sportingnews
The 2027 NFL Draft quarterback class was initially hailed as exceptionally deep, with a multitude of potential first-round talents. However, as the season unfolds, the landscape has shifted, and the top prospects now look different from preseason expectations. Two key questions loom: Are there any can't-miss quarterbacks in this group? And will some of the top names opt to return to school? Clarity on these decisions is still weeks away, but the hierarchy has already been reshuffled.
Updated Quarterback Stock Watch
Here's a look at the top quarterbacks in the 2027 NFL Draft class, based on recent performances and NFL projections.
1. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
Mestemaker's outing against Iowa State, though a loss, showcased why quarterback wins are often misleading. The Cowboys put up 49 points, and Mestemaker engineered a potential game-winning drive that the defense couldn't preserve. He threw for 323 yards and five touchdowns on the road, with one interception, displaying poise throughout. While questions remain about whether he'll declare for the 2027 draft, his continued high-level play might make the decision to stay in school difficult.
2. CJ Carr, Notre Dame
Carr's evaluation is somewhat limited by Notre Dame's schedule, but he bounced back from an inconsistent game against BYU with a strong showing against Navy. In eight starts this season, he has thrown just one interception. If he maintains that ball security as the competition stiffens, he could solidify himself as a high first-round pick.
3. Darian Mensah, Miami
Mensah faces a critical test this week against Carr and Notre Dame. In Miami's narrow escape against North Carolina, Mensah wasn't to blame, throwing for 274 yards and three touchdowns while completing over 80% of his passes with only one interception. Arm strength is his primary knock, but his exceptional ball placement is currently overshadowing that concern.
4. Arch Manning, Texas
Manning rebounded from a multi-interception game with a clean performance against Mississippi State, tossing three touchdowns with just four incompletions. To justify a top-10 selection, he'll need to string together more such games. Once the season ends, the conversation may shift to whether he'll enter the draft at all.
5. Dante Moore, Oregon
Moore's season is over as he recovers from a concussion, and Oregon is likely out of playoff contention. He'll soon decide between using his fifth year of eligibility and entering the NFL. His stock has dipped from last year, but the uncertainty in this quarterback class could work in his favor.
6. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
Chambliss has had turnover issues recently, but he impressed against Auburn with 263 yards and three total touchdowns, including a strong rushing performance. Size and age remain concerns that could prevent him from being a top pick, but his production is undeniable.
7. Jayden Maiava, USC
Maiava delivered exactly what USC needed against Ohio State after a rough outing against Wisconsin. He didn't post flashy numbers but protected the ball against a tough Buckeyes defense, throwing for 222 yards on 22 attempts. That kind of performance keeps him in the Day 2 conversation.
8. Julian Sayin, Ohio State
Sayin's absence against USC didn't necessarily hurt his stock. Freshman Luke Fahey struggled to move the offense efficiently, and Jeremiah Smith's production declined without Sayin. If Sayin doesn't return this season, a return to school could be on the table.
9. LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina
Sellers continues to intrigue NFL front offices with his dual-threat ability. Against Oklahoma, he threw two interceptions but totaled five touchdowns with 301 passing yards and 96 rushing yards. He's shown flashes of the talent that once made him a potential No. 1 pick, but he remains too unpolished for teams to draft early.
10. Austin Simmons, Missouri
Simmons' numbers against SEC competition aren't eye-popping, but his physical tools have NFL teams interested. Against Arkansas, he posted his first multi-touchdown game since Oct. 3, though he threw for only 179 yards.
Key Analysis
The 2027 quarterback class is undergoing a significant reevaluation. While the group was once touted for its depth, the lack of a clear franchise quarterback at the top has created uncertainty. Mestemaker's rise exemplifies how performances can reshape perceptions, while the decisions of players like Manning and Moore will heavily influence the draft's composition. As the season progresses, the stock of these quarterbacks will continue to fluctuate, making the lead-up to the 2027 NFL Draft a compelling storyline.
Originally reported by sportingnews.