We have some time before the 2027 NFL draft starts in Washington, D.C., but considering that this is one of the most anticipated classes in recent memory, it's never too early to start discussing the top names. In a class that boasts great talent at quarterback, edge rusher, wide receiver, defensive tackle and cornerback, there are plenty of candidates to be the No. 1 pick next April.
That's what I'm identifying here, as I've selected 16 players who could be the first overall pick next April at this point in the process. Some of these names should be quite familiar (Arch Manning, Dante Moore), while others aren't as well-known. But don't be surprised by the lesser-known players, as the two most recent No. 1 picks -- Fernando Mendoza in 2026 and Cam Ward in 2025 -- were in the "potential risers" and "long shots" categories, respectively, in the past two versions of this exercise.
Will this class see a player make a similar rise, or will the current headliners remain at the top? Let's take a look, starting with two top QBs and a couple of elite edge rushers. And we assigned percentage chances to ultimately come off the board first to each prospect.
Jump to a tier: Serious contenders (4) Potential risers (4) Long shots (8)
Serious contenders
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
Predicted chance of going No. 1: 15%
Why he could be the top pick: Moore would have been a top option in this year's draft but decided to forego the NFL and return to school. That makes him arguably the top player of the QB-rich 2027 class. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder is a natural thrower who finished with 3,565 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season in his first year as a starter.
Moore operates with clean mechanics and is a precise processor when protected. His 71.8% completion percentage was the fifth-highest rate in the FBS and shows the accuracy that makes him attractive to NFL evaluators.
Scouts will be paying close attention to Moore's performances against high-caliber opponents, as he struggled against them at times last season (most notably in two losses to Indiana). He also has spurts where he can be overly conservative instead of throwing to open options downfield. Evaluators want to see Moore test more tight windows in his second season as a starter.