2027 NFL mock draft: First version includes a huge trade that powers Arch Manning to No. 1 spot

If you're going to kick off your first mock draft of this NFL season, might as well light some fireworks with a big trade atop the board.

The draft order is going to wildly change through the season, but that doesn't mean we can't have some fun right now. Here's my rundown, with the pick order courtesy of Tankathon .

1. New York Jets (Trade with Houston Texans) — Arch Manning, QB, Texas

Yes, the Texans have the No. 1 pick if the season were to end today. A bizarre thought just a month ago, and something I think they'll work their way out of over the next few weeks. I typically avoid trades in early mock drafts, but with the Jets armed with a war chest full of draft capital, they decide to move to the top and take Manning as their quarterback of the future. While there has been a lot of movement already on my board, especially at quarterback, Manning is still the top name at QB for me right now. His size, athleticism, pocket movement, and willingness to push the ball make for an intriguing package. It hasn't all been perfect, but Manning has already faced much tougher defenses than the other top signal-callers this season (Texas' opposing defensive schedule ranks seventh, per FEI's ratings ) and his play and process this season is cleaner when you actually get to review everything on film.

2. Tennessee Titans — Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

I'm still not ready to move on from Cam Ward (Brian Daboll is a different story). The Titans drafted Smith's teammate, Carnell Tate, in the top five last spring and spent a decent chunk of change on Wan'Dale Robinson, which is a lot of resources spent on pass catchers. But the Titans sure still need help there. Smith is one of the best receiver prospects I've ever seen, an incredible blend of size, speed, explosiveness and hand-eye coordination. He's a true field tilter who can spearhead a passing game. He's too good of a talent to pass up. While it might not exactly be the team-building to follow, the Lions took several receivers in the first round (Charles Rogers, Roy Williams, Mike Williams) before finally striking gold with Calvin Johnson. Sometimes the talent is too good to pass up.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame

Moore is the other prospect I consider in the elite "purple chip" tier in this draft class. And like Smith, he's one of the best prospects I've seen at his position. An ideal mix of size, length, smooth athleticism, and advanced technique and understanding for playing his position. Moore gives the Buccaneers an elite player who can be a linchpin on the backend of their defense for years.

4. Los Angeles Chargers — Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana

The Chargers have been an absolute mess this season. While the offensive line is definitely on the priority list for the Chargers this offseason, their woes are more on the interior (although their star offensive tackle pairing have been underwhelming this year, too). Becker has an elite size and speed combination along with the ball skills to actually come down with the opportunities that his athleticism creates. He would give Justin Herbert an explosive play creator (who can actually catch the football) he's needed for years, and would also synergize with Ladd McConkey's skills perfectly.

5. Miami Dolphins — Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State

While Malik Willis has actually done nice things this season for a Dolphins team that's more of an evaluation season and doesn't have a lot of aspirations for winning football games, Miami still tabs Mestemaker here as its quarterback of the future. Mestemaker hasn't played a ton of QB, but he has good size and has a real feel for playing the position. His ball placement and ability to layer throws are standout traits. Mestemaker started the season cold but has heated up since. I think things will slow down even more for him with every rep he gets.

6. Houston Texans (Trade with New York Jets) — Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU

Now armed with two first-rounders in this exercise, the Texans will stop playing musical chairs with the offensive line room. Seaton has size, length and the easy movement skills to stay on the blindside. He would allow the Texans to move Aireontae Ersery to the right side (or keep Ersery on the same side and start Seaton on the right). Either way, it would be a boost for the Texans' offense and give Houston two real bookend tackles for years to come. Now if they can only further upgrade their run game with their next pick …

7. New Orleans Saints — Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas

The Saints could go cornerback here, but decide to build up front and get a needle mover to pair with Chase Young, who has tapped back into the talent that made him the No. 2 overall draft pick and has been a standout player since joining New Orleans in 2024. Simmons is a twitchy pass rusher with bend and has improved his hand usage this year. His relentlessness in getting after the passer, now across from Young, will be a headache for QBs and offensive line coaches for years.

8. Washington Commanders — Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson

A young pass-catcher would definitely be in the cards here, but the Commanders absolutely need a cornerback to finally help solidify the backend of their defense. Hampton has been one of the best defensive players in college football this year, with the size, foot speed, and ball skills to be a lockdown player on the outside.

9. Arizona Cardinals — Austin Simmons, QB, Missouri

Yes, the Cardinals went with Carson Beck in the third round in the last draft, but they go with one of the biggest risers so far this season to be the quarterback of the future. Simmons can spin the football. His aggression, arm talent and weekly improvement has his stock soaring. The thought of him throwing to the Cardinals' Monstar-sized pass catchers in Mike LaFleur's system has me excited. Throw in the fact that he turns only 21 next month, and it's easy to see why Simmons' arrow is pointed up as he keeps getting better each game.

10. Cincinnati Bengals — Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina

Stewart is one of the most talented players in the draft, at any position. He has had a rocky start to the season with an injury and suspension for on-field incidents after South Carolina got blown out by Alabama. But the Bengals have never shied away from players or prospects with on-field or off-field incidents. Their defense has been greatly improved this season. Stewart would give the Bengals a young ace pass rusher to pair with Dexter Lawrence II and their intriguing group of edges they added this offseason in Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell, whom I consider more of a designated pass rusher type.

11. Houston Texans (Trade with New York Jets via Indianapolis Colts) — Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida

Here's the second part of the Texans' plan to rebuild their run game. Baugh has been excellent to start the season. He's got size but is an agile runner with vision and knows how to pace and tempo his runs. Baugh would provide real juice for a Texans run game that has been among the league's worst for nearly a half-decade now and finally (hopefully) take the load off C.J. Stroud.

12. New York Jets (via Dallas Cowboys) — Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss

The Jets could go in a few directions here. Interior offensive line, cornerback, even linebacker. Instead, they go with Echoles. He's a player the Jets would be giddy about getting at No. 12. His combination of size and quicks is actually startling with how fast he can win after the snap and get into the backfield.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers — Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia

I almost pulled the trigger on Trinidad Chambliss here. The Steelers instead go with their Joey Porter Jr. replacement. Robinson is a twitchy athlete with length and ball skills. He's improved a ton this year in terms of technique and eye discipline, and he is using his traits to the fullest.

14. Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay Packers) — Chris Cole, LB, Georgia

The Cowboys have actually been solid against the run this season, and Jaishawn Barham has been a revelation. But, the rest of their defensive spine still needs a lot of work. Safety could be in play, but instead I go with the über-talented Cole to pair with Barham to create possibly the fastest and rangiest linebacker duo in the NFL.

15. Detroit Lions — Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State

As the late Owen Hart would say, "enough is enough and it's time for a change." The Lions desperately could use two things: A center (Minnesota's Greg Johnson came to mind) or a cornerback. They choose to improve one of the biggest holes in the NFL right now, even with three cornerbacks off the board. Jones has been a more consistent player to start this season and can fit in both zone or man schemes. His Inspector Gadget arms head up north to Detroit.

16. Philadelphia Eagles — Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas

The Eagles' offensive line, once one of the strongest and most consistent units in the NFL for essentially a decade, has quickly turned into a unit with question marks across the board after Lane Johnson's retirement and Cam Jurgens getting traded to the Ravens this week . There are a few offensive tackles I considered here, including Goosby's teammate Melvin Siani, but the Eagles go with the massive Goosby to be Johnson's replacement on the right side. It's the perfect range for him and a proper filling of need for the Eagles who are about to be one of the most interesting teams in the NFL over the next half year (and longer).

17. Atlanta Falcons — Melvin Siani, OT, Texas

With Ironman Jake Matthews another year older and the right tackle spot being currently filled by Jawaan Taylor, the Falcons bolster their offensive line for the near-term and give themselves a succession plan for Matthews. Siani has good size (6-foot-6, 317 pounds), impressive flexibility, an ability to recover, and experience playing both tackle spots. He is a bit better as a pass protector right now, but his athleticism and developing lower body strength has me intrigued with how he will continue to progress over the back-half of the season as Texas plays tough defense after tough defense.

18. Denver Broncos — Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon

The Broncos could go in a lot of directions here. I give them another playmaker on offense in Johnson, a true three-down tight end who has excellent ball skills and the ability to stretch the field. He also has some blocking chops, even if it's not always perfect at this point in time. Johnson has great balance and YAC ability to maximize the plethora of screens and underneath throws that Bo Nix prefers.

19. Carolina Panthers — Greg Johnson, OG/C, Minnesota

There have been so many teams I wanted to pair with Johnson. He's one of those players who boosts his teammates around him as a solidifying force with his smarts and sound play. He has real athleticism and pop to his blocks, too. Johnson has positional versatility, but his best spot long-term will be at center. Either way, he gives the Panthers options to shore up their offensive line, both right away and down the road.

20. New England Patriots — Trey'Dez Green, TE, LSU

Josh McDaniels likes his tight ends. Drake Maye likes throwing to his tight ends. The Patriots have to continue to add talent to their offense, so any position makes sense here. Hunter Henry will be 32 in December and has tangibly slowed down, even if he still is a solid player. Green is a massive target who looks and plays like the former basketball player that he is. He has excellent ball skills and has developed his strength, which has shown up as a blocker and when working through contact. He's also not stiff getting in and out of breaks and with the ball in his hands. Green injured his knee and is still working his way back, but pairing him with 2026 third-round selection Eli Raridon would give the Patriots a massive tight end room with catching range and real athleticism for Maye to fire throws to for years to come.

The Browns keep firing away at the quarterback position and go with the exciting Chambliss. He is going to be a conundrum for talent evaluators throughout this process. His age (he'll be a 25-year-old rookie) and lack of ideal size (6-foot, 205 pounds) will give some pause, but his film and production might be too good to pass up. I really like Chambliss, even with his age and size outliers. His arm talent, timing and willingness to work from the pocket and fire throws all over the yard — including over the middle of the field — will translate to the next level. And he has real athleticism to throw on the run and create as a passer and runner, too. It's a fine line between "fun" and "good." I think Chambliss is both.

22. Cleveland Browns — Yhonzae Pierre, Edge, Alabama

Pierre is a relentless pass rusher who can also set the edge in the run game and drop into coverage when needed. He has developed his pass rush plan this year, and has shown more strength. I like the thought of pairing Pierre's speed across from the bull rush-heavy Jared Verse on the other side.

23. Las Vegas Raiders — Cam Coleman, WR, Texas

Coleman could go much higher than this, but what a boon for the Raiders this would be if he slipped this far. Coleman is a true X receiver who has been a bit inconsistent this year, but still oozes talent. His size (6-foot-3, 204 pounds), ball skills and twitchiness cannot be taught. The Raiders' offense has been one of the more fun ones this season, even if it's unusual as they trot out tight end and fullback-heavy looks and most of their targets are funneled to those positions. Coleman would give the Raiders a real outside threat to pair with Brock Bowers and give Fernando Mendoza one of the league's most exciting crop of young skill players for the future.

24. Seattle Seahawks — Cayden Green, OG/OT, Missouri

The Seahawks sneakily have one of the NFL's best guard and tackle duos in Charles Cross and Grey Zabel, but their right guard position has been a spot where recent coaches have just been trying to mitigate the damage, and it's been a revolving door this year with players). I'm one of the higher people on Green, who has now been a standout player at guard and tackle in his college career. He would instantly shore up the right guard spot for the Seahawks, while also providing some positional versatility if needed.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars — Tae Johnson, Safety, Notre Dame

The Jaguars' coaching staff does a great job of getting the most out of their players on both sides of the football. I thought about the trenches here, and there are some intriguing names the Jags could go with on both sides (as you'll see over the next few picks). Instead, they select the supremely talented Johnson. He has tremendous range on the backend and the playmaking ability in both the run game and as a blitzer. He would be fun for defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile to manage (if Campanile doesn't get a head coaching job this offseason, that is.)

26. Buffalo Bills — Kingston Lopa, Safety, Cal

Back-to-back safeties! The Bills outright need more defensive talent. They are currently one of the worst defenses in the league and their defensive backfield lacks playmakers. Lopa has been one of the biggest risers this season, not only because he's been productive with five interceptions, but he's a unique player with elite size and versatility at his position. He's listed at 6-foot-5 and lines up in the slot and in the box at times. He would be a huge upgrade over what the Bills have now. Lopa can impact the game and give Jim Leonhard a queen on the chessboard who can actually do something over the course of a game.

27. New York Giants — David Stone, DT, Oklahoma

The Giants are currently getting by with veterans on their defensive interior. D.J. Reader has been firmly good this season against the run and pass, but he is 32 years old. Stone has battled an injury this season and in 2025, but he's seemingly good to go and could make a big impact this week against Texas. He's stout and strong enough to hold up against double-teams, and flashes quickness and versatility to align across the defensive line.

28. Chicago Bears — Boubacar Traore, Edge, Notre Dame

Whether it's at defensive tackle or edge, the Bears need more talent up front. I go with Traore here. He's a strong, heavy-handed edge defender who compares favorably to Jared Verse. Traore can not only help set the edge against the run, but he can also give the Bears' front the pocket-pushing ability that coordinator Dennis Allen loves with his players.

29. Baltimore Ravens — Lance Heard, OT, Kentucky

Trenches were an easy pick for me with the Ravens, whether it be on offense or defense, especially with the top tight ends off the board. Heard is a joy to watch as he bulldozes defenders in the run game. He has length and enough athleticism to stay on the outside, but his strength would also translate nicely on the inside if needed. He would also provide depth if Ronnie Stanley continues to battle injuries. He reminds me a bit of former Raven Kelechi Osemele.

30. Minnesota Vikings — Kade Pieper, C, Iowa

I was VERY tempted to tab a quarterback here for the Vikings. Drake Lindsey, CJ Carr, Darian Mensah, and Nico Iamaleava were all considered, but I hesitate to push any into the first round just yet. Instead, the Vikings solidify another position they've cycled through names and that touches the ball every snap, going with Pieper to man the pivot spot for years to come. Pieper is a good athlete and a great fit for teams that want to major in zone-running schemes, like the Vikings have preferred under head coach Kevin O'Connell.

31. Kansas City Chiefs — Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana

There is a nice crop of wide receivers here for the Chiefs to choose from. While they might want a true speedster, like Ole Miss' Deuce Alexander or even Alabama's Ryan Coleman-Williams (in the midst of a bounce back season this year), they instead go with Marsh. I love Marsh's game. He has strong hands, and very good body control and balance. He's very quarterback friendly as a pass catcher and has a knack for finding soft spots against zone. And he's an excellent blocker. He's just a useful and reliable player who can play inside and outside, and the Chiefs need more players like that for Patrick Mahomes.

32. San Francisco 49ers — Zereoue Williams, OT, Utah

Every year, I tab the 49ers with an offensive tackle in these mock drafts, swearing that this is the year Trent Williams falls off and they select his long-term replacement. Trent Williams has battled an injury already, but his play has definitely not fallen off. And yet here I am again, back at it with another tackle with the same last name in Zereoue Williams. Williams is an easy-moving athlete with enough pop as a blocker to play on both sides of the football. Kyle Shanahan is the best at working with whatever offensive line talent he has. Williams would give him a player who could be useful for the short-term and give him a plan for whenever Trent Williams decides to hang them up. Which might never happen at this rate.