The 2027 NFL Draft is still a year away, but the first wave of speculation has already begun, and four names are standing above the rest in one early projection.
Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Jeremiah Smith and Colin Simmons are the players listed at the top of Athlon Sports’ first round mock draft, giving fans an early look at how the next class could form.
The order is led by quarterbacks, which is no surprise given how aggressively NFL teams search for long-term answers at the position.
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But the presence of Smith and Simmons inside the top four shows that this class may not be defined by passers alone.
Arch Manning and Dante Moore lead the quarterback race
Manning is projected as the No. 1 pick to the Miami Dolphins, a pairing that would immediately create national attention because of his name, profile and position.
The Texas quarterback has carried huge expectations throughout his college career, and the 2026 season could decide whether he fully becomes the face of the 2027 draft class.
Behind him, Moore is projected at No. 2 to the New York Jets. The Oregon quarterback was viewed as a potential high pick in the previous draft cycle before returning to college for another season.
That decision could prove valuable if Moore takes another step as a polished pocket passer and confirms himself as a franchise-level option.
Jeremiah Smith and Colin Simmons complete the top four
At No. 3, Smith is projected to the Arizona Cardinals, making him the first non-quarterback off the board.
The Ohio State wide receiver has been described as one of the most talented players in college football, and his mix of production, size and explosiveness gives him a rare draft profile.
The top four is completed by Simmons, who is projected to the Cleveland Browns at No. 4.
The Texas edge rusher would give Cleveland another explosive defensive piece alongside Myles Garrett, if the board fell that way.
A lot can change before the 2027 NFL Draft, especially once the 2026 college season begins. For now, though, Manning, Moore, Smith and Simmons are the four names setting the early pace.