B/R NFL Scouting Dept's 2027 NFL Updated Mock Draft After 2026 Trade Deadline

The 2027 quarterback prospects are heating up again. Football is often cyclical, but that doesn't usually mean within the same cycle. It does in this instance.

Six different quarterbacks populate the Bleacher Report Scouting Department's post-NFL trade deadline mock draft. The approach is a drastic shift after the previous effort saw multiple high-profile signal-callers slide out of the first round entirely.

The reasoning behind this change in course is rather simple: Some of those same quarterbacks have played better as of late, and too many professional squads are currently struggling at the game's most important position.

The trade deadline wasn't going to drastically change an organization's quarterback fortunes. Thus, multiple franchises choose to address the position in this projection, courtesy of B/R scouts Brandon Thorn, Dame Parson, Dan Harms and Matt Holder.

1. Los Angeles Chargers: WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

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Team Fit: The potential acquisition of next year's No. 1 overall draft pick may serve as the silver lining to a disastrous Los Angeles Chargers season. The Chargers can then add a legitimate generational talent in wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, even though Ohio State's season took a downturn thanks to Julian Sayin's injury. Still, Smith has the makeup to help Justin Herbert's career get back on track.

Scout's Take: Smith is a proven, game-changing wide receiver with a special blend of size, speed and strength. The 6'4", 225-pound target plays through contact, using physical route-running to shed handsy defenders. With excellent acceleration and long speed, Smith glides past corners and threatens the defense vertically. The Ohio State receiver is an NFL WR1 from Day 1 and should be peppered with targets early and often. 

Prospects Considered: CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame; OT Jordan Seaton, LSU

2. Tennessee Titans: CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame

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Team Fit: While working under the assumption the Tennessee Titans plan to move forward with Cam Ward at quarterback, the organization can stand pat and select the best player available. In this case, Notre Dame's Leonard Moore is the obvious choice. The All-American can instantly improve the Titans' 31st-ranked defense.

Scout's Take: The class' No. 1 cornerback brings a great blend of size, physicality and technique. Moore can play comfortably in man or zone coverage, while also showing improvement as a tackler this season. He's a complete player and the top available defensive talent. He can remove whomever he faces, with the tools to be a lockdown NFL corner. 

Prospects Considered: OT Jordan Seaton, LSU; QB Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State

3. Miami Dolphins: QB Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State

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Team Fit: Malik Willis is well on his way to becoming a one-and-done starting NFL quarterback. To be fair, the Miami Dolphins surrounded their current QB1 with very little talent, which has only made Willis' life more difficult. Even so, the Dolphins can't pass on an opportunity to select the 2027 class' top quarterback prospect.

Scout's Take: Drew Mestemaker has the size, mobility and arm talent to be a playmaking threat at the next level. His big arm allows him to throw the ball deep and generate velocity to zip passes into tight windows. He brings a gunslinger mentality, but his decision-making will only improve as the game slows down. Mestemaker will enter the NFL with a high ceiling and solid floor.

Prospects Considered: Edge Colin Simmons, Texas; CB Ashton Hampton, Clemson

4. New York Jets (via Indianapolis): QB Arch Manning, Texas

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Team Fit: The New York Jets can thank the Indianapolis Colts for handing them a top quarterback prospect. Ironically, the Colts would have likely jumped at the chance to add another Manning. Granted, the current Manning didn't look like a top-five option through the first half of this season, hence why he wasn't projected as a first-round pick during B/R's previous mock draft. But he's continued to improve and stacked multiple strong performances to help recapture some of the excitement surrounding his potential as the campaign began.

Scout's Take: Manning possesses the size and physical tools to develop into a potential long-term starting quarterback. As a passer, he has good arm talent to rip and layer throws naturally. Manning also has the athleticism to weaponize designed quarterback keepers and scrambles when pressured. He could benefit from time sitting behind a veteran to continue his development, though.

Prospects Considered: QB Darian Mensah, Miami; Edge Colin Simmons, Texas

5. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Jordan Seaton, LSU

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Team Fit: The Philadelphia Eagles appear to be entering a soft rebuild after the team's decisions to trade away AJ Brown, Cam Jurgens and Jordan Davis. Rumblings of possibly moving left tackle Jordan Mailata surfaced prior to the trade deadline. Even with Mailata still on the roster, Jordan Seaton is too talented not to draft at this slot. The LSU product can begin his career at guard before bumping out to tackle once Mailata is no longer with the team.

Scout's Take: Seaton is the country's most talented offensive tackle, possessing the size, movement skills and pass-protection ability to settle in neatly as a top-10 prospect at a premium position. With fluid redirect ability and the length to establish first meaningful contact, Seaton is a natural left tackle, who can thrive on an island while offering the traits to excel in a zone-oriented run scheme or as a puller in gap concepts. 

Prospects Considered: Edge Colin Simmons, Texas; CB Ashton Hampton, Clemson

6. New York Jets: CB Ashton Hampton, Clemson

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Team Fit: The New York Jets already landed their future quarterback, so their next two first-round picks are simply icing on the cake. In this instance, Clemson's Ashton Hampton has continued to impress this season. The incoming defensive back gives the Jets a true No. 1 corner.

Scout's Take: Hampton hasn't allowed a rocky Clemson season to derail his development. Instead, he's one of the most improved players over the past year. His length and ball-tracking show up at the catch-point, while his coverage versatility makes him tough to beat on a down-by-down basis. His aggressiveness can be exploited occasionally, but he's improved in that area this season, while continuing to make plays on the football.  

Prospects Considered: Edge Colin Simmons, Texas; DL Will Echoles, Ole Miss

7. Washington Commanders: WR Charlie Becker, Indiana

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Team Fit: The Washington Commanders must get serious about surrounding quarterback Jayden Daniels with better talent. The 31-year-old Terry McLaurin will be coming off a torn patellar tendon next season. Stefon Diggs and Treylon Burks aren't signed beyond this season. Indiana's Charlie Becker brings instant offense as a legitimate deep threat.

Scout's Take: Becker is a big-play threat with the requisite size to operate as a boundary wide receiver. Becker has elite ball skills and body control to consistently win contested catches. Granted, he isn't asked to run a full route-tree for the Hoosiers, but his movement skills lead to an optimistic projection. NFL teams in search of an athletic pass-catcher with great measurables and catch-radius will be quite high on Becker's potential.

Prospects Considered: Edge Colin Simmons, Texas; CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Edge Colin Simmons, Texas

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Team Fit: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will enter this offseason without YaYa Diaby under contract. Maybe Vita Vea also gets what he originally wanted a few months ago, which was a trade. Either way, the Bucs could use reinforcements along their defensive front. Texas' Colin Simmons is the most consistent and productive pass-rusher in next year's class. He could pair with Rueben Bain Jr. to create a dynamic duo working off the edges.

Scout's Take: Unfortunately, a sprained ankle put a bit of a halt to Simmons' impressive 2026 campaign. But the injury has been the only thing slowing him down since the Texas product still leads the country with 10.5 sacks despite missing two games. His production is obvious: He has collected 31.5 career sacks so far. He still has an opportunity to play in a handful of games before this season ends.

Prospects Considered: DL Will Echoles, Ole Miss; WR Jackson Harris, LSU

9. Arizona Cardinals: QB Darian Mensah, Miami

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Team Fit: The Arizona Cardinals already moved on from Jacoby Brissett, and Gardner Minshew II is now out of the equation due to a UCL injury. Third-round rookie Carson Beck will get to prove whether he's the team's future at quarterback. As of now, the Cardinals can't count on that happening, hence Darian Mensah's selection.

Scout's Take: Mensah is a smooth operator with high-level accuracy and ball placement. Mensah can place the ball wherever he chooses based on the route concept. Specifically, he throws an outstanding back-shoulder fade, giving his receivers a chance to make a play on the ball. Mensah is also a functional athlete with solid mobility to get himself out of trouble. He does lack high-end arm-strength and velocity to overcome being late on passes, thus limiting his physical ceiling. 

Prospects Considered: WR Jackson Harris, LSU; Edge Dylan Stewart, South Carolina

10. Atlanta Falcons: OT Zereoue Williams, Utah

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Team Fit: The Atlanta Falcons are aging and declining at the offensive tackle position. Left tackle Jake Matthews will be 35 next year. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor isn't signed beyond this season. In order for the Falcons to take full advantage of Atlanta's skill-position talent, a solid foundation is needed up front.

Scout's Take: Zereoue Williams is a loose, twitchy mover, who plays with a tangible sense of urgency. His movement skills are paired with a large frame that allows him to cover up rushers and targets quickly. The Utah lineman's body control is good enough to sustain blocks at a high level, resulting in a player who can start as an NFL tackle and stay in front of defenders well enough to earn multiple contracts. 

Prospects Considered: Edge Dylan Stewart, South Carolina; S Jelani McDonald, Texas

11. Houston Texans: Edge Dylan Stewart, South Carolina

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Team Fit: Another edge-rusher isn't a need for the Houston Texans. However, the organization continues to build on a strength by adding the class' most naturally gifted pass-rusher in South Carolina's Dylan Stewart. Besides, Danielle Hunter turns 33 next season. Stewart couldn't enter a better situation than Houston, where he can learn from Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. before being unleashed.

Scout's Take: Stewart has the best traits of any edge-rusher in next year's class. The 6'5", 250-pound defender has the size, strength and athleticism to develop into an All-Pro at the next level. Teams will also need to assess his injury history and on-field discipline. ESPN reported in September that he missed most of the offseason and multiple games while recovering from a back injury and was suspended after throwing a punch at an Alabama player's helmet and arguing with coaches.

Prospects Considered: OT Elijah Paige, USC; TE Jamari Johnson, Oregon

12. New Orleans Saints: DL Will Echoles, Ole Miss

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Team Fit: The New Orleans Saints' defensive front is already a mess, and it'll only get worse going into next offseason. Currently, the Saints rank among the league's bottom four in run defense. Furthermore, Cam Jordan is set to retire after his 16th campaign, and Nathan Shepherd, Tyree Wilson and Colby Wooden aren't signed beyond this season. The addition of the class' best interior defender is a logical approach.

Scout's Take: Will Echoles hasn't been as dominant against the run as he was a season ago, but he remains solid in that specific area, while showing more promise as a pass-rusher. More work needs to be done regarding the latter, but the Ole Miss product is easily the class' most complete and best defensive tackle when he puts it all together.

Prospects Considered: DL David Stone, Oklahoma; CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia

13. New York Jets (via Dallas): DL Xavier Gilliam, Tennessee

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Team Fit: If the New York Jets aren't forced to trade up for a quarterback prospect, the team will have the luxury of adding premium talent without necessarily addressing a specific need later in the process. Case in point, the Jets use their third first-round pick to add some explosiveness along their defensive interior. Tennessee's Xavier Gilliam will work nicely alongside T'Vondre Sweat, Darrell Jackson Jr. and Jowon Briggs, who will be a restricted free agent.

Scout's Take: Gilliam is the biggest riser among the 2027 draft class. Originally, he wasn't on anyone's radar after spending two years with the Penn State Nittany Lions. However, his play at Tennessee places him among the class' best interior defenders. At this point, it's still too small of a sample size to unseat Will Echoles, but Gilliam offers a lot of pass-rush upside and effectiveness when penetrating against the run. Eventually, he may just claim that top spot.

Prospects Considered: LB Chris Cole, Georgia; S Jelani McDonald, Texas

14. Baltimore Ravens: CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia

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Team Fit: The Baltimore Ravens' secondary has been disappointing this fall, as a bottom 10 pass defense despite featuring significant talent at cornerback and safety. Injuries have played a part, of course. Still, the Ravens can inject the unit with a fresh face and enormous upside in Georgia's Ellis Robinson IV.

Scout's Take: As the best athlete among the class' top corner prospects, Robinson has immense upside thanks to his recovery ability, ball skills and zone-coverage prowess. He's an instinctual route-identifier, who's a little undersized yet aggressive in his approach. He's improved as a junior and showcased impressive instincts to take the ball away. With the right development and coaching, Robinson can emerge as a top NFL cover corner.

Prospects Considered: DL David Stone, Oklahoma; RB Jadan Baugh, Florida

15. Las Vegas Raiders: DL David Stone, Oklahoma

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Team Fit: Eventually, the Las Vegas Raiders must make a concerted effort to improve Fernando Mendoza's surrounding cast, specifically at wide receiver. Right now, the Raiders' run defense is downright awful and requires reinforcements. Las Vegas is the only defensive unit currently allowing over 150 rushing yards per game. Obviously, the Raiders lack capable big bodies to hold the point of attack, which can be improved with the selection of Oklahoma's David Stone.

Scout's Take: Drafting Stone with a first-round pick is risky. He's a high-upside prospect who hasn't reached his full potential. However, a team willing to bet on his traits and looking for someone who can at least stop the run should hold the Sooner in high regard.

Prospects Considered: WR Jackson Harris, LSU; LB Chris Cole, Georgia

16. Cleveland Browns: QB Dante Moore, Oregon

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Team Fit: Dante Moore is a fascinating case study. From a draft perspective, he should have declared for this past cycle and likely been a top-five draft pick. Instead, he returned to Oregon and hurt his stock due to inconsistent play to start the season before suffering a significant concussion to end his campaign. However, those same traits that were apparent last year haven't gone away, which is why the Cleveland Browns take a swing for the fences here in an attempt to finally solve the franchise's quarterback problem.

Scout's Take: Moore is a natural passer with good accuracy and ball placement to operate at a high level from inside the pocket. He is not afraid of big moments and plays with poise. He's a smooth operator in how he plays with his eyes, feet and mechanics all aligned. Overall, Moore is an efficient quarterback with smooth mechanics, who could step in and start as a rookie for an NFL franchise. 

Prospects Considered: QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina; Edge Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama

17. Seattle Seahawks: WR Jackson Harris, LSU

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Team Fit: Simply put, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is awesome to watch. He's also a one-man band a lot of times. The Seattle Seahawks' leading receiver currently ranks second overall with 99 total targets. No other Seattle wide receiver has more than 34. Cooper Kupp is aging out, while the Seahawks' coaching staff hasn't found a way to fully integrate Rashid Shaheed into the passing attack. Instead, Seattle adds a significant talent in LSU's Jackson Harris to boost its aerial attack.

Scout's Take: Harris has blossomed into a star this fall. LSU's top target is a smooth route-runner with a high football IQ to attack leverage and win against man coverage. He displays great body control at the catch-point, with the ability to contort mid-air. He also plays with excellent tempo to keep defensive backs on their toes. His skill set portends WR1 status and a high-volume target at the next level.

Prospects Considered: Edge Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama; S Jelani McDonald, Texas

18. Cleveland Browns (via LA Rams): LB Chris Cole, Georgia

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Team Fit: The Cleveland Browns don't have an immediate need at linebacker, not with Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams already on the roster and under contract. However, general manager Andrew Berry has a tremendous understanding of value throughout the draft process, hence the team's last two stellar classes. With quarterback already addressed, the Browns add a premium talent among a position group that's otherwise lacking. A long-term linebacker duo of Schwesinger and Cole can easily turn into the league's best.

Scout's Take: A major drop-off exists among next year's linebacker class when compared to this past cycle. However, the Georgia product has always been a high-level athlete. Then, the light started to come on for Cole this fall as he's finally getting an opportunity to be a full-time starter. The 6'3", 235-pound 'backer has the speed and athleticism to make plays from sideline to sideline and be a factor against professional passing games.

Prospects Considered: Edge Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama; S Kingston Lopa, California

19. Carolina Panthers: TE Jamari Johnson, Oregon

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Team Fit: The Carolina Panthers roster fields a talented group of tight ends. A long-term threat doesn't exist among the position group, though. The 34-year-old Darren Waller, who isn't signed beyond this season, currently leads Carolina's tight ends with 23 receptions for 299 yards. Tommy Tremble is on the last year of his deal as well. A reset may be necessary. Fortunately, the class' top tight end prospect falls into the Panthers' proverbial lap.

Scout's Take: A mismatch at tight end, Jamari Johnson brings the body type and athleticism to be a three-down threat. His ball skills and route-running nuance set him apart among the current draft class. He has the potential to emerge as a quarterback's best friend. With reliable hands, the ability to identify soft spots in zone and an athletic profile to exploit space after the catch, Johnson already has a translatable skill set that should continue to improve.

Prospects Considered: OT Elijah Paige, USC; CB Zabien Brown, Alabama

20. New England Patriots: S Kingston Lopa, California

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Team Fit: Sunday's embarrassing loss to the Green Bay Packers highlighted a growing concern among the New England Patriots' roster. Mike Vrabel's secondary can no longer be considered a strength. A season ago, New England ranked among the league's top 10 pass defenses. This fall, the Patriots find themselves among the bottom eight. Besides, veteran free safety Kevin Byard is an upcoming free agent. New England needs a new playmaker along the defensive back end to erase mistakes.

Scout's Take: Kingston Lopa is a truly unique prospect. He's a 6'5", 210-pound safety with some of the position's best movement skills and instincts. With limited experience and some rough edges to polish, Lopa should be considered a ball of clay to mold thanks to his natural feel for the game and nearly unlimited upside.

Prospects Considered: IOL Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame; WR Cam Coleman, Texas

21. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay): DL A'Mauri Washington, Oregon

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Team Fit: The Dallas Cowboys have made so many moves to improve their defense and the group simply hasn't responded. Dallas is still counted among the NFL's worst units. The Cowboys have been particularly bad at the point of attack. Aside from Quinnen Williams, the defensive interior could use a reset. Oregon's A'Mauri Washington brings an impressive athletic profile and the size/strength combination to serve as an ideal complement alongside Williams.

Scout's Take: Disappointment has been the theme of Oregon's 2026 season, and Washington played his part. He still hasn't shown significant improvement as a pass-rusher or been nearly as impactful against the run as last season. However, the 6'3", 325-pound defensive tackle still presents the natural traits and versatility to play from multiple alignments, thus keeping him in the first-round discussion. 

Prospects Considered: Edge Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama; S Jelani McDonald, Texas

22. New York Giants: S Jelani McDonald, Texas

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Team Fit: The New York Giants have been a pleasant surprise this season. They're currently fielding the league's third-best pass defense. As such, a defensive back with this selection may come across as counterintuitive. However, Jelani McDonald's skill set can give John Harbaugh and his staff a Kyle Hamilton-like presence thanks to the Texas defensive back's ability to play downhill.

Scout's Take: McDonald doesn't miss tackles as an explosive and twitchy downhill defender, who sees the game unfolding in front of him at an extremely high level. He brings a consistent feel for developing routes and the length to disrupt the football at the catch point. His instincts have consistently improved since joining the Longhorns in 2023, which has become obvious this fall.  

Prospects Considered: Edge Kenyatta Jackson, Ohio State; OL Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame

23. Cincinnati Bengals: IOL Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame

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Team Fit: Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras and right guard Dalton Risner aren't signed beyond this season. Notre Dame's Anthonie Knapp can inject the team's offensive line with some youth and explosiveness off the snap. Knapp has flourished this fall after converting from left tackle to guard. He can immediately step in and give the Bengals an impressive trio alongside Amarius Mims and left guard Dylan Fairchild to provide a strong long-term foundation up front.

Scout's Take: Knapp is a sturdy, tone-setting presence at guard, with the play-strength and demeanor that fit the mold of a 'start and forget'-caliber prospect—which every team could use, especially one like Cincinnati with an offense centered around elite skill positions.

Prospects Considered: RB Jadan Baugh, Florida; S KJ Bolden, Georgia

24. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Cam Coleman, Texas

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Team Fit: Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs can't threaten opponents vertically like the team's offense once did. Mahomes hasn't even tried to push the ball down the field in recent weeks. A legitimate presence on the outside with the capability of winning on deep routes is an absolute necessity going into next offseason. Enter Texas' Cam Coleman.

Scout's Take: Coleman is a height/weight/speed receiving prospect. The Texas target has outstanding ball skills to dominate at the catch point. The 6'3" receiver is a long-strider who will gallop past off-the-ball corners. Plus, he has the all-around traits to eventually develop into a true WR1 if he adds more tempo and nuance to his route-running.

Prospects Considered: OT Elijah Paige, USC; S Brauntae Johnson, Notre Dame

25. Philadelphia Eagles (via Jacksonville): QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

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Team Fit: Once upon a time, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman drafted Jalen Hurts despite Carson Wentz already being on the team's roster and signed to a long-term contract. Less than a year later, Wentz was gone and Hurts became the team's starting quarterback. With the uncertainty surrounding Hurts' health and his inconsistent play over the last two seasons, Roseman should strongly consider a similar approach, particularly with an extra first-round pick now in the team's back pocket.

Scout's Take: LaNorris Sellers epitomizes a traits-based prospect. The South Carolina quarterback has elite arm strength to attack the entire field. His touch has improved this season as well. More importantly, the 21-year-old signal-caller has cleaned up his footwork and weight transfer when working from inside the pocket to create more consistency than previously seen. To top it all off, Sellers is a high-end athlete with the rushing/scrambling ability to take over games. As a result, he presents arguably the highest ceiling of any prospect in next year's class.

Prospects Considered: Edge Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama; CB Zabien Brown, Alabama

26. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB CJ Carr, Notre Dame

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Team Fit: The Pittsburgh Steelers could realistically decide they prefer Drew Allar's development and allow the 2026 third-round draft pick to start next season. As of now, Aaron Rodgers' retirement is the only inevitability regarding the situation. So, the Steelers invest in the quarterback position again to ensure it's addressed long term. Allar can then compete with Notre Dame's CJ Carr if the organization likes both that much.

Scout's Take: Carr is an efficient pocket passer, who excels with timing and rhythm. Carr plays with sound mechanics and pocket navigation. He anticipates throwing lanes well and adjusts to post-snap coverages. His physical peak aligns with a more athletic Kirk Cousins. Essentially, Carr is a point guard-style passer, who can run the offense with clean, mistake-free play. 

Prospects Considered: CB Jyaire Hill, Michigan; S Brauntae Johnson, Notre Dame

27. Detroit Lions: Edge Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama

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Team Fit: As DJ Wonnum deals with an injury, second-round rookie Derrick Moore experienced a breakout game Sunday by providing a pair of sacks against the Miami Dolphins. Even so, the Detroit Lions have long attempted to address their pass rush beyond Aidan Hutchinson. Even if Moore continues to build on his latest performance, Wonnum is a pending free agent and the team could definitely use more depth to boost its pass rush.

Scout's Take: Yhonzae Pierre started the season hot but has cooled off over the last several weeks. Still, his athleticism and ability to convert speed to power are well worth a late first-round bet. The Alabama product is also comfortable dropping into coverage, with a pick-six and four passes defended this season. That versatility gives him the potential to become a multifaceted impact defender at the next level.

Prospects Considered: TE Trey'Dez Green, LSU; CB Jyaire Hill, Michigan

28. Minnesota Vikings: RB Jadan Baugh, Florida

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Team Fit: With a half-dozen quarterbacks already off the board, the Minnesota Vikings must go in another direction. The organization can eventually pursue veteran options, like Mac Jones or Davis Mills, or bring back Kirk Cousins for another year. Then, the draft can supply a different offensive focal point by adding the class' RB1. Florida's Jadan Baugh can serve as an every-down workhorse to offset any lingering issues at the game's most important position.

Scout's Take: Baugh is a physical running back with light, quick footwork. He has the lateral agility to make defenders miss and force missed tackles at all three levels. While the Florida back hasn't seen much passing-game usage this season, he showed his value out of the backfield in 2025 with 33 receptions. Once Baugh develops as a pass protector, he will be viewed as a complete back.

Prospects Considered: TE Trey'Dez Green, LSU; OL Trevor Lauck, Iowa

29. Denver Broncos: TE Trey'Dez Green, LSU

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Team Fit: The Denver Broncos' Sean Payton should be all aflutter thinking of using LSU's Trey'Dez Green in a similar fashion to when the head coach had Jimmy Graham in the New Orleans Saints' offense. The Broncos haven't gotten much from the tight end position this season. Plus, veteran Evan Engram isn't signed beyond the 2026 campaign. Green can provide a massive target to also offset the decline of wide receiver Courtland Sutton.

Scout's Take: There's some real size at the tight end position in next year's class. The 6'7", 240-pound Green serves as the prime example. He's an instant mismatch even if he's still learning the nuances of the position. To Green's credit, he has a natural feel for manipulation tactics at the top of his routes. Thus, he becomes a problem when working downfield and after the catch.

Prospects Considered: WR Nick Marsh, Indiana; OT Elijah Paige, USC

30. Tennessee Titans (via Chicago): OT Elijah Paige, USC

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Team Fit: In order for Cam Ward to develop, the Tennessee Titans must properly protect the 2025 No. 1 overall pick. Left tackle Dan Moore Jr. is a replacement-level performer at best. The Titans can solidify the left side of their offensive line by placing USC's Elijah Paige next to standout left guard Peter Skoronski and make life a little easier for Ward.

Scout's Take: Paige is a thick, wide-bodied tackle with an easy anchor and enough movement skills to cut off and absorb defenders at a high level. Unrefined aspects of his game often seen in his footwork and aiming points can sap his raw talent. However, with ideal size and the ability to root his feet and take ground when needed, a recipe exists for the 21-year-old to start right away thanks to a considerably higher ceiling than most late first-round tackles possess.

Prospects Considered: RB Dylan Riley, Boise State; WR KJ Duff, Rutgers

31. San Francisco 49ers: IOL Kade Pieper, Iowa

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Team Fit: The San Francisco 49ers don't require premium talent along their offensive line for Kyle Shanahan's offense to excel. It can help and expand the scheme, though. Veteran center Jake Brendel is a free agent after this season. Left guard can also be upgraded. Iowa's Kade Pieper could take over either spot. He could be particularly effective if asked to transition over the ball.

Scout's Take: Pieper is a tailor-made fit for the traditional Shanahan-style offense predicated on schematic guardrails in pass protection with a diverse, zone-oriented run game. Thanks to elite-level burst, quickness and a red-hot motor as a finisher, Pieper's lack of sand and bulk is often hidden enough to allow his strengths to shine inside Iowa's zone-heavy, run-first scheme. His fit in San Francisco, while moving him to center, should maximize Pieper's NFL potential.  

Prospects Considered: DL Jayden Jackson, Oklahoma; S KJ Bolden, Georgia

32. Buffalo Bills: S Brauntae Johnson, Notre Dame

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Team Fit: The Buffalo Bills' safeties continue to play poorly. The team hasn't been quite right along its back line since the tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer patrolled the space. Notre Dame's Brauntae Johnson continues to recover from an early-season foot injury and has barely played. However, he entered the campaign as the class' top safety prospect. Plus, a return is expected, particularly with the Fighting Irish in the mix for a national championship.

Scout's Take: Physicality and size in the run game, paired with instinctual play on the back end, make a healthy Johnson a true impact playmaker. His unique blend of movement skills, raw talent and leadership is still needed in the Notre Dame secondary this season. Then, those same traits will help any NFL defensive backfield.

Prospects Considered: WR KJ Duff, Rutgers; OL Trevor Lauck, Iowa