NCAAF

2027 NFL Draft QB Rankings Shake Up After Week 5: Arch Manning Slips, Austin Simmons Rises

2027 NFL Draft QB Rankings Shake Up After Week 5: Arch Manning Slips, Austin Simmons Rises

The NFL landscape has already shifted significantly after just four weeks, with the Cleveland Browns surprising many by posting a 3-1 record. A revitalized defense and Deshaun Watson's improved play have fueled the team's unexpected success. Yet, Watson has yet to deliver a complete game, leading to speculation that a quarterback change could be on the horizon in 2027.

With that backdrop, the focus turns to the college ranks, where another week of action has prompted a fresh set of quarterback rankings for the 2027 NFL Draft. This iteration offers a top-five list along with several players narrowly missing the cut. While the group already shows promise, it's still early, and these rankings are more reactionary, with deeper analysis to follow.

Just missing the cut are Drake Lindsey (Minnesota), Dante Moore (Oregon), Julian Sayin (Ohio State), and CJ Carr (Notre Dame).

5. Arch Manning, Texas

Manning and the Longhorns were on a bye in Week 5, leaving lingering questions about his development. In Week 6, Texas faces Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry, a game where anything can happen. Manning has started only once against the Sooners—a win—but he didn't dominate. He still needs a statement performance, and doing so against Oklahoma would help revive his draft stock.

4. Austin Simmons, Missouri

Simmons turned heads in Week 5, completing 23 of 30 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns. This was the first extended look at Simmons, and he impressed with one of the strongest arms in the country. His velocity and accuracy are arguably the best in the class, and despite being left-handed—which may concern some evaluators—his decision-making and arm talent are eye-opening. He is a legitimate draft prospect.

3. Darian Mensah, Miami (FL)

Mensah maintained his standing after a road win over Clemson, going 18-for-27 for 227 yards and a touchdown. The run game carried much of the load, allowing Mensah to manage the offense. He has shown dynamic ability throughout the first month, but with Simmons closing in, his ranking could be in jeopardy. Mensah needs a signature game, likely when the Hurricanes face Notre Dame next month.

2. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State

Mestemaker remains No. 2 despite a bye week. In Week 5, Oklahoma State takes on UCF, a manageable test, but the following week against Houston will be more challenging. The Cougars boast a talented secondary that could pose a unique test for Mestemaker's draft evaluation.

1. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Chambliss holds the top spot after his own bye week. Ole Miss continues to navigate the brutal SEC schedule, with upcoming road games against Texas and a home matchup with Georgia. If Chambliss maintains his high level of play, especially in those contests, he will solidify his place in the national quarterback conversation.

Originally reported by yahoo.