My Early Top 10 Quarterbacks for the 2027 NFL Draft

Projecting quarterbacks this far out is about more than stats. You’re projecting traits, development, and who these players could become a year from now. These are my early rankings based on the film I’ve watched and where I think each quarterback is headed.

1. Arch Manning | Texas

Arch Manning is still my No. 1 quarterback because he brings just about everything you’re looking for. He has the arm talent, athleticism, and confidence to make plays from inside or outside the pocket.

What I liked most was watching his game grow as the season went along. You could see him getting more comfortable, trusting what he was seeing and playing faster. That’s exactly what you want from a first-year starter.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s still plenty to clean up. I’d like to see him become more consistent with his mechanics and move through his progressions a little quicker. But if he keeps building on the way he finished last season, I think it’ll be very difficult for anyone to move him off the top spot.

2. Dante Moore | Oregon

Dante Moore has all the talent to finish the season as the No. 1 quarterback in this class. I really like his footwork and how smooth he throws the football, and I think he’s a better athlete than people give him credit for. At times, I see a little bit of C.J. Stroud in his game because of how effortless he throws from the pocket and how naturally the ball comes out of his hand.

The biggest thing I’m looking for is consistency. There are games where he looks like one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and then there are others where I come away wanting a little more. That’s the next step for him.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Moore finishes the season as my No. 1 quarterback. I also wouldn’t be surprised if he slips a couple of spots. That’s why this season is so important. Right now, I think he’s earned the No. 2 spot.

3. Drew Mestemaker | Oklahoma State

Mestemaker is probably my biggest conviction ranking. The first thing I notice is how much life the football has coming out of his hand. He generates outstanding velocity and can drive the football to every level of the field without straining. What impressed me just as much was his anticipation. He trusts what he sees, throws with anticipation, and consistently delivers the football before defenders can react. Add in his ability to create outside the structure of the offense, and it’s easy to see why I’m so high on him.

Now he’ll have the chance to prove himself at Oklahoma State against tougher competition. If his game carries over, I think he’ll be one of the biggest risers in the country and a legitimate first-round quarterback.

4. CJ Carr | Notre Dame

The easiest thing to appreciate about Carr is how natural everything looks. His release is effortless; he throws with really good timing, and his touch consistently stands out. I also think his arm is a little better than people give it credit for.

I’d like to see him become more comfortable when the pocket starts to collapse instead of trying to make something happen late in the play. Another year under his belt and getting a little stronger could really elevate his game.

5. LaNorris Sellers | South Carolina

Every time I turn on Sellers’ tape, the physical traits jump out immediately. He’s built to handle contact, has a powerful arm, and can completely change a game with his legs.

When everything is working, he reminds me of the UCF version of Daunte Culpepper. I’d like to see him trust the easy play more often instead of feeling like every snap has to become a highlight. Along with Mestemaker, he’s one of the biggest wildcards in this class because the ceiling is incredibly high.

6. Darian Mensah | Miami

Mensah wins differently than most quarterbacks on this list, and that’s what I like about him. He isn’t trying to throw through every defense. Instead, he wins with anticipation, touch, and accuracy, consistently putting the football where only his receivers can make a play.

After transferring from Duke to Miami, I’m interested to see how his game continues to develop. I’d still like to see him add a little more strength, but what stands out on tape is his timing, anticipation, and ball placement. He consistently throws receivers open, keeps his eyes downfield, and stays composed when plays break down. Those are the kinds of traits that consistently translate to the next level, and they’re a big reason why I believe he has one of the higher floors in this quarterback class.

7. Julian Sayin | Ohio State

If I had to pick one thing that defines Sayin, it’s accuracy. He consistently puts the football where it needs to be and doesn’t spend the game chasing low-percentage throws.

I don’t think he has elite arm strength, but that’s not really how he wins. I’d like to see him trust himself to challenge tighter windows more often because I think there’s another level to his game.

8. Brendan Sorsby

Sorsby is the toughest player on this list to project because he won’t be on the field this season. That obviously makes the evaluation more difficult.

Even so, I still believe in the talent. I think he has the tools to develop into a first- or second-round pick once he gets another opportunity. The year away creates uncertainty, but it doesn’t change what I saw on tape.

9. Trinidad Chambliss | Ole Miss

Chambliss is one of those quarterbacks who always seems to find a way to keep a play alive. He’s comfortable outside the pocket, gets the ball out quickly, and creates problems for defenses with both his arm and his legs.

I’d like to see him recognize a little sooner when a play is over instead of always searching for something bigger. If he keeps developing, I think more people will be talking about him by the end of the season.

10. Sam Leavitt | LSU

Leavitt is stepping into one of the more interesting situations in this class after transferring from Arizona State to LSU. This move gives him a chance to show what his game looks like with a different supporting cast and against another level of competition.

What gave him the nod over a few other quarterbacks is his athleticism and ability to create outside the pocket. He plays faster on film than his timed speed suggests, consistently extending plays, escaping pressure, and picking up yards with his legs while keeping his eyes downfield. This season will tell us a lot about where he belongs in this quarterback class, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s one of the biggest risers.

Just Missed the Cut

Jayden Maiava | USC

Maiava is another quarterback I’ll be keeping an eye on this season. The talent is there, and if he puts everything together consistently at USC, he has a real chance to work his way into these rankings.

Josh Hoover | Indiana

Hoover just missed my Top 10, but he’s a quarterback I’ll be watching closely this season. I think his arm velocity is a little underrated. When he wants to, he can really dial up the fastball. With the move to Indiana and a talented group around him, don’t be surprised if his stock climbs.

John Mateer | Oklahoma

Mateer has a little Baker Mayfield to his game, with even more explosiveness as a runner. He’s an energetic leader who can make something happen when a play breaks down. If he cleans up the decision-making, I could easily see him rising into my Top 10.

Final Thoughts

These rankings will change, and that’s the fun part of evaluating quarterbacks. Every season someone takes a leap that nobody saw coming, while someone else doesn’t develop the way we expected. I’ll revisit these rankings throughout the season as more film becomes available, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this class evolves.