2027 NFL Draft Week Zero Prospect Notes
Week zero lacked any huge matchups, but it did sound the starting gun on the 2026 season! Two quarterbacks hoping to make an early case in a deep class were the main attractions. How did they play?
2027 NFL Draft Week Zero Prospect Notes
2027 NFL Draft Week Zero Prospect Notes – Quarterbacks
CJ Bailey (North Carolina State)
Bailey had a rough outing. He finished just 12 out of 23 for 84 yards and an interception. He also had a fumble, and almost another. It’s worth noting that his receivers didn’t help him. They struggled to separate. However, Bailey was locking onto his man and staring them down, leading the defense to the ball. He had two passes batted down at the line, one of which was his interception, as the defensive line read his eyes as well.
There were glimpses of hope, however. Bailey showed his athletic ability by escaping a sack and turning into a gain when many quarterbacks would have been sacked. He also showed he can climb the pocket on one play when he had pressure from his right side. Outside of that, Bailey will want to turn the page quickly and go again.
The best play on a tough day at the office for CJ Bailey. Feels the pressure, climbs and finds his receiver.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/6shCLv2qCB
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) August 30, 2026
Jaden Craig (TCU)
Aug 29, 2026; Dublin, Co. Dublin, IRL; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Jaden Craig (1) passes downfield against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second half at Aviva Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Laszlo Geczo-Imagn Images
Craig led two fourth-quarter drives against North Carolina in Dublin, Ireland, but they couldn’t convert them into a touchdown and the Horned Frogs fell short. Craig finished 20-from-32 attempts for 175 yards with no scores or interceptions. Overall, he looked better than CJ Bailey, predominantly because he’s quicker at getting through his progressions.
Jaden Craig showing good pocket manipulation on this play. He works through his progressions while climbing the pocket and gets a completion. NFL stuff.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/nA8bCHJAA7
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) August 30, 2026
Craig did suffer from the same issues as Bailey in that his receivers didn’t always separate, and he had pressure too often. North Carolina’s defense also tackled well and didn’t allow any yardage after the catch. Craig is not the level of athlete that Bailey is, but he is good enough. He showed he can manipulate the pocket and made several throws rolling to his right as TCU moved the pocket to buy him more time. Craig’s ball placement could improve on those throws when rolling to his right; he needs to set his feet for a second before throwing.
Craig has a solid, but not overpowering arm. He showed he can make tight window throws. There were flashes of him throwing his receivers open, but that element of his game should grow as he gets on the same page as his new teammates.
Watching prospects back-to-back makes them easier to stack. As such, Craig was the more impressive. He was quicker getting the ball out of his hands and more advanced getting through his progressions. Both would welcome some help from their teammates though!
2027 NFL Draft Week Zero Prospect Notes – Edge Rushers
J’Mond Tapp (Memphis)
Tapp was named [Shriners Children’s East-West Bowl Defensive Player of the Week](http://Shriners Children's East-West Bowl Defensive Player of the Week) after giving UNLV all they could handle with his pass rush ability. He had numerous pressures and had one sack on the stat sheet. UNLV tried to slow him down by chipping him, but Tapp’s relentless nature meant he still caused problems. Tapp is listed at 275 lbs, and he uses his power to get blockers on their heels. He’s not the most athletic or flexible edge rusher, but he has talent. Against the run, he showed he can anchor, but he’s still a work in progress getting off blocks. He’s one to monitor as we move through the process.
J'Mond Tapp rushing against the right tackle – the back tries to chip him as well. Tapp almost gets another sack.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/SUPdEVPHQZ
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) August 31, 2026
Melkart Abou-Jaoude (North Carolina)
Abou-Jaoude is a versatile prospect who was used predominantly at the edge rusher position against TCU, but also dropped down inside when the Tar Heels used some three-man fronts. Like Tapp, Abou-Jaoude isn’t the most athletic or flexible edge rusher in the class. However, he’s a powerful prospect with toughness and a high motor. Against the run, he’s disciplined and works hard to set an edge. As a pass rusher, he uses hand use and power to make things happen. He can play too high and struggle to counter if blockers get into him, which is something he will need to improve. His sack on Jaden Craig was the play of the week, demonstrating excellent hand use.
Melkart Abou-Jaoude with the sack against the left tackle. Watch him bat the tackle's outside hand away – nice.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/m08otlKd5G
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) August 31, 2026
2027 NFL Draft Week Zero Prospect Notes – Small School Prospect of the Week
Montana running back Eli Gillman didn’t have a massive workload (13 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown, plus two receptions for 93 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown), but he still made big plays to help his team win a close game against Southern Utah. His catch for a touchdown was a basic swing pass, which he turned into a big play with his speed. It looked like a safety had the angle on him, but he he outran it.
As a runner, Gillman is patient and then explodes. He has the ability to stop-start to make people miss, and he works to finish his runs. His pass protection does need to improve, but that’s the case for many young backs. Gillman has remained loyal to Montana, which is fast becoming unusual in modern college football.
The Last Word
NFL scouts will be spread far and wide in week one, so week zero gave prospects the chance to show up with more scouts watching them in person. CJ Bailey was the big name on show, but he failed to make a positive impression. Jaden Craig is a name to watch, as he should improve as he grows accustomed to his new offense and teammates. The two edge rushers, J’Mond Tapp and Melkart Abou-Jaoude, aren’t athletic freaks, but they have power and talent and are both mid-round type options.
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Main Image: Greg Atkins-Imagn Images