2027 Draft Class Shifts: Jeremiah Smith Tops Mocks as QB Hype Fades

Key points

• Tennessee Titans are projected to select Jeremiah Smith at No. 1, valuing his 94.5 PFF receiving grade and 5.42 yards per route run over a new quarterback.
• Five quarterbacks—Drew Mestemaker, Dante Moore, CJ Carr, Austin Simmons, and Trinidad Chambliss—are projected in the first round, but Arch Manning is notably absent from several mocks due to poor 2026 performance.
• The New York Jets hold three first-round picks (Nos. 9, 11, 12), with projections varying between selecting a quarterback and prioritizing defensive players like Will Echoles and Ellis Robinson IV.
• The Los Angeles Chargers, currently 0-5, are projected to take Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore at No. 2, while the Miami Dolphins are expected to select Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker at No. 3.
• The Houston Texans are projected to address offensive line needs by selecting either Trevor Goosby or Jordan Seaton, depending on the mock, to support C.J. Stroud.

Background

Earlier in 2026, the 2027 draft class was defined by a deep quarterback pool, with Arch Manning and Dante Moore frequently projected as top prospects. However, recent performances have altered scouting consensus, with Jeremiah Smith now viewed as the safest elite prospect. The draft order is heavily influenced by current team records, with the Titans, Chargers, and Dolphins all sitting at 0-5 after five weeks.

How outlets are covering it

PFF and Bleacher Report agree on Jeremiah Smith as the No. 1 pick but diverge on the Jets’ strategy: PFF projects a quarterback (CJ Carr) at No. 9, while Bleacher Report favors Darian Mensah. FanSided projects Arch Manning at No. 3 for the Dolphins, contradicting PFF and Bleacher Report, who both exclude him from the first round. Phin Phanatic categorizes the Dolphins as 'all but a lock' to draft a quarterback, while noting the Titans’ uncertainty regarding Cam Ward. All sources agree on the Jets’ three first-round picks but differ on whether they prioritize a quarterback or defensive upgrades.

Why it matters

The shift in mock drafts reflects the volatility of early-season performance and scouting consensus. Teams like the Titans and Jets must decide whether to invest in a quarterback or support existing starters, while the exclusion of Arch Manning from top mocks signals a significant drop in his perceived value. The depth of the quarterback class, however, ensures that multiple teams will address the position in the first round.

What to watch

The next few weeks will likely see further adjustments to mock drafts as teams’ records and player performances evolve. The trade deadline in March 2027 could alter the draft order, particularly for teams like the Jets and Browns, who hold multiple first-round picks. Scouts will continue to evaluate the quarterback class, with Mestemaker and Mensah emerging as the most consistent top prospects.