-year-old's strengths should mesh well with the newly drafted receiving talent the Browns added over the last two draft classes in KC Concepcion, Denzel Boston, Isaiah Bond and tight end Harold Fannin Jr."
The Browns traded Myles Garrett because the front office understood the team's current timeline didn't correlate with the 30-year-old's career arc. With a quarterback now in place and extra draft ammunition, the Browns may finally find themselves on track after decades of futility.
5. Tennessee Titans: CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
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Over the last two drafts, the Tennessee Titans added their presumed franchise quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 class, then gave Cam Ward a top weapon in wide receiver Carnell Tate with this year's fourth selection.
Now, the front office turns to the defensive side of the ball for head coach Robert Saleh.
Unlike Ward and Tate, who were considered lesser top prospects at their respective positions, Notre Dame's Leonard Moore is arguably the best cornerback prospect over the decade.
"The Titans addressed the corner position this offseason," B/R scout Dan Harms said, "but passing on an elite corner prospect would be a mistake.
"Cor'Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor are good players. However, Moore is already a better technician than both. He's been called for only five penalties across 1,368 collegiate snaps, brings both man and zone prowess and is a smart run defender. Moore can follow an opponent's No. 1 receiver anywhere, and his boundary presence allows Taylor to play nickel where the Titans need him most."
6. Las Vegas Raiders: WR Cam Coleman, Texas
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The quarterback is finally in place for the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, it's time to make life easier on this year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, by giving him a true WR1.
"Cam Coleman is a physically gifted pass-catcher with dominant traits and abilities. The 6'3", 203-pound junior prospect is an explosive leaper with the catch-radius to win on 50/50 balls and back-shoulder fades. He can create a dynamic duo with star tight end Brock Bowers, allowing Mendoza to develop into the highly precise passer the Raiders need."
Currently, the Raiders hope the combination of Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. are enough on the outside to keep defenses honest. Bowers is clearly the team's No. 1 target. But Las Vegas needs someone who can create chunk plays in the passing game and help dictate coverages. Coleman eventually can.
7. Carolina Panthers: Edge Colin Simmons, Texas
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The Carolina Panthers would be severely disappointed if they find themselves drafting in the Top 10 again. However, the oddsmakers have little confidence in a team that backed its way into the postseason with an 8-9 record after losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18.
At this juncture, a new quarterback should be in the conversation. Instead, the Panthers invest in a different premium position thanks to Colin Simmons' availability.
"After signing Jaelan Phillips in free agency this past offseason, this pick definitely leans toward the 'best player available' strategy," B/R scout Matt Holder said. "Simmons currently ranks as the third overall prospect and best pass-rusher on Bleacher Report's initial big board. However, Nic Scourton is going to miss all of this season after tearing an ACL in training camp, meaning his second year in the NFL will be focused on rehabilitation instead of building off a solid rookie campaign. An argument could be made to invest in another edge-rusher opposite Phillips, especially given the Texas product's potential."
8. Atlanta Falcons: OT Trevor Goosby, Texas
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The Atlanta Falcons may be forced to take a quarterback at this spot. The Tua Tagovailoa/Michael Penix Jr. competition needs to play out before that decision is made, though.
Instead, the organization decides to protect whomever is starting behind center by selecting the class' top offensive tackle prospect, Texas' Trevor Goosby.
"Goosby returned to school after a promising first year as the Longhorns' starting left tackle," B/R scout Brandon Thorn said. "As a 20-year-old redshirt freshman in 2025, he now holds the inside track to be the top blocker off the board. At 6'7" and 325 pounds, Goosby displays rare play-strength with elite length that combine to make him one of the country's most physically imposing linemen.
"With Atlanta left tackle Jake Matthews set to turn 35 next year and stopgap right tackle Jawaan Taylor on the opposite side, Goosby offers significant value as a top-10 selection."
9. New Orleans Saints: Edge Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
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As long as Tyler Shough builds upon an impressive rookie campaign, the New Orleans Saints will find themselves in an outstanding position to build the rest of their roster.
Case in point, the addition of South Carolina's Dylan Stewart adds a high-level talent at a premium position. Frankly, Stewart could easily be in the conversation for the No. 1 overall talent by the time the 2027 cycle ends.
"Cam Jordan expects to play 'one final season,'" Holder said. "Meanwhile, both Chase Young and Carl Granderson are only signed through the 2027 campaign. So, the Saints should invest in another high-level pass-rusher, and Stewart brings rare athleticism to the position.
"The South Carolina product regressed somewhat last season, but 11 sacks during his first two seasons against SEC competition is nothing to scoff at. Coming in as the B/R's fifth-best prospect, he'd be a steal with the ninth overall pick."
10. Washington Commanders: WR Nick Marsh, Indiana
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Jayden Daniels may be coming off a down year due to injuries, but he's clearly the future of the Washington Commanders. Eventually, the talented young quarterback will need better weaponry around him.
This season, Terry McLaurin (31) and Stefon Diggs (32) will be the Commanders' top two targets. An infusion of youth and size is definitely needed. Nick Marsh provides the most physical style of play among next year's wide receivers.
"Marsh is a big (6'3", 213 lbs), smooth and physical wide receiver, who can occupy the X-receiver role," Parson said. "The 19-year-old target has the ability and potential to develop into a long-term WR1 for the Commanders."
The junior prospect, who won't turn 21 until October of his rookie year, should benefit greatly from his transfer from Michigan State to Indiana, where his skill set should be on full display in the Hoosiers' well-oiled offense.
11. New York Giants: DL Will Echoles, Ole Miss
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The New York Giants continue to be reshaped in the image of their head coach John Harbaugh.
The Harbaugh family of coaches built its reputation by fielding tough and physical football teams. Unsurprisingly, the Giants used this year's two first-round draft picks on a hybrid front seven defender and the class' most physical blocker. Now, New York adds the 2027 crop's top-rated interior defender, Ole Miss' Will Echoles.
"After trading away Dexter Lawrence this past offseason, the Giants are expected to start DJ Reader, Shelby Harris and Darius Alexander on the interior defensive line," Holder said. "Both Reader and Harris are well into their 30s, and Alexander produced an underwhelming rookie season last fall.
"In other words, a need exists at defensive tackle. Echoles tops the list. The 6'3", 315-pound defender does have room for growth as a pass-rusher, but the Ole Miss product is the class' best run-defender in the trenches."
12. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): CB Ashton Hampton, Clemson
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Three first-round draft picks after making three first-round selections a year earlier creates significant flexibility for the New York Jets' draft plan.
The organization already achieved its primary goal with the selection of Arch Manning earlier in this projection. Now, the team turns to the other side of the ball in an attempt to secure the defensive back end.
Clemson's Ashton Hampton gives the Jets a true No. 1 corner, which they currently lack.
"Hampton has the makings of a physical, top-flight corner, who brings it in man coverage and adds a willingness against the run with excellent tackling ability," Harms said. "The 6'2", 205-pound defensive back locates the football down the field and uses his superior length to impact the catch-point. He'd either give Aaron Glenn the type of defensive back the former NFL DB likely craves or brings New York's next coaching staff the kind of mentality it'll want in the secondary."
13. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
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The idea the Pittsburgh Steelers are set at quarterback after Aaron Rodgers retires is folly.
Drew Allar and/or Will Howard can look good in preseason, but it shouldn't matter. They're developmental options. Eventually, the Steelers organization must address the game's most important position with a more permanent solution, especially if it finds itself in this scenario with a top-15 draft pick after yet another mediocre campaign.
Drew Mestemaker has an opportunity to skyrocket up boards this year after last season's top passer nationally transferred from North Texas to Oklahoma State.
"Mestemaker is a fun, toolsy quarterback with electric throws inside and outside of the pocket," Parson said. "His leap to a Power Four conference against a higher level of competition will help elevate his status as a potential first-round pick if he continues his level of play/production."
The former walk-on led the nation with 4,379 passing yards during the 2025 campaign.
14. Minnesota Vikings: TE Jamari Johnson, Oregon
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The Minnesota Vikings are now fully committed to Kyler Murray.
The 29-year-old will have every opportunity to secure the job and eventually be Minnesota's long-term answer at quarterback, though he'd need to sign a contract extension after this season. Working under the assumption that Murray does impress and maximizes the ability that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft, the Vikings can build around their new quarterback.
They do so by getting him a weapon at tight end.
"Jamari Johnson is a better prospect than his former Oregon teammate Kenyon Sadiq, who was the No. 1 TE in this year's class," Harms said. "The current Duck has the body-type to be a multi-tool impact player. Johnson is an excellent mover, space locator and route-runner. The Louisville transfer is poised for a breakout season this fall.
"Furthermore, the Vikings' veteran tight end, TJ Hockenson, is getting older and he's on the last year of his current deal. Another weapon can certainly help Murray flourish."
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: DL David Stone, Oklahoma
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The Jacksonville Jaguars came on strong over the second half of the 2025 campaign. However, their standing here suggests some regression.
The team's roster doesn't feature any significant holes, though the defensive interior could use a boost after this season. Oklahoma's David Stone provides an explosive defender for Jacksonville's front seven.
"Stone is still raw, with only one season of significant playing time, and his pass-rush technique could use some fine-tuning," Holder said, "The Sooner is already a stout run defender and has plenty of traits that are worth betting on, showing high-level athleticism and owning nearly 35-inch arms, according to On3/Rival's Cody Bellaire.
"Meanwhile, the Jaguars defensive tackle room could use a facelift with well-tenured veterans Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton leading the position. Those two are in their last year of their current deals, though."
16. Chicago Bears: OT Jordan Seaton, LSU
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The Chicago Bears offense took a significant step forward thanks to head coach/offensive play-caller Ben Johnson. The front office helped matters by rebuilding the squad's offensive interior. Right tackle is set with Darnell Wright, who recently signed a four-year, $116 million contract extension. Whereas, the Bears' left tackle spot isn't settled.
Jordan Seaton entered the collegiate ranks as a heralded 5-star recruit. His ability has been obvious from Day 1, though he should benefit greatly after transferring from the Colorado Buffaloes to the LSU Tigers.
"Seaton is the country's most twitched up, explosive mover at offensive tackle," Thorn said. "He possesses a rocked-up build and the foundational traits of a high-end pass-protecting left tackle. His pedigree, traits and flashes are enough to warrant first-round consideration.
"However, he will need to show improvement with blocking nuances such as positional leverage, hand-usage and footwork to better sustain blocks and unleash his natural power, especially in the run game.
"Chicago got by with mediocre left tackle play in 2025 and looks to be doing the same this fall. Seaton's selection is a natural fit."
17. New York Jets (via Dallas/Green Bay): S Brauntae Johnson, Notre Dame
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The New York Jets used the third of their three first-round picks to select the class' top safety prospect, Notre Dame's Brauntae Johnson.
A double-dip into the defensive backfield may not be entirely necessary, but these particular selections help the Jets maximize value at all three slots.
Besides, a need at safety will exist next offseason.
"With Andre Cisco and Dane Belton set to hit free agency in 2027, New York will be looking for a running mate to Minkah Fitzpatrick," Harms said. "Malachi Moore has flashed, and VJ Payne is a recent Day 3 draft pick. But Johnson would immediately solidify the Jets' defense.
"At 6'2", 200 pounds, Johnson brings good size, while being an excellent tackler. The underclassman continuously locates the football to make plays. A pairing of the rookie and Fitzpatrick provides a great situation to help Johnson grow into an NFL standout."
18. Cincinnati Bengals: TE Trey'Dez Green, LSU
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Is tight end a priority in the Cincinnati Bengals offense? No. Do the Bengals need another offensive weapon? That's also a no. But who is going to stop this offense when an athletic 6'7" target is added to a mix that already features Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins? No one.
"Cincinnati wants to play backyard football and score a million points a game," Harms said. "Green gives them another instant mismatch player. At a listed 6'7" and 240 pounds, the LSU tight end is an explosive seam target, who can put his foot in the ground and make players miss after the catch. The junior prospect is still growing as a route-runner and technical blocker, but the tools and 'want to' are obvious. Plus, he's already showcasing some manipulation tactics to get open.
"The Bengals get an amped up and younger version of Mike Gesicki on the roster, which should be viewed as a significant upgrade."
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DL A'Mauri Washington, Oregon
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemingly find themselves in a transitory phase with its two best players unhappy with their current situations. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has yet to receive a contract extension, while nose tackle Vita Vea wants out unless his current deal is updated. In this case, it's easier to address the latter than the former.
"Vea asked for a trade due to stalled contract negotiations heading into the final year of his deal," Holder said. "No rookie is going to come in and be a one-for-one replacement. Then again, neither will a free-agent signing.
"Oregon's A'Mauri Washington is cut from a similar cloth to Vea. The 6'3", 330-pound defensive tackle has a rare combination of size and athleticism to be an impact defender from several different alignments. He needs to become a more productive pass-rusher with only 1.5 career sacks heading into this season, but the traits are present for Washington to grow in that area and justify a first-round selection."
20. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): LB Chris Cole, Georgia
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The Dallas Cowboys have done an admirable job this offseason retooling a unit that finished dead last in scoring defense last season. Even so, linebacker remains a significant question mark, mainly due to DeMarvion Overshown's injury history.
Overshown could absolutely bounce back. Plus, Dee Winters, who the team acquired via trade, is only 25. Still, uncertainty lingers, which makes an investment in the class' top linebacker a sound strategy.
"Overshown and Winters are also scheduled to hit free agency next spring," Holder said. "The upcoming linebacker class isn't nearly as strong as last year's, with several prospects at the position stepping into bigger roles this season. Georgia's Chris Cole falls into that category, with only one start during his first two collegiate seasons.
"This may be a projection, but Cole's combination of size (6'3", 235 lbs) and athleticism give the Bulldog the best chance at being a first-round pick among current collegiate linebackers."
21. Denver Broncos: Edge Will Heldt, Clemson
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The Denver Broncos may feature the league's most complete roster, but they should still place a premium on pass-rushing depth after John Franklin-Myers left in free agency and Douglas County, Colorado, police arrested Jonathon Cooper twice in June.
With or without Cooper, the Broncos may have considered the possibility of bringing back Von Miller before his reported move to the Dallas Cowboys. Jonah Elliss originally expected a conversion to off-ball linebacker during training camp, but he needs to stay on the edge for now.
An investment in Clemson's Will Heldt next offseason will help stabilize this position group.
"This projection is about maintaining a strength, seeing as the team's defense led the league in sacks over the last two years," Holder said. "The 6'6", 260-pound Heldt has great size and decent movement skills, along with the ability to push the pocket using a long-arm move and a nasty inside spin move as a counter."
22. Detroit Lions: CB Zabien Brown, Alabama
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Another first-round Alabama cornerback may give Detroit Lions fans pause after Terrion Arnold's release. That outcome should not reflect on Zabien Brown or his skill set as a prospect. Brown has the potential to upgrade Detroit's secondary.
The Lions did finish among the bottom half of the league in pass defense a season ago.
"Rock-Ya Sin is a free agent after the upcoming season and Ennis Rakestraw can't get on the field," Harms said. "The Lions once again find themselves in a position where they need corners.
"Brown is an excellent zone corner thanks to his route-recognition and backpedal technique. The junior prospect also brings the right mentality to wrap up when tackling and play responsibility-sound football. Some room for growth exists when mirroring in man-coverage, but he can still be an instant impact rookie in Detroit."
23. New England Patriots: RB Jadan Baugh, Florida
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The New England Patriots are ahead of schedule after reaching Super Bowl LX. Improvement was predicted under head coach Mike Vrabel and second-year quarterback Drake Maye, but the team exceeded all expectations. Once again, the Patriots operate at a Super Bowl standard.
Last season, the Patriots finished 16th in time of possession. Maye's big arm and quick-strike ability certainly factor into that equation. At the same time, New England can balance out the offense by grinding out victories. As such, the Patriots select the 2027 class' RB1.
"Jadan Baugh will enter the upcoming campaign as B/R's top-ranked running back prospect," Parson said, "because he displays excellent vision, patience and post-snap processing quickness. The 225-pound ball-carrier runs with a powerful downhill style and excellent contact balance to churn out extra yardage.
"If Stevenson's fumbling issues continue, the Patriots should be in the market for a bigger back to pair with TreVeyon Henderson."
24. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama
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Eventually, the Kansas City Chiefs must address wide receiver beyond what's currently on the roster. The squad lacks a reliable option among its current group, which features Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton.
Some irony exists considering the previous statement and the selection of Alabama's Ryan Coleman-Williams. The 19-year-old looked like a future top-five draft pick during a fantastic true freshman campaign. He suffered from concentration drops as a sophomore, though.
"Coleman-Williams is dynamic, with reliable top-end speed to take the top off a defense," Parson said. "He's also a good route-runner, separator and advanced at forcing missed tackles after the catch. His electric playmaking will be welcomed by Patrick Mahomes, as long as he cleans up the lapses in concentration."
A bounce-back performance could realistically push Coleman-Williams out of this range, because he is that talented.
25. San Francisco 49ers: Edge Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame
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Another pass-rusher added to the San Francisco 49ers roster may seem like overkill. If last year was any indication, the Niners can't have too many defenders capable of harassing opposing quarterbacks.
Injuries are the driving force behind any decision the Niners make, of course. At this point, Nick Bosa can't be fully counted upon to be an elite defender. Last year's first-round pick, Mykel Williams, isn't a true edge-rusher. Third-round rookie Romello Height is a designated pass-rusher.
Notre Dame's Boubacar Traore brings a premium skill set and much-needed reinforcement.
"Williams doesn't offer much as a pass-rusher, and he's coming off a torn ACL," Holder said. "Additionally, Bosa is coming off his third torn ACL. Bosa is also about to turn 29 and could face a similar drop-off in production as his older brother, Joey.
"Traore has the size and athleticism to be a productive NFL edge-rusher. The 6'5", 253-pound defender displays great lateral movement skills to set up his moves and win across the offensive tackle's face, as well as showing off a nasty spin move."
26. Philadelphia Eagles: CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia
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Riq Woolen's addition to the Philadelphia Eagles' secondary is both intriguing and perplexing. Woolen was a critical part of the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl-winning secondary, but he only signed a one-year deal.
The 27-year-old will likely be looking for a better deal next offseason—which potentially places the Eagles in the market for another boundary corner opposite Quinyon Mitchell.
Enter Georgia's Ellis Robinson IV, whose growth potential is immense after not opening last season as a starter.
"Philadelphia has three of its primary corners slated to exit in free agency," Harms said. "Robinson is clearly one of the most talented corners in college football. He's an excellent zone corner and sees plays develop in off coverage quickly while bringing real violence to the secondary.
"He's coming off tightrope surgery in April, which could limit his impact early, but the trajectory is pointing up for Robinson. He'd walk into the Eagles secondary and start alongside Quinyon Mitchell next season with the room as it's currently slated to look."
27. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Trevor Lauck, Iowa
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The Los Angeles Chargers selected four offensive linemen in this year's draft class. There's no reason to stop there, particularly when left guard remains suspect.
Iowa's Trevor Lauck will leave the collegiate ranks as a two-year starter at left tackle. He's projected inside to play between Chargers' Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater and veteran center Tyler Biadasz.
"Lauck is a tough, hard-nosed left tackle with good in-line power as a run blocker, fitting the traditional Iowa archetype," Thorn said. "He also appears a bit sawed-off for left tackle consideration at the next level, though he has the movement skills to make it work if needed. Similar to previous Iowa tackles Riley Reiff, Brandon Scherff and Bryan Bulaga, Lauck has the play-strength and competitive toughness to signal a high-floor NFL starter, with the potential to seamlessly slide inside and excel."
28. Houston Texans: RB Ahmad Hardy, Missouri
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The Houston Texans need something to hang their hat on offensively.
After bolstering the offensive line this offseason, the organization hopes quarterback C.J. Stroud returns to the caliber of player seen during his impressive rookie season.
The team also brought in veteran running back David Montgomery to provide a steady presence. However, he turns 30 after this season and the team can save $6 million next offseason if he's designated as a June 1 release.
As such, the idea of bringing in a new lead back to take pressure off of Stroud should be a realistic option, especially with Missouri's Ahmad Hardy available.
"Hardy, whose average of 6.4 yards per carry in 2025 led all backs with at least 210 totes, is an outstanding runner with a low center of gravity and great contact balance," Parson said. "He fits wide-zone offenses well, with the vision and patience to attack the line of scrimmage.
"Granted, his status remains somewhat up in the air after being shot in May. Though he was cleared to return in July. As long as Hardy looks like the same dynamic runner from last season, he'll be in the conversation as the class' top running back."
29. Baltimore Ravens: IOL Kade Pieper, Iowa
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The Baltimore Ravens may go from one Iowa center to another.
Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency and signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Ravens weren't aggressive in replacing the three-time Pro Bowl pivot. Instead, Ethan Pocic is expected to start this fall after signing a one-year deal in late July.
A more permanent solution is eventually needed. The Ravens know exactly where to check.
"Pieper is next in line among Iowa centers, profiling similarly to Linderbaum and Logan Jones," Thorn said. "The guard-turned-center is a fluid, twitched-up mover who excels in the zone-run game.
"The junior prospect weighed 240 pounds when he arrived at Iowa and played around 290 pounds last season, his first as a full-time starter. At 21, Pieper enters this season making a conversion over the ball, showing high-end flashes in 2025 thanks to a springy first step and eye-catching juice when working on the move. Pieper's weight and lean build will be the primary questions with his projection.
"Whether Pieper can reach Linderbaum's level in terms of feel, play-speed and processing skills remains to be seen, but his physical traits give him a shot at earning first-round consideration."
30. Seattle Seahawks: DL Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami
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The reigning Super Bowl champs are clearly built to win through their defense. The Seattle Seahawks' defense confounded opponents and controlled contests thanks to their aggressive defensive play-calling.
In order to maintain that status, the Seahawks must add to the group, particularly along an aging defensive front.
Miami's Ahmad Moten Sr. is the class' most disruptive defensive tackle.
"Leonard Williams is an impending free agent this offseason," Holder said. "Also, Jarran Reed, who turns 34 in December, has just two years left on his current deal. Thus, an infusion of young talent to play alongside Byron Murphy II is necessary.
"Moten was one of several standouts on Miami's defensive line last season. The Hurricane displays a great get-off and impressive quickness for his size (6'3", 300 lbs). Those traits also give him potential to be a productive penetrator against the run and interior pass-rusher at the next level."
31. Buffalo Bills: WR Nyck Harbor, South Carolina
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Nyck Harbor is the most physically gifted athlete in next year's draft class. He's also a huge swing on upside this early in the process.
"The 6'5", 239-pound Harbor runs an unbelievable 10.1-second 100-meter dash," Parson said. "He even competed on the Gamecocks' track team. As such, he's a big-play threat waiting to happen either on the vertical plane or after the catch thanks to his physical strength.
"However, the uber-athlete is unrefined as a route-runner. Despite a lack of development, Harbor's elite combination of size and athletic traits will force teams to bet on his potential. If he takes a significant step forward this season, his name will be heard much earlier than previously anticipated."
For the Buffalo Bills, Harbor is exactly the type of wide receiver the team has wanted for some time. As long as he's developed properly, he can be a weapon that will make Josh Allen and Buffalo's offense a nightmare to defend.
32. Cleveland Browns (via LA Rams): DL Justin Scott, Miami
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After drafting quarterback Dante Moore earlier in this projection, everything else is icing on the cake for the Cleveland Browns.
Quietly, general manager Andrew Berry has added significant talent over the last two draft classes and expects to do so again in 2027.
Quarterback has always been the holdup. Now, the game's most important position is out of the way and Cleveland can address other areas of the roster, starting with the defensive front by using the first draft pick acquired in the Myles Garrett trade to pair with Jared Verse and Mason Graham.
"Maliek Collins is entering a contract year at 31 years old, and the Browns don't have much behind him and Graham," Holder said. "The setup makes Justin Scott a strong option at the end of the first round.
"The Miami product's ability to stop the run should intrigue Cleveland. The 6'4", 303-pound defender has plenty of pop in his hands to generate knock-back power and get off blocks to consistently make tackles for short gains."
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