CJ Bailey, quarterback, North Carolina State, 2027 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Week Zero
CJ Bailey, quarterback, North Carolina State, 2027 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Week Zero
College football is finally back with a limited Week Zero schedule. While it lacks any marquee matchups, there is talent NFL scouts will be watching. Which prospects are worth a look?
CJ Bailey, quarterback, North Carolina State
Nov 29, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; NC State Wolfpack quarterback CJ Bailey (11) with the ball during the first half of the game against North Carolina Tar Heels at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
2027 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Week Zero
FBS Prospects to Watch (All Times Eastern)
Jaden Craig, quarterback, TCU
Jul 8, 2026; Frisco, TX, USA; TCU quarterback Jaden Craig speaks with reporters during Big 12 Conference Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
North Carolina vs TCU 12:00 p.m. (Dublin, Ireland, ESPN)
The season kicks off with this now-annual matchup in Dublin, Ireland. Whatever you think about Bill Belichick as a college coach, there’s no question he knows the NFL and will be imparting his vast knowledge to his charges.
The standout prospect for the Tar Heels is Edge Rusher Melkart Abou-Jaoude (#nine). He led the ACC in sacks in 2025 with 10.5, and the 6’5”, 260-lb powerful prospect will certainly draw attention from scouts if that production continues.
Abou-Jaoude will be trying to make TCU quarterback Jaden Craig’s (#one) debut for the Horned Frogs a difficult one. The Harvard transfer was a graduate transfer in January. On the Senior Bowl watch list at this time last year, he put together a nice season for the Crimson. Craig showed he could work through his progressions quickly and efficiently at the FCS level. This will give him his first chance to show he can do it at a higher level against a defense that will give him multiple looks. With a good season, Craig has mid-round potential in the 2027 NFL Draft. His mechanics are already solid, which gives him a good base to step up in level.
TCU QB Jaden Craig (Harvard in 2025) doing a really nice job keeping his base narrow on this RPO keep and pass. So many QBs get really wide with their base on plays like this – then go narrower to throw and balls sail. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/o8YTk0iSCy
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) May 19, 2026
North Carolina State at Virginia 3:30 p.m. (ESPN)
In a game originally scheduled to be played in Brazil, the Wolfpack start their season on the road at Virginia. Quarterback CJ Bailey (#11) is the highest-ranked prospect on show in week zero, a prospect with significant upside. The big-armed quarterback is sure to be watched closely by NFL scouts because of this elite trait. Scouts will be looking for improvements in processing, decision-making, and greater consistency with his throwing mechanics.
For Virginia, offensive tackle McKale Boley (#52) and linebacker Kam Robinson (#five) are potential mid-round picks who will draw attention from NFL scouts.
Memphis at UNLV 10:00 p.m. (Fox)
While there are greater tests on their 2026 schedule, a road trip to Vegas is tricky enough to warrant a look at Memphis Edge Rusher J’Mond Tapp (#14). Tapp was originally at Arizona State before transferring to Southern Mississippi, where he had double-digit sacks in 2025. He has now moved to Memphis. He has experience lining up inside, and at 275 lbs, he offers the versatility the NFL loves.
2027 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in Week Zero – Small Schools
The 2026 NFL Draft saw no small school prospects drafted in the top 100 picks. Just five were drafted on day three, with the overall talent level being down even from 2025.
FBS schools are quick to entice small school players to transfer up, although there are still some loyal people who stay at this level. There are also players who transfer down to get a chance to shine, or players who suddenly put it all together in their senior years. There are hidden gems to be found at this level (e.g., Elijah Ponder, undrafted out of Cal Poly, four sacks for the New England Patriots in 2025), and unearthing them is fun!
The source for these prospects is the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 watch list, an invaluable tool, particularly for small-school prospects to watch.
Joshua Sales Jr., Offensive Tackle, Austin Peay #72 (vs Gardner Webb, Thursday 7:00 p.m., ESPN+)
Ja’Briel Mace, Running Back, Villanova #four (vs William and Mary, Friday 6:00 p.m., ESPN+)
Mikey D’Amato, Linebacker, Cal Poly #44 (vs Idaho, Friday 10:00 p.m., ESPN)
Cornelious Brown IV, Quarterback, Alabama A&M #10 (at Howard, Saturday 7:30 p.m., ABC)
Eli Gillman, Running Back, Montana #10 (vs Southern Utah, Saturday 9:00 p.m., ESPN+)
Samuel Gbatu Jr., Wide Receiver, #eight and Rex Connors, Safety, #four – both UC Davis (at Portland State, Saturday 3:00 p.m., ESPN+).
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Main Photo: [Jaylynn Nash] – Reuters Connect