The 2027 NFL mock draft from ESPN’s Field Yates has landed, and it already points to a wild April. Yates projects three quarterbacks, two wide receivers, and two Jets selections in the top 10, with the order based on the inverse standings through Week 6. Every NFL mock draft this early comes with caveats, since injuries, trades, and coaching changes will reshape team needs before the draft begins on April 29. Even so, the first look at the class’s top prospects is worth reading.
Chargers Open the 2027 NFL Mock Draft With Jeremiah Smith
The winless Chargers (0-6) sit at No. 1, and Yates sends them Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith. Los Angeles has no true difference-maker among its pass catchers and ranks 29th in yards after the catch. Smith (6-foot-4, 222 pounds) has 984 yards and 12 touchdowns this season and could soon own the Big Ten’s career receiving records.
No receiver has gone No. 1 since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996, but in this 2027 NFL mock draft that streak is very much in play.
Quarterbacks Dominate the 2027 NFL Mock Draft
Three passers come off the board early, which is the biggest theme of this 2027 NFL mock draft:
- No. 2, Dolphins: Drew Mestemaker (Oklahoma State) is a 6-3, 215-pound dual-threat with off-platform creativity. Yates gives him the early lead as the top QB in the class. Miami’s investment in Malik Willis has no guaranteed money beyond 2027.
- No. 7, Jets (via Cowboys): CJ Carr (Notre Dame) is a quick processor and mechanically sound thrower. He would address the Jets’ long-term question behind 36-year-old Geno Smith.
- No. 9, Cardinals: Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss) is a playmaker who averaged 307 passing yards in three College Football Playoff games last season. Arizona invested in Carson Beck in April, but Yates isn’t sold on him as the long-term answer.
Quarterback decisions can change fast, as our look at NFL starting quarterbacks who could be benched in 2026 shows.
Defensive Playmakers Fill the Middle of the Top 10
The 2027 NFL mock draft leans on defense through the middle of the first round:
- No. 3, Titans: Leonard Moore (CB, Notre Dame) has allowed just six receptions on 153 coverage snaps.
- No. 4, Buccaneers: Colin Simmons (Edge, Texas) has 31.5 sacks since the start of 2024. Tampa Bay has only 11 sacks through six games.
- No. 5, Commanders: Dylan Stewart (Edge, South Carolina) is explosive and powerful, but a recent one-game suspension raises questions.
- No. 8, Texans: Trevor Goosby (OT, Texas) is a standout run blocker who would add to Houston’s rebuilt line.
Eagles and Jets Add Playmakers
At No. 6, Philadelphia takes Indiana receiver Charlie Becker (6-4, 208), who ranks 11th nationally with 99.1 receiving yards per game. He would give DeVonta Smith a perimeter partner.
The Jets finish the first round of this projection at No. 10 with Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton. Both of their top-10 picks came via trades, one from Dallas and one from Indianapolis. The Jets would even hold the 11th pick if the season ended today, which could mean Ole Miss defensive tackle Will Echoles. To see how those trades unfolded, read our NFL trade deadline winners and losers for 2026.
What to Watch Before April
Prospects can return to school, others can declare early, and every team’s needs will shift. The draft order will move with the standings, so keep tabs on the NFL standings and division races as the season continues.
FAQs
Who is the projected No. 1 pick?
Yates has the Chargers taking Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Which quarterback is projected highest?
Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker goes second to Miami, followed by CJ Carr at No. 7 and Trinidad Chambliss at No. 9.
When is the 2027 NFL Draft?
The draft begins on April 29.
Can the order change?
Yes. This projection uses the standings through Week 6, so wins, losses, trades, and early declarations will all shuffle the board.