This is usually when we begin talking about the potential pool of prospects for the upcoming NFL draft. But NFL scouts and personnel people have been anticipating this 2027 class for a while, and discussions about it started long ago.
We've all heard the hype. After two weaker drafts in a row, we've been promised that the 2027 group of players will be excellent. Excitement has built around names such as Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Jeremiah Smith and Leonard Moore. And teams have stockpiled 2027 picks to take advantage of the talent and depth we could see next April.
But just how good is this class? Is the acclaim really warranted? And how can we put this group into historical perspective? Based on conversations with people around the league and my early film study, I answered seven big questions sizing up the potential of the 2027 draft.
Jump to more on: The overall hype | QBs | No. 1 pick Strong positions | Weak position Historic comps | Teams in the best position
Is the hype around the 2027 draft class justified?
"Next year's class is loaded."
We hear this cliché every year. But in speaking with scouts and executives this summer, I noticed more excitement than normal, and the upcoming 2027 class might actually live up to that standard-issue statement. The hype is indeed real, and this class is loaded with potential at several premium positions.