NCAAF · 3 days ago

2027 NFL Mock Draft: USA Today Edition

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

32. Seattle Seahawks – Mateen Ibirogba, DT, Texas Tech

"Mike Macdonald's deep and varied pass rush appears due for upheaval next year, with defensive tackle Leonard Williams and edge rushers Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall all unsigned beyond this season. A former edge rusher at Georgetown, Ibirogba bulked up to become an interior pest at Wake Forest but maintained the explosiveness and versatility that Macdonald and general manager John Schneider would no doubt appreciate." — Schwartz

Reaction: A high-motor, versatile interior rusher is exactly the kind of chess piece Mike Macdonald needs to restock his defensive line.
1. New York Jets – Arch Manning, QB, Texas

"Manning would provide an unparalleled level of hope and excitement to a franchise that doesn't look equipped to end the lengthiest active postseason drought in North American men's team sports anytime soon." — Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Reaction: It is the obvious marriage of need and star power, but Manning's 2026 performance, not his famous last name, must ultimately justify the No. 1 pick.
2. Miami Dolphins – Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

"Taking a wide receiver this early certainly isn't part of the roster-building playbook to which Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan subscribed when he was with the Packers. Smith, however, is no ordinary pass catcher." — Schwartz

Reaction: Miami may have bigger structural needs, but passing on a receiver this talented could be the riskier decision.
3. Arizona Cardinals – Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

"Even with Jeremiyah Love in the fold, Arizona's offense likely won't take off until it can find a true catalyst behind center." — Schwartz

Reaction: Moore's high ceiling makes this a worthwhile gamble to fully unlock the potential of Arizona's evolving offense.
4. Atlanta Falcons – Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

"While Atlanta already added cornerback Avieon Terrell alongside brother A.J., it probably would stand to benefit greatly by adding Moore, a coverage maven who recorded five interceptions last year and is the only consensus All-American on defense set to return to college football in 2026." — Schwartz

Reaction: Doubling down at corner is defensible when the prospect is this polished and dependable in coverage.
5. Tennessee Titans – Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas

"The Carnell Tate pick revealed how much of a premium Tennessee is placing on equipping Cam Ward with the help that was absent throughout his rookie campaign. The next step might be revisiting his protection plan after big-ticket left tackle Dan Moore Jr. flopped in his first season with the Titans." — Schwartz

Reaction: After investing in Cam Ward’s weapons, protecting the young quarterback would be the logical next phase of Tennessee’s rebuild.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU

"Seems safe to say that all of the Raiders' plans will be colored by a desire to safeguard and support Fernando Mendoza." — Schwartz

Reaction: Protecting Fernando Mendoza has to be priority number one, and Seaton provides the massive anchor required to do just that.
7. Cleveland Browns – CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame

"The nightmarish Deshaun Watson ordeal can finally come to a close after this season, though its specter will remain even beyond the dead cap hits that Cleveland is set to carry in future years. Moving on would be a lot easier if the Browns could pull themselves out of quarterback purgatory with a figure like Carr." — Schwartz

Reaction: Turning the page from the Watson era with Carr's pro-ready skill set is exactly the palate cleanser Cleveland desperately needs.
8. New York Giants – Cam Coleman, WR, Texas

"Coleman would further enhance Jaxson Dart's ability to attack deep, with few cornerbacks proving themselves capable of matching his speed and jump-ball prowess." — Schwartz

Reaction: Coleman’s vertical ability alongside Jaxson Dart is enticing, although New York would still need enough reliable options underneath.
9. New Orleans Saints – Colin Simmons, DE/OLB, Texas

"A Saints defense in transition is overdue for the youth movement that's helped reinvigorate the offense. Simmons has quickly established himself as one of college football's premier pass rushers after compiling 21 sacks in his first two years." — Schwartz

Reaction: This is exactly the kind of premium-position swing an aging Saints defense should make if Simmons reaches his anticipated ceiling.
10. Washington Commanders – Dylan Stewart, DE/OLB, South Carolina

"What a homecoming this would be for the Washington D.C. native. If the 6-5, 245-pounder rediscovers his form after something of a letdown campaign last year, he'll no doubt be in the mix to be off the board very early." — Schwartz

Reaction: The local connection is appealing, but Stewart’s ability to rebound and develop matters far more than the homecoming storyline.
11. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – KJ Bolden, S, Georgia

"Taking a safety this early might seem like a luxury for a Jets roster with so many unsettled spots. Bolden, however, can be a load-bearing asset for a secondary that lacks much in the way of dependability." — Schwartz

Reaction: Safety at No. 11 is expensive, but a versatile tone-setter like Bolden could justify it on a defense lacking dependable playmakers.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon

"The post-Mike Evans life might quickly reveal how badly the Buccaneers miss having a supersized option in the passing game. At 6-5 and 257 pounds, Johnson can handle in-line work and win contested catches while also stretching defenses vertically and doing damage after the catch." — Schwartz

Reaction: Johnson would not replace Mike Evans stylistically, but his size could preserve the matchup advantage Tampa Bay has long enjoyed.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers – Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State

"Omar Khan unquestionably has a type when it comes to quarterbacks: Sturdy and strong-armed passers built to weather the elements in the AFC North." — Schwartz

Reaction: The physical profile fits Pittsburgh’s preferences, although the value depends on how convincingly Mestemaker handles a bigger stage.
14. Jets (from Dallas Cowboys) – Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia

"Robinson recorded four interceptions last season, and his playmaking streak would surely stand out on a defense that didn't manage to pull down a single pick in 2025." — Schwartz

Reaction: With three first-round picks, the Jets can afford boldness, and pairing Robinson with Bolden could transform rather than merely patch the secondary.
15. Carolina Panthers – Quincy Rhodes, DE/OLB, Arkansas

"After following up two Day 2 picks at edge in 2025 with the massive Jaelan Phillips contract this spring, this might seem like a lot for Carolina to throw at one spot. Yet if their young alternatives hit a snag in their development opposite Phillips, it will be mighty tempting to look to Rhodes, who surprised many by returning to school." — Schwartz

Reaction: You can never have enough edge rushers, and Rhodes provides a high-upside insurance policy.
16. Cincinnati Bengals – Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama

"At 6-0 and 194 pounds with the physical mentality and make-up speed to handle press coverage, Brown clears the bar on plenty of traits the Bengals covet from their defensive backs." — Schwartz

Reaction: Brown’s physical, press-man profile provides defensive coordinator Al Golden with the exact type of sticky, competitive corner needed to keep elevating Cincy's defense.
17. Minnesota Vikings – Ahmad Hardy, RB, Missouri

"At 5-10 and 210 pounds, Hardy is more Ashton Jeanty than Jeremiyah Love, though it remains to be seen whether he can transcend the running back value conversation the way either ball carrier did." — Schwartz

Reaction: It's a steep price for a running back in the first round, but Hardy's dynamic playmaking could redefine the Vikings' ground game.
18. Detroit Lions – Will Heldt, DE, Clemson

"The Lions traded up in the second round to take Derrick Moore as Aidan Hutchinson's running mate, but it might be hard to resist first-round options next year. One promising possibility could be Heldt, who was talented enough to change the mind of noted transfer holdout Dabo Swinney." — Schwartz

Reaction: Putting Heldt opposite Aidan Hutchinson would give the Lions a relentless pass-rushing duo that keeps NFC North quarterbacks awake at night.
19. Baltimore Ravens – Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State

"A towering presence on the back end at 6-4 and 195 pounds, Jones could help the Ravens combat the likes of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and DK Metcalf in the AFC North." — Schwartz

Reaction: Jones has the rare frame to challenge the AFC North’s oversized receivers, though his technique must ensure that size remains an asset.
20. Houston Texans – Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame

"There's not much missing from DeMeco Ryans' defense, which routinely overwhelms opponents with the sheer force of its starters. But linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o are both entering the final year of their deals, and money will be a tight for a franchise with so much top-of-market talent. Viliamu-Asa can patrol the second level as a trusted run stopper." — Schwartz

Reaction: It is not a glamorous selection, but planning ahead at linebacker is how elite defenses avoid becoming expensive and top-heavy.
21. Kansas City Chiefs – Trey'Dez Green, TE, LSU

"Here's a fun vision for a Travis Kelce successor. At 6-7 and 240 pounds, Green would give Patrick Mahomes an easy button in the red zone and on jump balls." — Schwartz

Reaction: Giving Patrick Mahomes a 6-foot-7 red-zone cheat code as the heir apparent to Travis Kelce is a terrifying thought for the rest of the league.
22. Philadelphia Eagles – Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State

"If Jalen Hurts doesn't receive a contract extension this offseason and struggles to mesh with new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's plan, things could come to a head next offseason for the Eagles and their star quarterback." — Schwartz

Reaction: This is the mock’s boldest scenario, because selecting Sayin would signal not competition for Jalen Hurts but a complete organizational pivot at the game's most important position.
23. Cowboys (from Packers) – Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana

"George Pickens might soon be running an out route after Dallas informed the franchise-tagged receiver it wouldn't be offering him an extension before the season. Should a trade materialize or the Cowboys simply want to move on, they could use their second first-rounder from the Micah Parsons deal to find a replacement. Marsh presents a comparable skill set, highlighted by the 6-3, 203-pounder's penchant for pulling down contested catches and a clear comfort working deep." — Schwartz

Reaction: Marsh is an ideal, plug-and-play successor to George Pickens, bringing the same alpha mentality and deep-threat ability.
24. San Francisco 49ers – Koi Perich, S, Oregon

"The back end of the 49ers' defense hasn't generated many splash plays in recent years. Perich, who dabbled at receiver at Minnesota and also was a standout returner, could change the dynamic of the secondary." — Schwartz

Reaction: Perich’s playmaking instincts and return-game versatility provide the exact kind of spark the 49ers' secondary has been missing.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars – David Stone, DT, Oklahoma

"At the center of the Jaguars' defensive turnaround was a heavy emphasis on creating chaos. The interior defensive line, however, didn't live up to the standard set by the rest of the unit. Coordinator Anthony Campanile would surely find a way to take advantage of Stone's rapid initial burst and imposing length." — Schwartz

Reaction: Stone’s explosive first step fits Jacksonville’s chaos-driven approach, and interior disruption is the logical place to complete the defensive front.
26. Buffalo Bills – Damon Wilson II, DE, Miami (Fla.)

"For the Bills to truly thrive in new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's system, the franchise might need to break from some of its past proclivities. That could mean trying to jolt a stubborn edge rush with Wilson, who isn't yet a reliable presence against the run but could be in line to follow ex-Hurricanes Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor as an early pick after transferring from Missouri." — Schwartz

Reaction: Buffalo may have to tolerate some early run-defense shortcomings if Wilson can finally add genuine explosiveness to its edge rush.
27. Los Angeles Chargers – A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon

"Jim Harbaugh's quest to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball seems bound to extend to next offseason. Washington moves astonishingly well for a 330-pounder, but his real value to the Chargers would be the double teams he draws and run plays he routinely blows up." — Schwartz

Reaction: Jim Harbaugh loves building through the trenches, and a 330-pound block-eater like Washington perfectly fits that physical identity.
28. Chicago Bears – Ahmad Moten, DT, Miami (Fla.)

"Dennis Allen's defense might require more meaningful disruption from the interior than Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett can provide. Moten's quick-twitch movements that leave plodding blockers playing catch-up could yield the level of penetration that Allen relishes." — Schwartz

Reaction: Moten’s penetration would suit Dennis Allen’s defense, although Chicago may seek a more complete three-down interior player this early.
29. New England Patriots – Whit Weeks, LB, LSU

"Weeks was waylaid by a broken ankle last season but could be a terror on blitzes for a Patriots defense that likes to keep its opponents guessing." — Schwartz

Reaction: Weeks possesses the exact blend of downhill aggression and blitzing versatility that the Patriots have always prioritized at linebacker.
30. Los Angeles Rams – Princewill Umanmielen, DE/OLB, LSU

"A two-time transfer from Nebraska and Mississippi, Umanmielen - the brother of Panthers outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen - could form an imposing tandem with Jared Verse if he continues to develop after posting nine sacks last year." — Schwartz

Note: This mock was done prior to the Cleveland Browns trading Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Cleveland now owns this selection.

Reaction: Umanmielen could still be the pick here as a foundational piece for Cleveland’s post-Garrett rebuild.
31. Denver Broncos – A.J. Holmes Jr., DT, Texas Tech

"After the Jaylen Waddle trade, the Broncos might be poised to boast the AFC's most well-balanced roster for some time. Holmes would make Denver's stacked defense ramp up the pressure on opponents even further while demanding attention and creating opportunities for others." — Schwartz

Reaction: On an already balanced roster, Holmes would be a classic strength-on-strength selection designed to keep Denver’s defense dominant.
32. Seattle Seahawks – Mateen Ibirogba, DT, Texas Tech

"Mike Macdonald's deep and varied pass rush appears due for upheaval next year, with defensive tackle Leonard Williams and edge rushers Uchenna Nwosu and Derick Hall all unsigned beyond this season. A former edge rusher at Georgetown, Ibirogba bulked up to become an interior pest at Wake Forest but maintained the explosiveness and versatility that Macdonald and general manager John Schneider would no doubt appreciate." — Schwartz

Reaction: A high-motor, versatile interior rusher is exactly the kind of chess piece Mike Macdonald needs to restock his defensive line.
1. New York Jets – Arch Manning, QB, Texas

"Manning would provide an unparalleled level of hope and excitement to a franchise that doesn't look equipped to end the lengthiest active postseason drought in North American men's team sports anytime soon." — Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Reaction: It is the obvious marriage of need and star power, but Manning's 2026 performance, not his famous last name, must ultimately justify the No. 1 pick.

2027 NFL Mock Draft: USA Today Edition

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