The 2026 college football season starts this weekend with Week 0, and evaluations for the 2027 NFL draft are already underway. Since releasing my way-too-early mock draft in late April, I've been in the film room dissecting tape while also talking to scouts and evaluators around the league to get an idea on how top prospects are trending. So, let's update those first-round projections with another mock draft.
This is how I see Round 1 playing out right now. Keep in mind that plenty of changes will shake out between now and next April in Washington, D.C. Players will rise and fall on the board, and some might not even remain in the class. And since we don't know the draft order yet, I used current projections from ESPN's Football Power Index for the 1-32.
With quarterbacks being such a focal point in this class, I've also projected a trade that would uproot the top of this draft at that position. Let's get this started with that blockbuster deal and then get to predictions for all 32 first-round picks.
Note: Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk.
Projected trade: Browns move up to No. 1
Here, the Browns decide to take fate into their own hands, trading both of their first-round picks (Nos. 4 and 32 overall), a 2027 fourth-round pick and their 2028 second-round pick to the Dolphins for the No. 1 overall selection. Will Cleveland use it to get its franchise quarterback -- and if so, which one?
1. Cleveland Browns (via projected trade with MIA)
Dante Moore, QB, Oregon*
I had the Dolphins trade out because they recently invested in Malik Willis. While a lot depends on Willis' performance this season, Miami does already have a promising young quarterback. Unless Shedeur Sanders makes a massive leap in Year 2 (which seems unlikely), the Browns do not. Deshaun Watson's contract ends after this season, as well, making this a perfect time for Cleveland to take another swing at that elusive franchise QB to join the young talent it has accumulated in the past couple drafts.
Moore has squeaky-clean mechanics, and his accuracy shined in his first year as a starter. This would be a good situation for him, with young players he can grow alongside. If he brings his stellar college play to the NFL, the Browns could turn things around quickly.
2. Arizona Cardinals
Arch Manning, QB, Texas*
Even though Carson Beck, Arizona's third-round pick in April, has looked good this preseason, his presence wouldn't prevent the Cardinals from looking at a QB here -- especially with veteran Jacoby Brissett's contract expiring after the season. Manning recovered from a slow start to 2025, with his development taking a big leap in mid-October. If he can build on that momentum and improve his accuracy on underneath throws, he has the physical tools to be picked at this spot and join 2026 first-round running back Jeremiyah Love to form Arizona's backfield of the future.