2027 NFL draft: Ranking top five prospects at every position - ESPN

Sure, there's nearly a year until the 2027 NFL draft kicks off in Washington, D.C. But there's no such thing as being too early when looking at a draft class, especially one with the hype and excitement that the class of 2027 provides.

So, Matt Miller and Jordan Reid compiled their early top fives at every position group. They based this on film study they've done on the class to date, plus conversations with trusted scouts and personnel people from throughout the NFL. They also picked a player whose evaluation is complicated due to external factors (injuries, position changes, transfers, etc.) and identified a non-top-five prospect with the potential to rise over the next 10-plus months.

So, let's take an early look at each position group in the 2027 class, starting with quarterback. Note: Some prospects are listed under different positions for different analysts.

Jump to a position:
QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G | C
Edge | DT | LB | CB | S

Miller's top five

1. Arch Manning, Texas
2. Dante Moore, Oregon
3. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
4. CJ Carr, Notre Dame
5. Darian Mensah, Miami

Reid's top five

1. Arch Manning, Texas
2. Dante Moore, Oregon
3. Darian Mensah, Miami
4. CJ Carr, Notre Dame
5. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State

Toughest player to rank: Mestemaker. The third-year sophomore followed head coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State after throwing for an FBS-leading 4,379 passing yards with 34 touchdowns (tied for second in the FBS) to only nine interceptions as a first-year starter in 2025. The 6-foot-4, 211-pounder has the tools, but can he thrive against a higher level of competition? Of all the quarterbacks in this class, Mestemaker has the talent to be a Fernando Mendoza-like riser. — Miller

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