There’s no getting around it. The 2025 NFL draft class is widely viewed as below average.
This group lacks true blue-chip prospects and is particularly lacking in talent at the most coveted position – quarterback.
However, expectations for the anticipated 2027 draft class are much higher.
In fact, it’s already stirring up significant excitement.
“It has the potential to be the best draft class of all-time,” stated ESPN’s Kevin Clark on his “This is Football” podcast.
Going through the prospective names, it’s tough to argue against that sentiment.
According to College Football Network’s list of top 100 returning players, four of the top five will be eligible for the 2027 draft.
Here’s a closer look at some of the standout talents expected to enter the 2027 NFL draft:
1. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State Buckeyes
How impressive has Ohio State freshman Jeremiah Smith been?
At 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds, Smith is projected to be a top-five pick in the current NFL draft cycle, with some suggesting he might go No. 1 overall, especially given the Tennessee Titans’ quest for a dynamic offensive player.
Emerging from Chaminade-Madonna (Florida), Smith was heralded as one of the finest talents to come out of South Florida.
He was recognized as the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect and earned his “black stripe” at Ohio State in record time—an indication of his strong work ethic and readiness in Columbus.
This fall, Smith validated that expectation on the field, recording 76 receptions for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns.
All indications suggest that he is a generational wide receiver prospect, comparable to the likes of Calvin Johnson and Julio Jones.
2. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina’s Dylan Stewart has been ranked as the No. 2 returning player in all of college football by College Football Network and will be entering the next season as a true sophomore.
During his freshman year, Stewart showcased dominant skills, performing beyond expectations against competition.
He placed among the nation’s top-10 in pressures and recorded 6.5 sacks.
While those statistics might not scream “generational talent,” his performance on tape certainly does.
Stewart would likely be a top-10 pick if eligibility allowed in this year’s draft.
The level of anticipation surrounding the Gamecocks star wasn’t necessarily expected.
Although Stewart was a five-star recruit coming from Friendship Collegiate Academy (Washington D.C.), he was rated as the nation’s No. 19 overall prospect and the No. 2 edge, trailing Tennessee’s Jordan Ross.
Fast forward a season and Stewart has emerged as a player who should rank No. 2, just behind Jeremiah Smith.
3. Ryan Williams, Alabama Crimson Tide
If it weren’t for Jeremiah Smith emerging as a top wide receiver prospect in history, Alabama’s Ryan Williams would likely be receiving much more attention.
Williams was the top wide receiver recruit for the 2025 class, but chose to reclassify into 2024, enrolling at Alabama as a seventeen-year-old.
Despite this transition, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound athlete remains a top-five national prospect, owing to his impressive high school stats—4,600 all-purpose yards and 65 touchdowns in his last two seasons.
That performance translated seamlessly in Tuscaloosa.
Williams recorded 48 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns.
4. Colin Simmons, Texas Longhorns
Texas Longhorns freshman Collin Simmons arrived in Austin with considerable anticipation.
Coming out of Duncanville (Texas), Simmons was heralded as the nation’s No. 28 overall prospect and No. 4 edge, having tallied 44 sacks in his high school career.
He quickly surpassed those expectations.
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound edge rusher showcased his talents as a freshman, accumulating 48 tackles, nine sacks, and three forced fumbles.
In PFF’s compilation of the top 101 players in college football last season, Simmons ranked at No. 60, ahead of notable talents like Michigan’s Colston Loveland, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell, Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson, and Michigan’s Kenneth Grant.
With his ideal build, Simmons is projected to be a future top-10 pick, particularly if he continues to excel in the upcoming seasons.
5. Arch Manning, Texas Longhorns
Coming out of Isidore Newman (Louisiana) in the class of 2023, Arch Manning held the title of the No. 1 prospect.
Considering his last name “Manning,” it’s no surprise he has been one of the most anticipated quarterback prospects historically.
After spending the past two years primarily behind Quinn Ewers, Manning is set to step into the starting role at Texas this fall.
Thus far, he has impressed in limited opportunities – amassing 939 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions, along with 115 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Technically, Manning could declare for the 2026 NFL draft if he excels as a starter in Austin, but realistically, a 2027 entry is more probable.
Among the athletes discussed so far, Manning still has the most to prove.
However, if he lives up to expectations, he could potentially be a No. 1 overall draft pick.
6. DJ Lagway, Florida Gators
ESPN’s Field Yates has already predicted DJ Lagway will be the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL draft, adding him to the pool of potential top draft picks.
From Willis High School (Texas), the 6-foot-2, 225-pound quarterback was rated as the nation’s No. 3 overall prospect and the top quarterback, surpassing Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola, Alabama’s Julian Sayin, and several other impressive throwers.
Despite Florida’s struggles last season, Lagway displayed moments of brilliance, clearly showcasing the potential to evolve into a solid NFL quarterback.
He finished the season with 1,915 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, adding 101 rushing yards.
Like Manning and the other quarterbacks mentioned, Lagway hasn’t yet matched the production of Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Williams, Dylan Stewart, and Colin Simmons, but his combination of size and athletic ability makes him a very intriguing player to monitor.
7. Dylan Raiola, Nebraska Cornhuskers
As the 2024 recruiting cycle began, Buford (Georgia) quarterback Dylan Raiola was hailed as the nation’s top overall prospect.
By Signing Day, he dropped slightly, ending up at No. 7 nationwide, but this still speaks volumes about his talent.
Raiola, the son of Nebraska great and former NFL player Dominic Raiola, earned the starting quarterback position as a freshman and displayed plenty of promise throughout a challenging season, finishing with 2,819 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
College football analyst Greg McElroy discussed Raiola’s inaugural collegiate season on “ESPN College Football.”
“Well, I look at what Dylan Raiola was last year,” McElroy remarked. “There was a lot to like about what we saw from him. Now, is there room for growth? Absolutely. Does he occasionally…
Indeed, there are moments when he might try to handle too much. And are there elements of his fundamentals that contribute to him overlooking some throws he should be making? Absolutely.
Raiola has some areas that need refinement, but the potential he shows as a prospect is certainly promising.
8. KJ Bolden, Georgia Bulldogs
Coming out of Buford High School (Georgia) in the 2024 class, KJ Bolden earned the title of the nation’s top safety.
In his first year, he certainly upheld the expectations.
Bolden was honored as a Freshman All-American and allowed a mere eight receiving yards in 134 coverage snaps, based on PFF data.
Weighing in at 6 feet and 185 pounds, this defensive back has the potential to become the leading safety prospect for the 2027 draft class.
9. Koi Perich, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Koi Perich entered Minnesota with significant expectations.
At Lincoln Secondary (Minnesota), he made a name for himself as a top-100 prospect and received an invitation to the All-American Bowl.
During that game, Perich showcased his talent, taking home the MVP award after making a goalline interception and blocking a punt.
His knack for making big plays extended into his college career, as well.
As a freshman, he recorded 48 tackles and topped the Big Ten with five interceptions.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 200 pounds, he certainly displayed legitimate potential for the professional level.
10. Jordan Seaton, Colorado Buffaloes
Jordan Seaton emerged from IMG Academy as the nation’s top-rated offensive tackle.
In his first year at Colorado, he quickly made a name for himself as a standout player, receiving Freshman All-American recognition.
According to College Football Network’s ranking of the top 100 returning players, Jordan Seaton placed at No. 44, surpassing notable talents like Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch, and Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa.
Seaton remains a key figure among the new wave of emerging offensive tackles in college football.
If he continues to develop as the top offensive tackle, as predicted during his high school career, Seaton could easily see himself picked very high in the 2027 draft.
11. Cam Coleman, Auburn Tigers
Keeping up with talents like Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Alabama’s Ryan Williams is a tall order, but Auburn’s Cam Coleman certainly made a strong showing last fall.
The 6-foot-3, 197-pound wide receiver made 37 catches for 598 yards and eight touchdowns, earning him Freshman All-American recognition alongside Smith and Williams.
Coming from Central High School (Alabama) in the class of 2025, Coleman was ranked as the nation’s No. 5 overall prospect and the No. 2 wide receiver.
To date, he has certainly justified those accolades.
12. Others to watch
The anticipated depth of the 2027 NFL draft class is impressive, showcasing numerous prospects already seen as potential first-round picks, while several others are emerging players to keep an eye on who may surprise and join that elite group.
- Dante Moore, Oregon Ducks (eligible in 2026, but may opt for 2027)
- Julian Sayin, Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback
- Bryce Young, Notre Dame defensive lineman
- Ryan Wingo, Texas Longhorns wide receiver
- Caden Durham, LSU Tigers running back
- Bryant Wesco, Clemson Tigers wide receiver
- Leonard Moore, Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback
- LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback
