NFL Draft season never ends. This summer, I’ve scouted 100+ prospects in preparation for the college football season and draft cycle. Pairing my evaluations with my predicted draft order for next year, I produced my pre-season mock draft. My next full scale, first round mock won’t drop until we turn to 2027 on the calendar.
Mock draft social media posts will be rolling out later this season, via the Blitz Sports Media mock draft simulator, once the 2027 draft picture becomes clearer.
Make sure you’re following me on X @JLSports24 for regular draft content and all things NFL. Links to my top ranked prospects by position can be found HERE.
In this scenario, I believe Arch Manning would pull an Eli and refuse to play for the Browns or stay at Texas for his senior season. For the purpose of this mock draft, Manning is selected first overall and reaches QB1 status similar to Trevor Lawrence or Joe Burrow as NFL prospects.
Although new Dolphins General Manager Jon Eric Sullivan comes from the Packers, where they seldom draft receivers in the first round, Jeremiah Smith is a generational talent that cannot be passed up. Leonard Moore could be in play otherwise.
The Heisman hopeful is off to a hot start in 2026 and rising up draft boards already. His arm talent and anticipation is perfect for the Cardinals new offense, which will look a lot like the Rams.
The Jets have spent the last two drafts readying the nest for their eventual franchise QB. Dante Moore would have been their selection in the 2026 draft had he declared, thus they wait a year and still get their guy.
The Panthers strong secondary gets stronger with the best corner prospect in years. Leonard Moore is a natural talent to eliminate a receiver all game long and create takeaways when targeted.
The Falcons’ edge rush woes continue no longer as they select the powerful Texas product who has collected 21 sacks already at just 20 years old.
The Kyler Murray experiment didn’t work out, hence the Vikings picking 7th in the 2027 draft. Jayden Maiava has the accuracy, touch, and poise to develop into Kevin O’Connell’s offense, who finally gets his hand picked QB.
Ward’s sporadic play will never be calmed without solid protection. Jordan Seaton will prove himself as the top offensive tackle as he dominates higher competition while at LSU. He’s the first offensive lineman off the board.
The once dangerous 49ers defensive line is no more, and the oft injured Nick Bosa needs replacing. Dylan Stewart is a freakish edge rusher who would be a top 5 selection in most drafts.
The Raiders continue to build the offense around Fernando Mendoza, giving him a field stretching outside target that will also open up the running game.
John Harbaugh’s “bully ball” cannot work without being stout up front defensively. Ahmad Moten Jr. is the ideal replacement for Dexter Lawrence and creates one on ones for the Giants talented pass rushers.
The Jets are making luxury picks after getting QB1 earlier in the draft. A’Mauri Washington plugs the middle of the defensive line and creates more favorable matchups for outside rushers David Bailey and Will McDonald IV.
Talent and health have been the issues for protecting Jayden Daniels, forcing the Commanders to address the offensive line. Trevor Goosby is a day one starter who provides a good balance of run blocking and pass protection.
The Buccaneers continue to fortify their defensive line with Will Echoles, who rotates early with Vita Vea, creating a brick wall of defense up the middle.
The Jets continue to infuse their defense with young talent. Kelley Jones is a long corner at 6’4″ who has elite movement for a player his size.
Yhonzae Pierre is a thumper with edge rushing upside and a knack for the big play. He’ll bring a toughness to any team he’s a part of – which John Harbaugh will love.
Pairing Bear Alexander with Dexter Lawrence will give the Bengals a formidable interior worthy of the AFC North.
David Montgomery will be 30 years old by the start of the 2027 season and with the Texans leaning into the running game, Jadan Baugh will provide the bell-cow back needed to keep their impressive defense fresh.
Chase Young and Carl Granderson are getting up in age. Kenyatta Jackson is a young, raw edge rusher who brings youth and explosiveness to the Saints defense.
Ashton Hampton’s aggressiveness downhill against screens and the run game jumps off the screen at Dan Campbell. He’s a good all around corner who will make any secondary better.
The Steelers miss out on the top QB’s of the class and roll with Drew Allar as their developmental QB1. Tae Johnson’s versatility is perfect fit for Patrick Graham’s defense and he fills a need for an underwhelming safety room.
The Seahawks like large, heavy handed players on the edge which makes them a perfect fit for Anto Saka at 6’4″ and 255 pounds.
Trey’Dez Green’s freakish size/athleticism has been on display at LSU for years, but he appears to be moving around the formation more and contributing as a blocker in 2026. A unique and versatile weapon will undoubtedly get the attention of Sean Payton.
The Patriots defense is behind their offense as we head into year 3 of the Mike Vrabel era. Will Heldt lives in the backfield as a natural disruptor off the edge.
Ryan Coleman-Williams is a separation specialist who gets open in all levels of a defense. The Chiefs land a top shelf athlete who will be just 20 years old entering the NFL.
Jamari Johnson has a wide variety of draft projections but ultimately lands in Jacksonville as a talented new weapon for Trevor Lawrence and Liam Coen.
Chris Cole brings elite athleticism and versatility to the Cowboys overhauled defense. Christian Parker is more than familiar with the success of Georgia Bulldogs having spent 2 years with the Philadelphia Eagles.
P.J. Williams is a large, dominating, downhill blocker with nimble feet for a man of his size. Where he fits in on the Eagles’ offensive line will be determined later, but he’s Howie Roseman’s type.
The Ravens find their between-the-tackles replacement for Derrick Henry, who will be 33 years old on draft day. Ahmad Hardy is pound-for-pound one of the best prospects in the draft.
The Bears land a feisty corner who is undersized but physical. His sticky coverage and great ball skills create turnovers which will give Ben Johnson’s elite offense short fields.
The Bills continue to rebuild their defense with large, tough players. C.J. Fite is hard to move off his spot and has the athleticism to play along the defensive line.
After taking a step backwards in the absence of Myles Garrett and Jim Schwartz, the Browns look for a book end to play opposite Jared Verse.
