| ESPN.com: Alabama Crimson Tide | [Print without images] |
With the 2026 college football season in full swing, it's time to start stacking the top prospects in the 2027 NFL draft�class, which begins on April 29 in Washington, D.C. I've been watching and evaluating these players for a couple of years in some instances, and these rankings are a compilation of my scouting (both on film and in person) and conversations I've been having with scouts and evaluators around the NFL.
We're going to start these rankings with 50 players, with scouting reports on the top 25, but this list will expand as the draft gets closer and closer. And these rankings will evolve -- some players will shoot up boards, others will fall and still more will ultimately return to school for another year. But this is how I currently see things in the 2027 class.
Let's get to it, starting with arguably the best wide receiver prospect of the past 15-20 years. Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk, and the top names at every position are listed at the bottom.
Jump to:
Rankings by position

![]()
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 222
Stats through Nov. 7: 69 receptions for 1,200 receiving yards (17.4 yards per catch) and 14 touchdowns
Smith could have All-Pro potential early in his NFL career as a true No. 1 receiver. He immediately changes the offensive outlook for the team that adds him. He is sure-handed and can glide past defenders with ease. And he's equally as capable of winning with strength at the catch point. Smith's change of direction in routes needs to become sharper, as he can take too many choppy steps when working back toward passers. But he is tough to stop when allowed to attack defenses vertically.
![]()
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 197
Stats through Nov. 7: 16 tackles, five passes defensed, 43.8% completion percentage allowed
With excellent length, speed and technique, Moore is the prototypical cornerback prospect. His length and physicality allow him to excel when getting hands on receivers in press man coverage. He also has the awareness to identify and defend route concepts in zone coverage. Moore has the ball skills to match receivers, routinely tracking and attacking the ball out of the air. But he needs to improve his discipline and hand timing at the top of routes.
![]()
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 250
Stats through Nov. 7: 12 tackles, two sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, 20% pressure rate
With a slender frame, Stewart has rare burst and closing speed as a pass rusher. That allows him to wreak havoc on twists and stunts, though the tools have yet to lead to high-end production at the college level. Stewart must also become more consistent with using his length and shedding against the run.�
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 246
Stats through Nov. 7: 25 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 20.5% pressure rate
Simmons is an energetic and high-effort pass rusher, with a quick first step to explode past blockers. He has a nifty combination of hesitation moves and shoulder fakes. But he still needs to develop consistent counter moves, as he can get stuck if his initial move isn't effective. Simmons is a powerful run defender, using a strong base and powerful hands to keep his frame clean when setting the edge.
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 215
Stats through Nov. 7: 206-of-309 passing (66.7% completion percentage) for 2,962 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions; 36 carries for 177 rushing yards (4.9 yards per carry) and three touchdowns
Mestemaker is my top quarterback prospect despite this being only his second season as a starter in high school and college. He has an unconventional style, holding the ball at his waistline before ripping a fiery, three-quarters release. Mestemaker has the confidence to test the tightest of windows from various platforms, but that can get the best of him and lead to turnovers. Plus, he can be oblivious to underneath defenders. Mestemaker is bit of a streaky passer, though his hot streaks feature plenty of "wow" moments. And he is capable of being a running threat.
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235
Stats through Nov. 7: 58 tackles, five sacks, 11 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, three passes defensed
Cole is an easy moving, urgent defender from the second level. He has excellent lateral agility and pursuit speed to close on ball carriers in a hurry. But his ability to read and react to run concepts is still a work in progress, as his eyes can get fixated in the wrong spots. And he can be slow at recognizing concepts in zone coverage, leading to easy catches in his area. Cole is frequently used as a blitzer, which he does effectively.
![]()
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 208
Stats through Nov. 7: 50 receptions for 875 receiving yards (17.5 YPC) and nine touchdowns
Becker is primarily used as a vertical threat, and there are few college players who can match his straight-ahead speed. But he is more than just a threat with his legs; he's similar to an NBA rebounder with the way he wins 50-50 passes. That ability comes from a combination of elite body control at the catch point and A-plus hand-eye coordination, which helps him see the ball in slow motion. Becker does need to round out his route tree, showing NFL teams that he has more branches on it than just vertical patterns.
![]()
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205
Stats through Nov. 7: 35 tackles, two interceptions for 2 yards, 12 passes defensed, 26.8% completion percentage allowed
Hampton is a physically imposing cornerback who strives to humiliate receivers at the line of scrimmage by getting his hands on them. Since most receivers struggle to untangle from his coverage, he would be ideal for press man coverage schemes at the next level. Hampton is also a forceful tackler on the perimeter, with lots of knockback strength when coming into contact with ball carriers. But he does need to be more disciplined with his timing in coverage.
![]()
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180
Stats through Nov. 7: 19 tackles, two interceptions for 8 yards, six passes defensed, 48.1% completion percentage allowed
Robinson is an ultra-athletic cornerback whose quick feet and sudden change of direction helps him stay connected in man coverage. But there are times when Robinson gives up big gains because his technique tends to be abandoned. His best reps come in zone coverage, where he has a great feel for concepts unfolding. Robinson has excellent awareness with attacking the ball in flight, and he has a linebacker-like appetite for contact in run support.
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 315
Stats through Nov. 7: 22 tackles, 2.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, five passes defensed
An explosive 3-technique, Echoles is one of the most versatile and well-conditioned interior defenders in the country. He has energetic hands that help him accelerate past blockers, and reliable lower body strength helps him be a malleable run defender. Echoles still needs to make major improvements in his counter moves, as he can get stuck on blockers when his power and initial moves are matched. Plus, he can get caught not being firm on contact and get moved off his spot.
![]()
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 307
Stats through Nov. 7: 612 snaps, 0.9% pressure rate allowed, 1.2% blown run block rate
Seaton combines a good blend of awareness, quick hands and lower-body suddenness to be a high-level pass protector. He's also an easy mover in space, which allows him to excel as a puller or on screen plays. Seaton can be trusted on an island, but his biggest area of improvement must come as a run blocker. His hands and feet are inconsistent when driving on blocks to the second level.
![]()
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 325
Stats through Nov. 7: 531 snaps, 0.3% pressure rate allowed, 0.5% blown run block rate
Johnson is a hulking interior blocker whose strength helps him latch and sustain at the point of attack. He has a reliable anchor that helps him tether his feet and quickly stall pass-rush moves. In gap run schemes, Johnson has shown quickness when pulling. In zone run schemes, Johnson can be fluid enough to climb and cover up linebackers on the second level. A lot of Johnson's losses are a result of him relying solely on his upper body to generate torque and movement. His recovery athleticism is average, and he can face challenges when forced to readjust after being beaten quickly around either shoulder.
![]()
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215
Stats through Nov. 7: 177-of-262 passing (67.6%) for 2,168 passing yards and 21 touchdowns to one interception; 26 carries for 89 rushing yards (3.4 YPC) and three touchdowns
Carr is a refined pocket passer whose eyes, feet and throwing motion are always in cohesion. With an easy throwing motion, he is a decisive passer who trusts his eyes to pick apart defenses. He has a great feel for the types of passes that are needed, putting enough touch or velocity on them. And he is routinely in control at the line of scrimmage with protections and when calling audibles. Carr's overall arm strength and velocity are average. And he sometimes creates chaotic negative losses trying to make a positive play instead of moving on to the next play.
![]()
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 305
Stats through Nov. 7: 26 tackles, six sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two passes defensed
Gilliam is an explosive, upfield interior defender who can penetrate the first level with ease. His game centers around quickness, as his first step is difficult for blockers to match. Gilliam's active hands help him win with multiple plans of attack in pass-rush situations. He is equally as strong as a run defender, anchoring his feet in the ground to withstand at the point of attack. He also can stack and dislodge blocking attempts to knock run concepts off-schedule.
![]()
Height: 6-8 | Weight: 305
Stats through Nov. 7: 561 snaps, 0.7% pressure rate allowed, 0.8% blown run block rate
Williams' playing style is a bit unconventional, and his lack of experience shows throughout games. However, he has plenty of skills that NFL teams covet. Williams' towering frame helps him shadow and shut down pass rushers around the arc of the pocket. His lower-body fluidity and drive strength at the point of attack allows him to gain momentum into blocks as a run blocker. His knee bend must become more consistent throughout reps, and he'll also have moments where he lacks depth in pass protection sets.
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 205
Stats through Nov. 7: 212-of-276 passing (76.8%) for 2,694 passing yards and 28 touchdowns to two interceptions; 35 carries for 137 rushing yards (3.9 YPC) and two touchdowns
Mensah is a locate-and-loft thrower who has a great sense of true progressions and can string together long stretches of accurate completions. He has great touch on passes, as he can drop throws right into the outstretched arms of targets. Mensah is also unafraid to throw into the teeth of blitzes and make defenses pay for trying to rush his throw plans. He is sufficient enough with his legs to buy time and make throws outside of structure. But Mensah has average velocity when forced to throw into tight windows. And he needs to improve his ball security, as rushers have had success jarring the ball loose from him in the pocket.
![]()
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 202
Stats through Nov. 7: 47 receptions for 800 receiving yards (17.0 YPC) and seven touchdowns
Harris is a sudden, smooth route runner who can execute any branch on the route tree. He can maneuver and control defenders by executing efficient steps and extra body moves. His high-end competitive drive allows him to fight through contact in route stems and create separation at the top of his routes. That competitiveness carries over into his after-the-catch process, where he can turn short-to-intermediate catches into explosive plays because of his instant speed. Harris also has excellent concentration at the catch point. which helps him see the ball into his hands no matter the pass location.
![]()
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220
Stats through Nov. 7: 175-of-283 passing (61.8%) for 2,204 passing yards and 18 touchdowns to two interceptions; 26 carries for 20 rushing yards (0.8 YPC)
Simmons has a slight build but is an extremely explosive thrower with A-level arm strength. His baseball pitching background shows, as he has a whippy and violent throwing motion that adds excellent velocity to his passes. There isn't a window on the field that isn't attainable thanks to his arm strength. Simmons is also an anticipatory thrower who is consistent in making "about to be open" throws to targets. He is also capable of executing touch throws and can layer the ball into receivers. Simmons can use his powerful arm as a crutch, as he can be late to some reads and with getting the ball out when pressured. Simmons' physical tools are tantalizing, but the sample size is still very small.
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210
Stats through Nov. 7: 38 receptions for 669 receiving yards (17.6 YPC) and eight touchdowns
Built like a running back, Marsh's separators are his frame, competitiveness and power at the catch point. His strong releases at the line help him work through and steer clear of press coverage prior to making catches. And he's excellent after the catch, turning underneath catches into big gains as defenders bounce off his frame. Marsh is also an outstanding run blocker who isn't afraid of doing the dirty work inside of the box. The one issue with Marsh is that he has yet to develop other tactics to establish and maintain true separation.
![]()
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 255
Stats through Nov. 7: 29 receptions for 370 receiving yards (12.8 YPC) and three touchdowns; one carry for two rushing yards (2.0 YPC) and one touchdown
Johnson is a big playmaker in the passing game, especially over the middle of the field. He has natural hands and the catch radius to pluck balls outside his frame. As a route runner, Johnson wins with controlled tempos, decisiveness and spatial awareness. He can compete through contact when challenged, but he won't surprise defenders with his top-end speed or suddenness. Johnson also isn't a dynamic threat who can stack up extra yards after the catch that aren't created for him schematically. He isn't overly reliable on single blocks as a run blocker.
![]()
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 314
Stats through Nov. 7: 487 snaps, 2.1% pressure rate allowed, 0% blown run block rate
Lauck is an old-school, tough offensive tackle. His playing style isn't flashy or glamorous; he simply collects wins in bunches by executing his hand power and physicality. Lauck has upper-tier upper-body strength and hands that are active when initiating contact. His pass sets are a bit unconventional given his average athleticism, but he's savvy with sorting and terminating rush moves. Lauck isn't firm on contact and can get moved off his spot, so he will need to learn to better churn his feet after the initiation process. He could improve his lower-body strength.
![]()
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 325
Stats through Nov. 7: 572 snaps, 3.1% pressure rate allowed, 1.9% blown run block rate
Heard is a physical, wide-framed blocker who uses his natural tools effectively. His physicality is always turned up to the max, as he seeks to destroy anything in his path as a true road grader. He has excellent knockback strength, and defenders jolt back when he's able to get proper hand placement. Heard has average range as a pass protector and quick upfield rushers have had success clearing his near hip to create pathways to pressure passers. He also could be a converted to guard to maximize his strength levels in confined areas.
![]()
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 253
Stats through Nov. 7: 30 tackles, four sacks, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception for 18 yards, one pass defensed
Traore is a long, disruptive presence off the edge. He displays an expansive repertoire of pass-rush moves, including effective speed-to-power transitions and timely spin moves. He has a nonstop motor, routinely accelerates around the rim of pockets and has the bending ability to turn a corner. He is an aware run defender who has the length to stack blockers and keep his vision clean. He must add mass to become firmer at the point of attack and when attempting to set the edge. His counter moves need improvement, but he has the potential to be a reliable No. 2 complementary rusher with more strength.
![]()
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 300
Stats through Nov. 7: 33 tackles, five sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble
Thompkins is a heavy-handed, versatile defender capable of rushing from inside and off the edge. With upper-level hand power, he's able to stack and shed from blockers with ease. His overwhelming power at the point of attack helps him create eventual wins as a pass rusher and few blockers can match his power profile. A stout lower half helps him hold up and maintain his gaps. Thompkins can play multiple alignments up front because of his stout frame and strength levels.
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 238
Stats through Nov. 7: 172-of-274 passing (62.8%) for 2,100 passing yards and 17 touchdowns to seven interceptions; 104 carries for 637 rushing yards (6.1 YPC) and seven touchdowns
Sellers is an explosive dual-threat passer with A-level arm power, mobility and body strength. He has a great feel for trajectory and touch on long passes and can make "drop it in the bucket" throws downfield. His compact release helps him fire the ball into condensed windows in intermediate areas. Sellers is also a game changer on designed QB runs and scrambles with his instant acceleration. He is a high-variance passer who makes a mixture of wow throws and turnover-worthy ones. Sellers can still play too programmed and stiff at times. He's a developmental passer who needs to play with more anticipation to unlock his full potential.
![]()
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 237
Stats through Nov. 7: 29 receptions for 357 receiving yards (12.3 YPC) and two touchdowns
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 251
Stats through Nov. 7: 28 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, two passes defensed, one interception for 27 yards and a touchdown
![]()
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 225
Stats through Nov. 7: 160 carries for 836 rushing yards (5.2 YPC) and 14 touchdowns; 10 receptions for 66 receiving yards (6.6 YPC)
![]()
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205
Stats through Nov. 7: 33 tackles, seven passes defensed, 30% completion percentage allowed
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 300
Stats through Nov. 7: 30 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble
![]()
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195
Stats through Nov. 7: 31 tackles, 0.5 sacks, two interceptions for 55 yards, three passes defensed, 42.9% completion percentage allowed
![]()
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 225
Stats through Nov. 7: 45 receptions for 774 receiving yards (17.2 YPC) and nine touchdowns
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 204
Stats through Nov. 7: 23 receptions for 409 receiving yards (17.8 YPC) and seven touchdowns
![]()
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 203
Stats through Nov. 7: 41 tackles, two interceptions for 7 yards, five passes defensed, one sack, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble, 46.2% completion percentage allowed
![]()
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 325
Stats through Nov. 7: 385 snaps, 0% pressure rate allowed, 3.5% blown run block rate
![]()
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 210
Stats through Nov. 7: 39 tackles, one tackle for loss, five interceptions for 104 yards and a touchdown, three pass defensed, 50% completion percentage allowed
![]()
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 222
Stats through Nov. 7: 168-of-254 passing (66.1%) for 2,024 passing yards and 18 touchdowns to seven interceptions; 76 carries for 91 rushing yards (1.2 YPC) and two touchdowns
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 298
Stats through Nov. 7: 487 snaps, 0.8% pressure rate allowed, 2.9% blown run block rate
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 312
Stats through Nov. 7: 33 tackles, two sacks, 3.5 tackles for loss
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220
Stats through Nov. 7: 69-of-99 passing (69.7%) for 926 passing yards and nine touchdowns to zero interceptions; 10 carries for minus-7 rushing yards (minus-0.7 YPC)
![]()
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220
Stats through Nov. 7: 52 receptions for 907 receiving yards (15.9 YPC) and nine touchdowns; one carry for nine rushing yards (9.0 YPC)
![]()
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 205
Stats through Nov. 7: 78 carries for 388 rushing yards (5.0 YPC) and five touchdowns; 10 receptions for 33 yards (3.3 YPC)
![]()
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 310
Stats through Nov. 7:�520 snaps, 0.8% pressure rate allowed, 0.7% blown run block rate
![]()
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205
Stats through Nov. 7: 207-of-330 passing (62.7%) for 2,359 passing yards and 18 touchdowns to nine interceptions; 57 carries for 187 rushing yards (3.5 YPC) and seven touchdowns
![]()
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 201
Stats through Nov. 7: 67 tackles, three tackles for loss, one interception for 0 yards, four passes defensed, 55% completion percentage allowed
![]()
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 184
Stats through Nov. 7: 25 receptions for 429 receiving yards (17.2 YPC) and four touchdowns; four carries for 23 rushing yards (5.8 YPC) and one touchdown
![]()
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 305
Stats through Nov. 7: 555 snaps, 0.7% pressure rate allowed, 1.5% blown run block rate
![]()
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 250
Stats through Nov. 7: 56 receptions for 560 receiving yards (10.0 YPC) and six touchdowns
![]()
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 234
Stats through Nov. 7: 22 tackles, one sack, 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception for 14 yards, one fumble recovery
![]()
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 239
Stats through Nov. 7: 61 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, four passes defensed

1. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
2. CJ Carr, Notre Dame
3. Darian Mensah, Miami
4. Austin Simmons, Missouri
5. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
1. Jadan Baugh, Florida
2. Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
3. Dylan Riley, Boise State
4. Wayshawn Parker, Utah
5. Nate Frazier, Georgia
1. Jelani Thurman, North Carolina
2. Andrew Rappleyea, Penn State
3. Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech
1. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
2. Charlie Becker, Indiana
3. Jackson Harris, LSU
4. Nick Marsh, Indiana
5. KJ Duff, Rutgers
1. Jamari Johnson, Oregon
2. Trey'Dez Green, LSU
3. Luke Reynolds, Virginia Tech
4. DJ Vonnahme, Iowa
5. Willie Rodriguez, Kentucky
1. Jordan Seaton, LSU
2. Zereoue Williams, Utah
3. Trevor Lauck, Iowa
4. Lance Heard, Kentucky
5. Trevor Goosby, Texas
1. Carter Smith, Indiana
2. Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame
3. Austin Siereveld, Ohio State
4. Evan Tengesdahl, Cincinnati
5. Cayden Green, Missouri
1. Greg Johnson, Minnesota
2. Kade Pieper, Iowa
3. Coleton Price, Kentucky
4. Anthony Boswell, Houston
5. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
1. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
2. Colin Simmons, Texas
3. Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame
4. Devan Thompkins, Alabama
5. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
6. Will Heldt, Clemson
7. Jordan Ross, LSU
8. Princewill Umanmielen, LSU
1. Will Echoles, Ole Miss
2. Xavier Gilliam, Tennessee
3. David Stone, Oklahoma
4. Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami
5. A'Mauri Washington, Oregon
1. Chris Cole, Georgia
2. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
3. Sammy Omosigho, UCLA
4. Tony Rojas, Penn State
5. Arion Carter, Tennessee
1. Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
2. Ashton Hampton, Clemson
3. Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia
4. Kelley Jones, Mississippi State
5. Vicari Swain, South Carolina
1. KJ Bolden, Georgia
2. Jaylen McClain, Ohio State
3. Kingston Lopa, California
4. Jelani McDonald, Texas
5. Amare Ferrell, Indiana
1. David Olano, Texas A&M
2. Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss
3. Peyton Woodring, Georgia
1. Daniel Sparks, Virginia
2. Evan Crenshaw, Troy
3. Palmer Williams, Baylor
1. Ben Anderson, Oklahoma
2. Adam Booker, Miami
3. Salem Abdul-Wahab, UCLA