The 2026 NFL Draft (April 23-25 in Pittsburgh) looms, nevertheless it’s not too early to begin getting ready for 2027. Golf equipment all through the league are already doing so.
“In 2027, you may have prototypes on the different positions [besides quarterback],” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer stated on “The Wealthy Eisen Present” on Monday. “Even when there is not a fantastic QB on the prime of subsequent 12 months’s draft, you may need a shot at a kind of guys as nicely. So there are plenty of groups already trying to 2027.”
We have already listed the top QBs for the 2027 draft. Now, let’s flip consideration to the most effective non-QBs. Listed below are 10 we’re monitoring, in inverse order.
10. LSU Tigers OT Jordan Seaton
Seaton, who transferred from the Colorado Buffaloes to LSU this offseason, ought to grow to be an impression participant for brand new head coach Lane Kiffin. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed two sacks in 2025 and posted a career-high 84.1 pass-block grade, thought of elite.
“Seaton arrived in Boulder with huge expectations and lived as much as them,” wrote ESPN’s Matt Miller in a narrative revealed Jan. 15. “The 6-foot-5, 330-pounder has been a rock-solid blindside protector with glorious response agility and makes use of his energy to anchor in move safety.”
Seaton could also be a good higher blocker this season. On March 24, Kiffin stated the O-lineman has had a “phenomenal” offseason (h/t: On3’s Shea Dixon).
The consistency of the WR (previously Ryan Williams) has been a priority. Per PFF, the 6-foot, 178-pounder has 17 drops by way of two seasons with the Crimson Tide.
Nevertheless it’s obvious Coleman-Williams, 19, has the big-play potential wanted to be a first-round decide. In two seasons, he has averaged a powerful 16 yards per reception (97 receptions for 1,554 yards).
“Williams has loads of ‘wow’ performs on tape together with actual physique adjustment and agility within the open discipline, however scouts should weigh these pluses in opposition to his drop points,” wrote Miller.
Hardy (5-foot-10, 206 kilos) wasn’t eligible for the 2026 draft, however he might have been one of many first RBs chosen if accessible. This previous season, the RB ranked second within the FBS in dashing yards (1,649 on 256 carries) and tied for sixth in dashing touchdowns (16).
“He’s constructed like an absolute battering ram,” The Ringer’s Todd McShay stated of the RB in October 2025. “He runs with such nice urgency but additionally confidence.”
Hardy might be in retailer for an additional huge 12 months in 2027. Ole Miss Rebels switch Austin Simmons has been named the beginning QB for Missouri, regardless of beginning two video games in two seasons in Oxford. Count on the Tigers to lean closely on the RB to take stress off the inexperienced QB.
Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman has churned out a number of standout defensive backs since assuming the position in December 2021, together with Atlanta Falcons security Xavier Watts, a 2025 Defensive Rookie of the 12 months finalist.
Moore (6-foot-2, 195 kilos) could also be his subsequent DB who excels within the NFL. Final season, the nook tied for seventh within the nation in interceptions (5), incomes a first-team All-American nod.
“I feel [Moore is] the highest candidate for the Thorpe Award [college football’s best DB] getting into the 2026 season,” wrote Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt.
Washington (6-foot-3, 330 kilos) returned to high school as a substitute of declaring for the 2026 draft, rising Oregon’s probabilities of profitable its first nationwide championship. In 2025, he had profession highs in tackles for loss (4.5) and passes defended (eight).
“He has loads of power and energy to be an excellent run defender, however what separates Washington is the spectacular quickness and athleticism he is proven for his dimension,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder in his scouting report.
Stone (6-foot-3, 310 kilos) flashed the pass-rushing upside groups covet in DTs. PFF credited the sophomore with a career-high 20 hurries on 280 pass-rush snaps final season. He’ll as soon as once more play a key position for Oklahoma because it goals to make a second straight Faculty Soccer Playoff look.
“Stone is perhaps the highest defensive sort out in subsequent 12 months’s draft,” wrote Klatt.
Stewart (6-foot-5, 245 kilos), a former five-star recruit, has greater than met expectations in two seasons with the Gamecocks. He has 22.5 tackles for loss throughout that span and earned a second-team All-SEC nod in 2025.
Stewart could also be scratching the floor of his potential. In a narrative revealed in June 2025, former PFF author Max Chadwick wrote, “He has the upside of turning into a No. 1 total decide,” like former South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney, who went No. 1 total in 2014.
Texas has had two WRs chosen within the first spherical previously two drafts: Kansas Metropolis Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy (decide No. 28 in 2024) and Inexperienced Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden (decide No. 23 in 2025). Auburn Tigers switch Coleman (6-foot-3, 201 kilos) could also be an much more electrical playmaker than each wideouts.
“Coleman is likely one of the most gifted receivers within the nation with among the best spotlight reels, and he averaged 14 yards per catch over his two seasons at Auburn,” wrote ESPN/The Ringer contributor Steve Muench in January.
Coleman — who had 708 yards receiving in 2025 — ought to be much more productive with Texas QB Arch Manning. They have already got chemistry. Texas HC Steve Sarkisian stated Wednesday the QB tossed two TD passes to the WR throughout a scrimmage at Tuesday’s observe.
Since Simmons arrived in Austin in 2024, he has been a matchup nightmare. In two seasons with Texas, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound LB has 21 sacks and 6 pressured fumbles. It is no shock he is already drawing comparisons to former Denver Broncos star Von Miller.
“Probably the greatest pass-rushers previously 20 years has been Von Miller,” former Texas/Chiefs LB Alex Okafor stated of Simmons in July 2025, through 247 Sports’ Chip Brown. “What made him so nice was his potential to remain low. Individuals at all times in contrast him to Spider-Man, saying he can run on partitions sideways. I see the identical factor with Colin Simmons.”
Simmons might take one other step below new Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. The DC coached four-time Professional Bowl DE Brian Orakpo throughout his first stint at Texas from 2008-10.
It is ridiculous that Smith (6-foot-3, 223 kilos) has needed to wait two years to be eligible for the 2027 draft. It is easy to argue the sophomore was prepared to show professional after his freshman season in 2024.
In December 2024, McShay stated he had “little doubt” Smith can be the No. 1 decide within the 2025 draft.
Smith will not be the No. 1 total decide in 2027, contemplating it is set to be a robust QB class. However he ought to go within the prime 5 if he has one other huge 12 months, which he possible will. The WR already ranks sixth in Ohio State historical past in receiving yards (2,558) and fifth in TD catches (27).
