The 2027 NFL Draft will likely be one of the best classes in recent memory. This group of quarterbacks may not be “generational”, but it will possess more first-round selections than the 2026 quarterback class. Here are some of the first-round locks, boom or bust prospects, and dark horse playmakers within the 2027 quarterback class.
Top 2027 NFL Draft Quarterbacks To Watch
First-Round Caliber 2027 NFL Draft Quarterbacks
Projecting first-round selections this early is a dangerous game, especially with quarterbacks. There will be under-the-radar prospects like Fernando Mendoza who will come out of nowhere. While others, like Garrett Nussmeier, are projected to be a first-round selection. Their play throughout the season sees them plummet down draft boards. That being said, there are a handful of quarterbacks eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft who possess first-round traits or physical tools.
It feels like Arch Manning has been pencilled in as a consensus number one pick, no matter the draft class, since he first committed to the University of Texas. His 2025 season was inconsistent to say the least, but the second half of his campaign was promising. He threw for nearly 2,000 yards and turned in just two interceptions over his final seven games. The above-average athleticism, NFL build, and overall potential make Manning the favourite to be the first quarterback selected in 2027.
Way-Too-Early 2027 NFL Mock Draft 👀
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— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) May 4, 2026
Oregon’s Dante Moore took a massive gamble when he chose a return to the Ducks over a surefire top-15 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. The idea of becoming more of an “NFL-ready quarterback” was a key reason for Moore’s return to college football. While a gamble, this is a prospect who is already one of the best pure throwers in college football, and more experience should help him round out the nuances of the position.
Julian Sayin burst onto the scene last season with the Buckeyes. The redshirt sophomore picked defenses apart on a weekly basis and was college football’s highest graded quarterback in 2025. His less-than-ideal 6-foot-1 frame, 205-pound frame will undoubtedly raise question marks, but Sayin possesses elite accuracy. Should he complete nearly 80% of his passes again in 2026, it will be hard for teams not to select him in the first round.
Boom or Bust 2027 NFL Draft Quarterbacks
LaNorris Sellers is the definition of a “boom or bust” prospect. The Gamecock quarterback is one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football, but also one of the most frustrating prospects to evaluate. He has the rocket arm to consistently threaten secondaries down the field, while his accuracy seems to be underrated. South Carolina hasn’t done a good job of protecting him. With better play on the offensive line in 2026, Sellers could have the chance to catapult himself into an early first-round selection. On the other hand, another poor season, and he could see a similar fate to Garrett Nussmeier.
Jayden Maiava and Makai Lemon turned USC into one of the most dynamic offenses in college football this past season. Maiava will undoubtedly miss his favourite target as he looks to refine key aspects of his game in 2026. The 23-year-old pairs an elite frame (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) with a lightning-quick arm but lacks consistency on intermediate throws and clean footwork in the pocket. As an older prospect, Maiava will need to prove last year wasn’t just a product of the talent around him.
After suffering a hand injury early last season, John Mateer never looked the same. In the first four weeks of 2025, Mateer led the Sooners to a 4-0 start and was one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football. After surgery in September, he struggled with accuracy and had two separate games in which he threw three or more interceptions. If the senior quarterback can put together a healthy and efficient season, he will show that it was the injuries that slowed him down in 2025.
Dark Horse 2027 NFL Draft Quarterbacks
NC State has a rising star in true junior quarterback CJ Bailey. The 6-foot-5 signal caller put together quite the campaign in his first full season as a starter. He threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns while limiting the turnovers, with just nine interceptions. Bailey pairs impressive mobility with consistent down-the-field ability. If he can perform better against tougher ACC defenses, specifically when dealing with pressure, this draft class could get even better.
Darian Mensah tore up college football last season with the Blue Devils. He led the ACC in passing yards, touchdowns, and yards per game. Now the Miami Hurricanes have a chance to turn another transfer quarterback into the number one overall pick. As a prospect, Mensah doesn’t have the high ceiling or flashy physical tools that some of his counterparts possess. Instead, he brings a pro-style approach to the position. He plays with clean mechanics, understands how to attack coverages, and limits turnovers.
DJ Lagway was labelled as one of the most gifted high school quarterbacks in recent memory. To this point, he has struggled to transition to the college game. Now at Baylor, Lagway looks to put his turnover-riddled career at Florida behind him. NFL scouts are always looking for a “lottery ticket” selection, and if Baylor can put a good structure around him this season, the junior quarterback could finally live up to his potential.
Final Takeaways on the 2027 NFL Draft Quarterbacks
It is always tough to project which quarterbacks will forego their eligibility and enter the draft. Some prospects, like Dante Moore last year, would rather get more experience in college than develop in the NFL. The same could be said for this draft class. Prospects like Julian Sayin, CJ Bailey, and Notre Dame’s CJ Carr could be in the same boat as Moore was last year. At the top, this is a draft class is a bit shaky. But if some of the underclassmen declare, like Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker, it could compare to the historic 2024 quarterback class.
Main Photo: [Scott Wachter] – Imagn Images