Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Damon Payne (44) tips a pass from Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images It’s that time of the NFL calendar where pretty much nothing is going on, which makes it an intriguing time to peek at next year’s draft.
Even though there are still a few high profile free agents remaining, teams are in OTAs and not much else is happening right now.
Let’s take a crack at a 2027 NFL Draft top 10 mock.
Arizona Cardinals: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
After drafting Jeremiyah Love in the top five, the Cardinals are about to learn how many other holes they actually have.
They need to work something out with starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who is a capable enough bridge to navigate this rebuild in the desert. Smith is the best receiving prospect since Calvin Johnson, and an absolute no-brainer for a rebuilding squad drafting No. 1 overall.
Miami Dolphins: Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
Another team that needs help everywhere, especially defensively, Simmons is a can’t miss target for the Dolphins.
The Dolphins would’ve loved Smith to be available to better support Malik Willis. But assuming he’s off the board, Miami could help defensive-minded head coach Jeff Haffley (assuming he’s still employed) with an absolute gamewrecker in Simmons.
New York Jets: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) throws a pass during the fourth quarter the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images A surprise? Perhaps not. Moore could’ve been the No. 2 overall pick to the Jets if he would’ve left Oregon and declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
One year later, the Jets could get the quarterback they’ve likely already done a plethora of work on, who will likely be coming off of another stellar year with a loaded Ducks team.
Las Vegas Raiders: Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
The Raiders should be much better offensively with Ashton Jeanty and Fernando Mendoza. This is another team that would love Smith, but let’s not forget that they tried to trade Maxx Crosby just a few months ago.
Stewart could complement Crosby or replace him. Either way, he’s an impact player that fits the timeline in Vegas.
Cleveland Browns: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
The Browns are currently trying to pick between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders as their starting quarterback.
It’s possible that neither of those guys are on their roster in 2027 after the team drafts Manning, their newest hope at quarterback. After two years of loading up the roster with young talent, Cleveland could actually be an ideal landing spot for Manning, assuming he takes another step forward at Texas this season.
Atlanta Falcons: C.J. Carr, QB, Notre Dame
Oct 18, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback CJ Carr, right, runs the ball as running back Jeremiyah Love (4) blocks during the second half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images Here comes the run on quarterbacks.
New Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski just can’t quit quarterback controversies. He arrived in Atlanta with Michael Penix Jr., but quickly added free agent quarterback Tua Tagovailoa following his release from the Dolphins.
In classic Stefanski fashion, don’t expect either of those guys to be the answer. Carr makes a lot of sense here, assuming he takes another leap at Notre Dame this year.
Tennessee Titans: Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss
If Jeanty pops in Vegas and Love pops in Arizona during the 2026 season, teams are going to be inclined to keep drafting running backs in the top 10.
Lacy is primed for a huge season at Ole Miss. He has elite breakaway speed. If there’s going to be a running back selected in the top 10, Lacy is a safe pick for a Titans team that has Cam Ward and Carnell Tate, but not much else offensively.
New Orleans Saints: Jordan Seaton, RT, LSU
It’s almost impossible that Seaton will drop this far. But in the event that he does after a run on skill position players and quarterbacks? The Saints could make some sense.
Right tackles in the top 10 are never a glamorous pick, but Seaton has the make up of a player that could anchor an offensive line for many years and makes sense for a Saints offense that should be on the rise.
Cincinnati Bengals: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
Dec 20, 2024; Notre Dame, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Joshua Burnham (40) and cornerback Leonard Moore (15) tackle Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Myles Price (4) during the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images Another player that’s unlikely to drop this far, Moore would be a dream selection for the Bengals.
Cincinnati desperately needs defensive help to support Joe Burrow and Cincinnati’s talented offense. Moore is the best cornerback in college football by a big margin and would fit the need perfectly in Cincinnati.
Washington Commanders: Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
If Manning is going to be a top five pick in the 2027 class, expect Coleman to be a big reason why.
The 19-year-old Auburn transfer is primed for a massive season with the Longhorns and Manning following his 94 catch, 1,323 receiving yard and 13 touchdown season with the Tigers.
