2027 NFL Draft: Meet the 32 Future Stars You Need to Know (2026)

The 2027 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a tantalizing prospect, with a plethora of talented players poised to make their mark in the league. This year's class is particularly intriguing, as it features a diverse range of skill sets and positions, with a strong emphasis on quarterbacks and wide receivers. Here's a closer look at 32 future stars who could define the 2027 NFL Draft, along with my personal commentary and analysis.

  1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
    Jeremiah Smith is a rare talent, a 'generational' wide receiver who could have gone straight from high school to the NFL. His exceptional length, speed, and ability to run through defenders after the catch make him a game-changer. I think Smith's presence will open up opportunities for his teammates, and when he gets his shots, he delivers. He's a player who can take over a game, and his potential is immense.

  2. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
    Dante Moore is a seasoned veteran who plays with poise and accuracy. He completed 72.5% of his passes this season, throwing 24 big-time throws and 24 touchdowns. Moore's ability to extend plays and create on the move makes him a threat to throw and run. I believe he's a no-brainer top-five pick, and his return to Oregon shows his commitment to improving.

  3. Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
    Colin Simmons is an explosive edge rusher who causes major issues for opposing offenses. He finished the year with 11 sacks, 32 hurries, and 13.5 TFLs. Simmons' speed and power make him a disruptive force against the run and a game-changer if offenses don't account for him. I think he's an excellent speed rusher who has improved his counters, making him a valuable asset.

  4. Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU
    Jordan Seaton is one of the best tackles in the country, offering a strong mix of athleticism and technique. He's an excellent pass protector with great feet and a physical presence in the trenches. I believe Seaton's ability to be physical in the trenches will make him a valuable asset in the NFL.

  5. Arch Manning, QB, Texas
    Arch Manning showed massive improvement after a rocky start, settling in and showing more consistency. His ability to run is a weapon, and I think 2026 will be the year he puts it all together. Manning's accuracy and velocity make him a threat to throw and run, and his health will be a key factor in his success.

  6. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
    Leonard Moore is an exceptional athlete who plays sticky coverage with consistent technique. He has excellent hips, breaks well on the ball, and isn't someone you want to test regularly. Moore's ability to play press and zone coverage makes him a versatile corner, and his five interceptions and seven PBUs this season are impressive.

  7. Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
    Dylan Stewart is a game-wrecker who must be accounted for on every snap. He's twitchy with length and wins with speed and bend. Stewart's improvement from last season is notable, and I expect a big 2026 campaign. His ability to cause disruption and pressure opposing offenses is a key strength.

  8. Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia
    Ellis Robinson IV is a standout player who had a standout spring and was nearly impossible to complete a pass against. He has the length the NFL covets and excels in both press and zone coverage. Robinson's four interceptions last season and his ability to mirror routes and support run defense make him a valuable asset.

  9. Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
    Trevor Goosby has ideal size and length, with excellent pass protection skills and a physical presence in the run game. He allowed just one sack last season and excels in anchoring against speed-to-power. Goosby's ability to put it all together in 2026 will be crucial to his NFL success.

  10. David Stone, DT, Oklahoma
    David Stone is a physical presence against the run, capable of eating double teams and disrupting one-on-one matchups. His lateral quickness and ability to close quickly on the quarterback make him a disruptive force. Stone's versatility and impact on both run and pass defense are notable.

  11. Damon Wilson II, EDGE, Miami
    Damon Wilson II has developed his pass-rush repertoire with a blend of speed and power. He finished with nine sacks and 33 hurries, and his well-coached, reloaded defensive line led by Hall of Famer Jason Taylor will be a key factor in his success. Wilson II's long and strong frame makes him a valuable asset.

  12. Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
    Cam Coleman has the size, speed, and catch radius to produce a monster season in a dangerous Texas offense. He's a big-time prospect who should benefit from improved surrounding talent and could be the No. 2 receiver drafted. His potential is immense, and I think he'll be a key player in the NFL.

  13. Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State
    Kelley Jones is a rare, tall, long corner with excellent range and a bright future. He excels in press coverage and shows strong quickness, with the ability to run with receivers on in-breaking routes. Jones' two interceptions and 11 PBUs in 2025 are impressive, and I believe he has top-10 potential.

  14. Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon
    Jamari Johnson is a big target with good hands and a large catch radius, along with run-after-catch ability. He dominates short and intermediate routes and shows open-field running skills and a solid stiff-arm. Johnson's potential as a tight end is clear, and I think he'll be a valuable asset in the NFL.

  15. Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss
    Kewan Lacy was a game-changer, rushing for nearly 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns with 37 explosive runs last season. He excels as a north-south runner with good contact balance and cutback ability, and his 25 pass catches are impressive. Lacy's potential as RB1 in 2026 is clear.

  16. Quincy Rhodes Jr., EDGE, Arkansas
    Quincy Rhodes Jr. is a versatile, twitchy edge rusher who broke out with eight sacks and 27 hurries. He has a wide array of moves and shows excellent change of direction. Rhodes' ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage makes him a valuable asset, and his return to Arkansas will build on his breakout season.

  17. LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
    LaNorris Sellers had a disappointing 2025 season behind a porous offensive line, but his traits are exceptional. He has a cannon arm and makes unscripted plays look routine. Sellers' big frame and athletic ability make him a dynamic dual-threat, and I think he'll be a key player in the NFL.

  18. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame
    Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is an underrated prospect with the size and athleticism to dominate in the box and contribute on the edge. He has great feet, lateral quickness, and the ability to cover ground while overpowering backs and tight ends. KVA's potential is clear, and I think he'll be a valuable asset in the NFL.

  19. Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
    Darian Mensah is a big-time talent on a much-more talented roster, and he's been a dynamic dual-threat. He led Duke to an ACC championship, showing accuracy and arm strength to attack the entire field. Mensah's 30 touchdowns and 68% completion rate are impressive, and I expect a monster season.

  20. KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
    KJ Bolden is a high-production player with a lean frame, showing great range and a quick trigger. He's sudden, fluid, and has strong ball skills, with the versatility to line up across the secondary. Bolden's ability to line up across the secondary and his sudden, fluid movements make him a valuable asset.

  21. Anthony Smith, DL, Minnesota
    Anthony Smith is a disruptive edge player with ideal size and length who could kick inside at the next level. He recorded 14 sacks and 23 hurries in 2025, winning with heavy hands, power, and solid instincts. Smith's potential as an interior defensive player is clear.

  22. Ty Benefield, S, LSU
    Ty Benefield is a big-time player who likely would have been a Day 2 pick this year. He shows excellent range and recorded over 100 tackles at Boise State, along with two interceptions and three PBUs. Benefield's impact in the LSU secondary is notable.

  23. Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss
    Trinidad Chambliss emerged as a dynamic dual-threat who delivered on a weekly basis. He never looked overwhelmed and came through in clutch moments. Chambliss' 3,000 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 470 rushing yards are impressive, and I expect him to be a key player in the NFL.

  24. Demond Williams Jr., QB, Washington
    Demond Williams Jr. is an elusive, efficient dual-threat signal-caller with a quick release and strong accuracy. He completed over 70% of his passes for 21 touchdowns while adding nearly 600 rushing yards and six scores. Williams' potential as a quarterback is clear.

  25. T.J. Moore, WR, Clemson
    T.J. Moore is a long, rangy receiver with a large catch radius and natural hands. He beats press coverage and can play both inside and outside, offering a high ceiling. Moore's potential as a wide receiver is clear.

  26. Ahmad Moten Sr., DL, Miami
    Ahmad Moten Sr. had a monster 2025 breakout campaign and will be in the mix as one of the top interior defensive tackles. He blends finesse and power as a rusher and makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. Moten Sr.'s strong instincts, quick get-off, and solid hand usage against the run are notable.

  27. Sam Leavitt, QB, LSU
    Sam Leavitt is one of the most dynamic players in college football. He took a slight step back as a passer before a season-ending injury but continued to make plays as a runner. Leavitt's potential as a quarterback is clear, and I expect him to shine with a more talented offense under Lane Kiffin.

  28. Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama
    Zabien Brown is a ballhawk and playmaker with good size and change-of-direction skills. He had two pick-sixes and six PBUs, excelling in press coverage while matching up with top receivers. Brown's ability to make plays and cover top receivers is notable.

  29. Carter Smith, OT, Indiana
    Carter Smith had a solid 2025 season on an underrated offensive line that helped fuel a historic national championship run. He shows good technique in the run game and creates ample movement. Smith's ability to protect the quarterback and create movement is notable.

  30. A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon
    A'Mauri Washington is an explosive, powerful interior defender with strong knock-back ability. He plays with excellent leverage, lateral movement, and the ability to disrupt in the backfield. Washington's heavy hands and flashes of finesse as a pass rusher are impressive.

  31. Rasheem Biles, LB, Texas
    Rasheem Biles is an extremely athletic linebacker who's a tackling machine against the run and is no slouch in coverage. He excels in space and profiles as a tweener between linebacker and nickel. Biles' ability to make plays and tackle is notable.

  32. Coen Echols, IOL, Texas A&M
    Coen Echols is a powerful guard who excels in both phases. He shows excellent footwork, strength at the point of attack, and natural pass protection ability with a strong anchor. Echols' potential as an interior offensive lineman is clear.

2027 NFL Draft: Meet the 32 Future Stars You Need to Know (2026)
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