playJordan ReidOct 21, 2026, 06:33 PM ETCloseJordan Reid is an NFL draft analyst for ESPN, providing in-depth scouting on the nation’s top pro prospects. Jordan joined ESPN in 2021 and also contributes to SportsCenter and ESPN Radio. He played quarterback at North Carolina Central University and then went on to coach there from 2014-18.Multiple AuthorsOpen Extended ReactionsWith the 2026 college football season in full swing, it’s time to start stacking the top prospects in the 2027 NFL draft class, which begins on April 29 in Washington, D.C. I’ve been watching and evaluating these players for a couple of years in some instances, and these rankings are a compilation of my scouting (both on film and in person) and conversations I’ve been having with scouts and evaluators around the NFL.We’re going to start these rankings with 50 players, with scouting reports on the top 25, but this list will expand as the draft gets closer and closer.
And these rankings will evolve — some players will shoot up boards, others will fall and still more will ultimately return to school for another year. But this is how I currently see things in the 2027 class.Let’s get to it, starting with arguably the best wide receiver prospect of the past 15-20 years. Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk, and the top names at every position are listed at the bottom.Jump to: Rankings by position1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State*Height: 6-4 | Weight: 222Stats through Oct. 17: 52 receptions for 984 receiving yards (18.9 yards per catch) and 12 touchdownsSmith could have All-Pro potential early in his NFL career as a true No. 1 receiver.
He immediately changes the offensive outlook for the team that adds him. He is sure-handed and can glide past defenders with ease. And he’s equally as capable of winning with strength at the catch point. Smith’s change of direction in routes needs to become sharper, as he can take too many choppy steps when working back toward passers.
But he is tough to stop when allowed to attack defenses vertically.2. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame*Height: 6-2 | Weight: 197Stats through Oct. 17: 13 tackles, five passes defensed, 40% completion percentage allowedWith excellent length, speed and technique, Moore is the prototypical cornerback prospect. His length and physicality allow him to excel when getting hands on receivers in press man coverage. He also has the awareness to identify and defend route concepts in zone coverage.
Moore has the ball skills to match receivers, routinely tracking and attacking the ball out of the air. But he needs to improve his discipline and hand timing at the top of routes.3. Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina*Height: 6-5 | Weight: 250Stats through Oct. 17: five tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, two forced fumblesWith a slender frame, Stewart has rare burst and closing speed as a pass rusher. That allows him to wreak havoc on twists and stunts, though the tools have yet to lead to high-end production at the college level.
And he might not have many chances to add to his tape, as he’s currently suspended from the team. Stewart must also become more consistent with using his length and shedding against the run.4. Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas*Height: 6-3 | Weight: 246Stats through Oct. 17: 25 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recoverySimmons is an energetic and high-effort pass rusher, with a quick first step to explode past blockers. He has a nifty combination of hesitation moves and shoulder fakes.
But he still needs to develop consistent counter moves, as he can get stuck if his initial move isn’t effective. Simmons is a powerful run defender, using a strong base and powerful hands to keep his frame clean when setting the edge. Simmons could miss time with a high-ankle sprain suffered Oct. 17 against Florida.5. Chris Cole, LB, Georgia*Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235Stats through Oct. 17: 40 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, three passes defensedCole is an easy moving, urgent defender from the second level.
He has excellent lateral agility and pursuit speed to close on ball carriers in a hurry. But his ability to read and react to run concepts is still a work in progress, as his eyes can get fixated in the wrong spots. And he can be slow at recognizing concepts in zone coverage, leading to easy catches in his area. Cole is frequently used as a blitzer, which he does effectively.6.
Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana*Height: 6-4 | Weight: 208Stats through Oct. 17: 39 receptions for 684 receiving yards (17.8 ypc) and eight touchdownsBecker is primarily used as a vertical threat, and there are few college players who can match his straight-ahead speed. But he is more than just a threat with his legs; he’s similar to an NBA rebounder with the way he wins 50-50 passes. That ability comes from a combination of elite body control at the catch point and A-plus hand-eye coordination, which helps him see the ball in slow motion. Becker does need to round out his route tree, showing NFL teams that he has more branches on it than just vertical patterns.7.
Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson*Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205Stats through Oct. 17: 19 tackles, one interception for 2 yards, nine passes defensed, 24% completion percentage allowedHampton is a physically imposing cornerback who strives to humiliate receivers at the line of scrimmage by getting his hands on them. Since most receivers struggle to untangle from his coverage, he would be ideal for press man coverage schemes at the next level. Hampton is also a forceful tackler on the perimeter, with lots of knockback strength when coming into contact with ball carriers. But he does need to be more disciplined with his timing in coverage.8.
Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State*Height: 6-3 | Weight: 215Stats through Oct. 17: 136-of-203 passing (67.0% completion percentage) for 1,940 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions; 21 carries for 142 rushing yards (6.8 yards per carry) and two touchdownsMestemaker is my top quarterback prospect despite this being only his second season as a starter in high school and college. He has an unconventional style, holding the ball at his waistline before ripping a fiery, three-quarters release. Mestemaker has the confidence to test the tightest of windows from various platforms, but that can get the best of him and lead to turnovers. Plus, he can be oblivious to underneath defenders.
Mestemaker is bit of a streaky passer, though his hot streaks feature plenty of “wow” moments. And he is capable of being a running threat.9. Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss*Height: 6-3 | Weight: 315Stats through Oct. 17: 18 tackles, 1.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, three passes defensed,An explosive 3-technique, Echoles is one of the most versatile and well-conditioned interior defenders in the country. He has energetic hands that help him accelerate past blockers, and reliable lower body strength helps him be a malleable run defender.
Echoles still needs to make major improvements in his counter moves, as he can get stuck on blockers when his power and initial moves are matched. Plus, he can get caught not being firm on contact and get moved off his spot.10. Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia*Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180Stats through Oct. 17: 13 tackles, one interception for 0 yards, five passes defensed, 45.8% completion percentage allowedRobinson is an ultra-athletic cornerback whose quick feet and sudden change of direction helps him stay connected in man coverage. But there are times when Robinson gives up big gains because his technique tends to be abandoned.
His best reps come in zone coverage, where he has a great feel for concepts unfolding. Robinson has excellent awareness with attacking the ball in flight, and he has a linebacker-like appetite for contact in run support.11. Xavier Gilliam, DT, Tennessee*Height: 6-2 | Weight: 305Stats through Oct. 17: 22 tackles, five sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, o
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