The 10 Most Underrated Prospects in 2027 NFL Draft

As the 2026 college football regular season enters its final month, with conference championship games set to finish on Dec. 12, the on-field portion of NFL draft evaluations are nearing completion.

However, plenty can still be achieved during these final few appearances, with a handful of prospects primed to rise throughout the remaining process.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department identified 10 prospects who don't currently hold a first-round grade—the site's grading scale can be seen courtesy of its previous player rankings—but could find themselves in that range before next April's event.

Upside and potential are euphemisms often used throughout the scouting process. In essence, the scouting process is searching for those candidates who will continue to ascend, raise their stock and see their talent translate to the professional level. Each of those listed here has an outstanding opportunity to fall into that category.

10. CB Smith Snowden, Michigan

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Current B/R Ranking: 83rd
Grade: 7.4

The NFL loves versatility. Michigan's Smith Snowden can contribute in multiple areas.

Prior to arriving at Michigan, Snowden contributed in the Utah Utes' secondary, as a kick returner and even sprinkled in a few carries at running back along the way.

Currently, Jyaire Hill is the Wolverines' highest-graded cornerback prospect. He'll likely stay that way, while holding a late first-round/early second-round projection. However, Snowden's ability to be a multifaceted defensive chess piece and all-around athlete will almost certainly intrigue NFL organizations.

Snowden could contribute at outside corner, work over the slot or find a home as a full-time safety depending on his next team's plans. Questions about size, lack of length and top-end speed must be answered throughout the predraft process.

Still, a positionless defender capable of contributing in multiple roles, while staying on the field for all three downs, tends to hold a premium.

9. TE Jelani Thurman, North Carolina

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Current B/R Ranking: 86th

Grade: 7.3

Without looking, which prospect leads all tight ends in touchdown receptions? North Carolina's Jelani Thurman, of course.

After three seasons with the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he was a limited contributor, Thurman has blossomed after transferring to the Tar Heels program. The 6'6", 250-pound underclassman's natural size, athleticism and explosiveness have allowed him to thrive this fall.

Thurman already set career highs with 45 receptions and 525 yards. He'll continue to add to those numbers over UNC's next three games (and a possible bowl appearance).

This year's draft class showed how increased usage of multiple-tight end sets among NFL schemes will elevate the value of the position.

Thurman's skill set still includes significant growth potential, specifically as a pure pass-catcher, which will further increase his desirability at the next level.

8. Edge Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame

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Current B/R Ranking: 34th

Grade: 7.8

Notre Dame's Boubacar Traore has been on the first-round fringe for the entirety of the current draft cycle.

An understanding developed that he has the potential to be, at bare minimum, a quality rotational pass-rusher. This season has proved the senior prospect can be an every-down defender at the next level.

Obviously, the ability to rush the passer maintains a high premium. In Traore's case, a more well-rounded skill set is what makes him undervalued compared to the previous projection.

Traore plays with more sand at the point of attack than his 6'5", 253-pound frame indicates. Second, he can still use his quickness to beat offensive linemen off the snap and shoot gaps. Third, he's fluid enough to drop into coverage and not look out of place.

An elite pass-rusher always has an edge over others at his position, but NFL teams also want every-down defensive linemen who can defend the run as well as rush the passer.

Traore already showed he shouldn't just be looked at as a first-round possibility based purely on his ability to turn the edge. He can also set the edge and do far more within a defensive scheme.

7. TE Luke Reynolds, Virginia Tech

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Current B/R Ranking: 41st

Grade: 7.8

This year's tight end class is rather intriguing. As mentioned, TEs were highly valued in the 2026 draft, with eight being selected during the second day.

Next year's group may be even more talented overall, with Luke Reynolds serving as a prime example.

After two seasons with the Penn State Nittany Lions, Reynolds transferred to Virginia Tech and emerged as an elite receiving threat. The Hokie currently leads all tight ends with 56 receptions. For comparison, Reynolds has only 13 fewer catches than Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith and six more than Indiana's Charlie Becker—both of whom are considered future top-10 draft picks.

Reynolds' ability to locate passes, contort his body and then flash ultra-reliable hands stand out regarding the junior's game. He's not as big or as athletic as the aforementioned Jelani Thurman. However, Reynolds' skill set portends a long-time productive target working the middle of the field as a professional quarterback's best friend.

6. OT Lance Heard, Kentucky

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Current B/R Ranking: 45th
Grade: 7.7

Offensive tackles tend to rise naturally throughout the evaluation process due to their positional value. NFL organizations are always looking for incoming blockers capable of playing and staying on an island. Kentucky's Lance Heard is definitely one who opened eyes this fall.

Heard presents the requisite size (6'6", 325 lbs) and length to remain at offensive tackle. The two-time transfer, who began his career at LSU, started two seasons for the Tennessee Volunteers before landing at Kentucky for his final campaign.

Heard's growth with his hand-usage has been particularly impressive. He always flashed the physical capabilities to play the position. Now, he regularly uses his size and length to his advantage by establishing first meaningful contact.

The Wildcats' blindside protector may not be an elite athlete and plays somewhat upright, but he understands his strengths and how to weaponize them. Thus, he's the type of offensive line prospect capable of becoming a Year 1 NFL starter.

5. WR Reed Harris, Arizona State

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Current B/R Ranking: 54th
Grade: 7.7

The NFL can't get enough wide receivers, especially those with size and obvious ways to win at the next level.

Arizona State's Reed Harris is a 6'5", 220-pound target. He's currently tied for third among wide receivers with 50 or more receptions, alongside Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, by averaging 17.4 yards per catch.

In some ways, Harris brings a Drake London-like presence due to his combination of size and history as a basketball player. Much like London, the Sun Devil is more fluid than the majority of bigger wide receivers. Harris is capable of sinking his hips and running good routes, despite not being an overly explosive target. Still, he knows how to use his frame to his advantage, either by gaining leverage against defenders or bodying them in contested-catch situations.

Considering Rutgers' KJ Duff is now out for the season with an ankle injury, Harris now has a pathway to be an NFL team's preferred big-bodied target once Jeremiah Smith and Charlie Becker are off the board early in next year's draft.

4. OT Zereoue Williams, Utah

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Current B/R Ranking: 42nd
Grade: 7.8

During this past draft cycle, a former Utah Ute, Spencer Fano, emerged as OL1 and a top-10 draft pick. Current left tackle Zereoue Williams probably won't claim the former in a class that features LSU's Jordan Seaton, but he still has a shot at the latter.

With both of Utah's offensive tackles hearing their names called during this year's first round, Williams finally had an opportunity this fall to become a starter for the first time and he's excelled.

The 6'8", 305-pound sixth-year senior has made the most of his final collegiate season, emerging as a fluid pass-blocker with the upside to become a starting NFL left tackle. He has the size, length and movement skills to hit his set points and redirect against movement. Plus, his height doesn't negatively impact his run-blocking.

Williams was forced to bide his time and deal with a significant injury in 2023, but his patience and persistence have paid off in a big way.

3. DL Xavier Gilliam, Tennessee

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Current B/R Ranking: 31st
Grade: 7.9

Xavier Gilliam is yet another transfer student who has thrived in new surroundings. So much so, the interior defender could easily work his way into being a top-15 draft pick when it's all said and done.

Gilliam found himself in a rotational role as part of the Penn State Nittany Lions' defensive front during his first two seasons. He's become a dominant player as the tip of the spear for the Tennessee Volunteers' defense.

The 6'2", 305-pound defensive tackle has the quickness off the snap to consistently reset the line of scrimmage, collapse the pocket and cause general havoc in opposing backfields. His 11.5 tackles for loss lead the Volunteers. The figure is also tied for second among the nation's interior defenders. Plus, he's doing so against SEC competition.

Gilliam may not be the biggest or longest defensive tackle. However, his constant energy and general disruptiveness have caused him to skyrocket throughout the evaluation process, with the potential to be the first defensive tackle off the board in April.

2. QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

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Current B/R Ranking: 25th

Grade: 7.9

No matter what, NFL teams will be enamored with quarterback prospects presenting elite physical tools. Everyone in the league believes they can develop tantalizing traits, though the ability to actually to do so is scattershot at best.

South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers is this year's candidate with elite physical traits but developmental-level performance. An argument can easily be made in his favor that he presents as much natural upside as any prospect available in 2027.

The 21-year-old is now in his third season as a starter for an SEC program. He's been highly erratic throughout that time. However, the 6'3", 238-pound signal-caller is a top-notch athlete with a howitzer strapped to his right shoulder. He's run for 90 or more yards in four of the Gamecocks' nine contests, including 147 during an overtime loss to a ranked Kentucky Wildcats squad. Plus, the ball comes out of his hand with such easy velocity.

Sellers' biggest issues have been with his footwork, consistency as a passer and inability to throw with anticipation. However, he has made incremental improvements in all three areas, particularly during South Carolina's ongoing four-game winning streak.

As long as Sellers doesn't completely melt down during the final stretch, he has the traits and growth potential to be viewed as a first-round option. At best, he could climb to QB2 behind Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker with a stellar finish to his senior campaign.

1. S Kingston Lopa, California

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Current B/R Ranking: 44th

Grade: 7.7

The term "unicorn" is often overused in today's sports vernacular. An individual should present a unique skill set of some sort to earn the designation. A 6'5", 210-pound safety prospect with top-notch ball skills fits the bill.

As a redshirt sophomore after two mostly forgettable seasons with the Oregon Ducks, Kingston Lopa wasn't on many radars upon transferring to the University of California. His five interceptions during the Golden Bears' first three games certainly caught everyone's attention.

A concussion basically cost Lopa two games, but he's been back on the field for Cal's last three contests.

The safety's vision to read the ball in front of him and quickly trigger is exceptional. His length and athleticism to cover significant ground both sideline-to-sideline and downhill are obvious.

Lopa continues to develop as a tackler, and he must also get a better feel for his angles. Even so, a potential eraser along the back line with his range and length is something not currently seen at the professional level.

All-Pro Kyle Hamilton quickly comes to mind when thinking of bigger, playmaking safeties. However, Lopa currently lacks the versatility and physicality Hamilton showed coming out of Notre Dame.

Keep in mind, Hamilton only had four interceptions during his final two collegiate seasons. Thus, Lopa's ball skills will drive his value, especially if he gets back on track late in the campaign.