bleacherreport
On the latest installment of ESPN's First Draft, NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. unveiled his top-three prospects at five positions for the 2027 NFL Draft: quarterback, wide receiver, edge-rusher, cornerback, and offensive tackle. Several prominent names, including Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, appeared on the lists. Notably, Kiper offered two separate quarterback rankings: one reflecting current standing and another projecting future development. ESPN's Field Yates also contributed his own top three at each position.
Kiper's Quarterback Rankings
In Kiper's current top three quarterbacks, Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss leads the group, followed by CJ Carr of Notre Dame and Drew Mestemaker of Oklahoma State. Yates' current top three differs slightly: Chambliss first, then Mestemaker, with Jayden Maiava of USC third. Looking ahead, Kiper's projected top three features Dante Moore of Oregon at No. 1, Arch Manning of Texas at No. 2, and Drew Mestemaker of Oklahoma State at No. 3.
Wide Receiver and Edge Rusher Lists
Both Kiper and Yates agree on the top three wide receivers: Jeremiah Smith of Ohio State, Cam Coleman of Texas, and Charlie Becker of Indiana. However, Yates had Becker at No. 2 and Coleman at No. 3. For edge rushers, Kiper's top three are Colin Simmons of Texas, Dylan Stewart of South Carolina, and a tie between Yhonzae Pierre and Devon Thompkins of Alabama. Yates' edge rusher list has Dylan Stewart first, Colin Simmons second, and Damon Wilson II of Miami third.
Cornerback and Offensive Tackle Rankings
At cornerback, Kiper and Yates are in full agreement: Leonard Moore of Notre Dame, Ellis Robinson IV of Georgia, and Ashton Hampton of Clemson. The same consensus holds at offensive tackle, with Trevor Goosby of Texas, Jordan Seaton of LSU, and Trevor Lauck of Iowa forming the top three for both analysts.
Jeremiah Smith's Dominance
Smith's No. 1 ranking among wide receivers comes as little surprise. Over 32 games in two-plus seasons, he has amassed 184 receptions for 2,958 yards and 30 touchdowns. In three games this season, the junior has recorded 21 catches for 400 yards and three scores. The Bleacher Report NFL Scouting Department rates Smith as the top overall prospect for the 2027 draft, assigning him an exceptional grade of 9.8 out of 10. It would not be shocking to see Smith selected No. 1 overall at this point. The latest B/R NFL mock draft projects Smith to go first to the Miami Dolphins.
Quarterback Competition Wide Open
The race to be the first quarterback selected remains wide open. Manning could be the choice, but predicting the first signal-caller off the board in April is anyone's guess. Manning's passing statistics have not been eye-catching (61.5 percent completion rate, 661 yards, 6.9 yards per attempt, seven touchdowns, two interceptions). Nevertheless, he currently leads the nation's top-ranked team and guided the Longhorns to a dramatic 20-point comeback victory over Oklahoma State, winning 24-23. Manning will have ample opportunities to impress scouts under the spotlight this year. The same applies to numerous other quarterbacks and top prospects entering a highly anticipated draft that could challenge the record for most quarterbacks taken in the first round (six in 1983 and 2024).
Originally reported by bleacherreport.