B/R NFL Scouting Dept's Updated 2027 NFL Draft Big Board

Once college football games are officially underway, something interesting happens. Actual performance, not preconceived notions, dictate how individuals should be viewed as NFL projections.

Case in point, Texas' Arch Manning has been seen as a potential No. 1 overall pick throughout his collegiate career. He entered this cycle as QB1 for many. The Bleacher Report Scouting Department sees things differently.

Manning isn't even a top-15 prospect at this stage of the process. Similarly, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin isn't graded as a top-50 option despite others projecting him as a top-tier QB prospect.

Evaluations evolve every week, and B/R's scouts are here to present where the department currently stands.

Brandon Thorn: Brandon is the author of the Trench Warfare newsletter, which focuses exclusively on offensive and defensive line evaluation. He also contributes as an analyst to Establish the Run, serves as the scouting coordinator for OL Masterminds and is a selection committee member for the Joe Moore Award. 

Dame Parson: Dame is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. Previously, he spent three years as a senior draft analyst for The Draft Network, while evaluating draft prospects as the founder of The Scouting Room.

Matt Holder: Matt played college football, worked in college recruiting and is a Scouting Academy graduate. He has covered the NFL draft since 2019, writes about the Las Vegas Raiders for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride and co-hosts Tape Don't Lie, which provides film breakdowns and draft analysis.

Daniel Harms: Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL draft since 2019, while contributing for RGR Football. He spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network. He's now entering his second season with the B/R Scouting Department.

Brent Sobleski: Brent serves as an NFL analyst for Bleacher Report. He's covered the draft for multiple outlets since the 2004 class, including 13 seasons with B/R.

Grading Scale

10: Unicorn

9.5-9.9: Franchise Cornerstone

9.0-9.4: Rookie of the Year-caliber

8.5-8.9: Impact Starter

8.0-8.4: First-round Talent

7.5-7.9: Starter Traits

7.0-7.4: Developmental Contributor

6.5-6.9: Key Rotational

6.0-6.4: Rotation Potential

5.5-5.9: Optional Depth

5.0-5.4: Roster Fringe

4.0-4.9: Free Agent

3.0-3.9: Camp Evaluation

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Grades for each player were assigned by the following scouts:

Dame Parson: QBs, RBs, and WRs

Brandon Thorn: OTs, OGs and Centers

Matt Holder: DL, Edge and LBs

Daniel Harms: CBs, Safeties and TEs

Top 50

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Miami Hurricanes quarterback Darian Mensah

Ties in grades were broken through roundtable discussions among the four scouts.

1. WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (9.8)
2. CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame (9.5)
3. Edge Colin Simmons, Texas (8.5)
4. QB Darian Mensah, Miami (8.4)
5. Edge Dylan Stewart, South Carolina (8.4)
6. TE Jamari Johnson, Oregon (8.4)
7. WR Cam Coleman, Texas (8.3)
8. DL Will Echoles, Ole Miss (8.3)
9. CB Ashton Hampton, Clemson (8.2)
10. OT Jordan Seaton, LSU (8.1)
11. RB Jadan Baugh, Florida (8.1)
12. DL David Stone, Oklahoma (8.1)
13. QB Dante Moore, Oregon (8.1)
14. QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss (8.0)
15. TE Trey'Dez Green, LSU (8.0)
16. Edge Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama (8.0)
17. QB Arch Manning, Texas (8.0)
18. RB Ahmad Hardy, Missouri (8.0)
19. Edge Will Heldt, Clemson (8.0)
20. WR Deuce Alexander, Ole Miss (7.9)
21. RB Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss (7.9)
22. CB Zabien Brown, Alabama (7.9)
23. IOL Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame (7.9)
24. CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia (7.9)
25. S Brauntae Johnson, Notre Dame (7.9)
26. WR Nick Marsh, Indiana (7.9)
27. OT Trevor Goosby, Texas (7.9)
28. WR Charlie Becker, Indiana (7.9)
29. Edge Kenyatta Jackson, Ohio State (7.9)
30. WR Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama (7.8)
31. OT Trevor Lauck, Iowa (7.8)
32. Edge Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame (7.8)
33. LB Chris Cole, Georgia (7.8)
34. QB CJ Carr, Notre Dame (7.8)
35. CB Jyaire Hill, Michigan (7.7)
36. QB Jayden Maiava, USC (7.7)
37. IOL Kade Pieper, Iowa (7.7)
38. DL A'Mauri Washington, Oregon (7.7)
39. S KJ Bolden, Georgia (7.7)
40. WR Reed Harris, Arizona State (7.7)
41. LB Whit Weeks, LSU (7.7)
42. S Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma (7.7)
43. RB Hollywood Smothers, Texas (7.7)
44. IOL Samson Okunlola, Miami (7.7)
45. Edge Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon (7.6)
46. DL Ahmad Moten Jr., Miami (7.6)
47. QB Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State (7.6)
48. LB Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asu, Notre Dame (7.6)
49. IOL Greg Johnson, Minnesota (7.5)
50. CB Kelley Jones, Mississippi State (7.5)

Quarterbacks

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Ohio State's Julian Sayin

Scouted by Dame Parson

Most Accurate: Darian Mensah
Best Arm Strength: Nico Iamaleava
Best Mobility: Trinidad Chambliss
Most Pro-Ready: Darian Mensah

1. Darian Mensah, Miami (8.4)
2. Dante Moore, Oregon (8.1)
3. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss (8.0)
4. Arch Manning, Texas (8.0)
5. CJ Carr, Notre Dame (7.8)
6. Jayden Maiava, USC (7.7)
7. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State (7.6)

Explain the Grade: Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Sayin's game is predicated on timing and accuracy. He's capable of managing the game by making on-time throws inside the offensive structure. However, Sayin lacks prototypical size and tools to project as a franchise QB, which is why he's yet to make an appearance among B/R's rankings.

Plus in big games, Sayin has played his worst, which raises questions about his ceiling and whether he can lead an NFL organization as a cornerstone piece.

Running Backs

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Florida's Jadan Baugh

Scouted by Dame Parson

Best Speed: Isaac Brown
Best Contact Balance: Jadan Baugh
Best Vision: Jadan Baugh
Best Hands: J'Koby Williams
Best Third-Down Back: J'Koby Williams

1. Jadan Baugh, Florida (8.1)
2. Ahmad Hardy, Missouri (8.0)
3. Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss (7.9)
4. Hollywood Smothers, Texas (7.7)

Explain the Grade: Jadan Baugh, Florida

Baugh is the draft class' most complete running back prospect. He's a patient runner with good vision to find open lanes. Baugh also has the size (6'1", 225 lbs) and strength to handle a high-volume workload, as well as power through attempted tackles. His lateral agility and elusiveness are outstanding for his build, too.

Wide Receivers

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Ole Miss' Deuce Alexander

Scouted by Dame Parson

Best Hands: Jeremiah Smith
Best Route-Runner: Deuce Alexander 
Best Speed: Deuce Alexander
Best Slot Receiver: Mario Craver
Most Pro-Ready: Jeremiah Smith 

1. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (9.8)
2. Cam Coleman, Texas (8.3)
3. Deuce Alexander, Ole Miss (7.9)
4. Nick Marsh, Indiana (7.9)
5. Charlie Becker, Indiana (7.9)
6. Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama (7.8)
7. Reed Harris, Arizona State (7.7)

Explain the Grade: Deuce Alexander, Ole Miss

Alexander is a rising prospect with elite speed to pair with a strong route-running. The 21-year-old prospect separates well even without the Rebels' scheme creating advantageous opportunities. His game is reminiscent of Garrett Wilson's, whom the New York Jets drafted with the 10th overall pick in the 2022 class.

Tight Ends

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LSU's Trey'Dez Green

Scouted by Daniel Harms

Best Receiver: Trey'Dez Green
Most Versatile: Jamari Johnson
Best Blocker: Andrew Rappleyea
Most Pro-Ready: Jamari Johnson

1. Jamari Johnson, Oregon (8.4)
2. Trey'Dez Green, LSU (8.0)

Explain the Grade: Trey'Dez Green, LSU

Green suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter of Saturday's game against the Ole Miss Rebels. While the injury may not be serious now, it could be a long-term issue.

At 6'7", the tight end will get hit regularly around the knees and midsection. His calling card as a prospect centers on being an explosive/physical runner after the catch. His talent and improvement so far this season are apparent, as long as he can take the pounding and keep bouncing back.

Offensive Tackles

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LSU's Jordan Seaton

Scouted by Brandon Thorn

Best Run-Blocker: Trevor Lauck
Best Pass-Blocker: Jordan Seaton
Best Zone-Blocker: Trevor Lauck
Most Pro-Ready: Trevor Goosby
Most Versatile: Trevor Lauck

1. Jordan Seaton, LSU (8.1)
2. Trevor Goosby, Texas (7.9)
3. Trevor Lauck, Iowa (7.8)

Explain the Grade: Jordan Seaton, LSU

Seaton is the 2027 class' most physically talented tackle due to his size (6'5", 311 lbs), length and movement skills in pass protection. He's a rare prospect comfortable working in one-on-one situations. Conversely, Seaton isn't the most polished run blocker in terms of sustaining control throughout reps. Although, his footwork, raw power and flashes of finishing with authority indicate an untapped ceiling. 

Interior Offensive Linemen

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Notre Dame's Anthonie Knapp

Scouted by Brandon Thorn

Best Run-Blocker: Anthonie Knapp
Best Pass-Blocker: Greg Johnson
Best Zone-Blocker: Kade Pieper
Most Pro-Ready: Anthonie Knapp
Most Versatile: Samson Okunlola

1. Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame (7.9)
2. Kade Pieper, Iowa (7.7)
3. Samson Okunlola, Miami (7.7)
4. Greg Johnson, Minnesota (7.5)

Explain the Grade: Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame

Knapp moved from left tackle to left guard this season and immediately made an impact. The opportunity to operate in a more controlled environment flanked by two blockers allows his high-end play-strength to shine. Knapp is stout at the point of attack, with the body control to stay attached and finish reps. When his grip-strength is factored into the equation, the tackle convert has the ability to end reps once clamped. So far this season, the junior prospect has looked like a natural fit working along the interior.

Edge-Rushers

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South Carolina's Dylan Stewart

Scouted by Matt Holder

Best Speed-Rusher: Dylan Stewart
Best Power-Rusher: Yhonzae Pierre
Best Run-Stopper: Kenyatta Jackson
Most Versatile: Matayo Uiagalelei

1. Colin Simmons, Texas (8.5)
2. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina (8.4)
3. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama (8.0)
4. Will Heldt, Clemson (8.0)
5. Kenyatta Jackson, Ohio State (7.9)
6. Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame (7.8)
7. Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon (7.6)

Explain the Grade: Dylan Stewart, South Carolina

Colin Simmons ranked as the class' top edge defender (for now) but not listed among the superlatives may come as a surprise. Of the two, Stewart is the better speed-rusher. However, the gap between the South Carolina defender and his Texas counterpart isn't all that wide. Meanwhile, the latter has a better motor and is more polished to get the nod as the higher-ranked prospect. Also, the South Carolina prospect battled injuries last year and didn't play until Week 3 of this season. Stewart can certainly take over the top edge spot if he hits the ground running from this point forward.

Defensive Linemen

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Oklahoma's David Stone

Scouted by Matt Holder

Best Nose Tackle: A'Mauri Washington
Best Pass-Rusher: Ahmad Moten Sr.
Best Run-Stopper: Will Echoles
Most Versatile: David Stone

1. Will Echoles, Ole Miss (8.3)
2. David Stone, Oklahoma (8.1)
3. A'Mauri Washington, Oregon (7.7)
4. Ahmad Moten Jr., Miami (7.6)

Explain the Grade: David Stone, Oklahoma

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department is still waiting for Stone to really announce himself as a sure-fire first-round pick after relatively slow start in Oklahoma's first two games. However, his traits are tantalizing.

The 6'3", 312-pound defensive tackle has plenty of size and strength to be a disruptive run-defender at the next level. He also moves well, presenting upside as a pass-rusher.

At this point, Stone is a gamble. Though his skill set is worth betting on.

Linebackers

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LSU's Whit Weeks

Scouted by Matt Holder

Best Blitzer: Whit Weeks
Best Run-Stopper: Sammy Brown
Best in Coverage: Chris Cole
Most Versatile: Whit Weeks

1. Chris Cole, Georgia (7.8)
2. Whit Weeks, LSU (7.7)
3. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asu, Notre Dame (7.6)

Explain the Grade: Whit Weeks, LSU

Weeks always jumps off the screen when watching LSU's defense, because he's all over the field. The senior defender displays good instincts against the run, the athleticism to be effective in coverage and added value as a blitzer. He's a flat-out playmaker, which is why the linebacker currently wears the venerated No. 7 for the Tigers.

Weeks was trending toward being a notable prospect in a strong positional class last year until an injury caused a return to school. With less competition among the current cycle's crop of second-level defenders, the 2024 First-Team All-SEC performer could realistically emerge as the class' top 'backer by April. 

Cornerbacks

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Mississippi State's Kelley Jones

Scouted by Daniel Harms

Best in Man Coverage: Leonard Moore
Best in Zone Coverage: Ellis Robinson IV
Best Slot Corner: JeRico Washington
Most Versatile: Leonard Moore

1. Leonard Moore, Notre Dame (9.5)
2. Ashton Hampton, Clemson (8.2)
3. Zabien Brown, Alabama (7.9)
4. Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia (7.9)
5. Jyaire Hill, Michigan (7.7)
6. Kelley Jones, Mississippi State (7.5)

Explain the Grade: Kelley Jones, Mississippi State

At a listed 6'4" and 205 pounds, with long arms and great athletic ability, Jones is one of the draft class's most imposing figures. He's often mentioned as a first-round possibility, but questions remain about his profile.

Bigger corners tend to have transitional concerns when they need to decelerate and change direction. Jones is no different. His man-coverage technique/ability to mirror receivers in space is inconsistent.

However, Jones is an excellent zone defender with great route identification. The junior prospect is also an extremely tough defender when working in the red zone. In the right zone-based system, Jones can thrive. But he should be considered a system fit.

Safeties

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Georgia's KJ Bolden

Scouted by Daniel Harms

Best in Man Coverage: Peyton Bowen
Best in Zone Coverage: KJ Bolden
Best Run-Stopper: Bray Hubbard
Most Versatile:  Brauntae Johnson

1. Brauntae Johnson, Notre Dame (7.9)
2. KJ Bolden, Georgia (7.7)
3. Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma (7.7)

Explain the Grade: KJ Bolden, Georgia

With Brauntae Johnson currently injured, Bolden enters the conversation as college football's best safety. The Bulldog is an explosive defender who punishes ball-carriers. Bolden's athleticism is obvious, but Georgia's early cupcake schedule makes it hard to truly assess his coverage acumen.

Can he play on top of the defense? Will he maintain eye discipline better this season? Have his man-coverage skills improved?

Technical questions always surround Georgia defenders. Until Bolden's play answers them, his grade will stay lower than it could be.