Summer Scouting: Early look at 2027 NFL Draft Class – Defense

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Welcome to Summer Scouting, a personal favorite time of the year for me. Over the course of the next 1-2 months, I will be breaking down the draft classes, prospects to watch, breakout candidates, and much more on a week to week basis to better help prepare for the actual 2027 draft cycle.

The 2027 NFL draft is under a year away, and summer time is, for many, including myself the best part to scout. Previewing the potential future picks, and watching those will rise and fall over the next season into the draft process is always intriguing. The 2027 class has the ability to be a draft class that is talked about for the next decade with the potential talent that is slated to declare, and it’s not talent that is banking on a big year, but talent that has shown their abilities to play at a high level since they were true freshman.

The 2027 class is likely to be one of the deepest classes in NFL history, and for the Las Vegas Raiders, they only hold six selections, something I imagine will change this season and off-season with the potential trades of Kolton Miller, Maxx Crosby, and Kirk Cousins along with in draft trades. Regardless, a look at the 2027 class and where the strengths/weaknesses are at the beginning of summer scouting.

EDGE Rushers: LET THEM RUN, ALSO MULTI GENERATIONAL POTENTIAL
Top Names: Colin Simmons (Texas), Dylan Stewart (South Carolina), Quincy Rhodes (Arkansas), Matayo Uiagalelei (Oregon), Anthony Smith (Minnesota), Anto Saka (Texas A&M), Damon Wilson (Miami), Will Heldt (Clemson), Yhonzae Pierre (Alabama), Princely Umanmielen (LSU), John Henry Daley (Michigan), Kenyatta Jackson (Ohio State), Jordan Ross (LSU), Teitum Tuioti (Oregon), Elijah Rushing (Oregon),
Watch in 2026: Boubacar Traore (Notre Dame), Jonathan Mladonado (Ole Miss), Bryce Young (Notre Dame), Jayden Morgan (Boise State), James Williams (Oklahoma State), Melkart Jaoude (UNC), Ade Adebawore (Oklahoma), Trey White (Texas Tech), Keon Keeley (Notre Dame)
Sleepers/Risers Potential: Clev Lubin (Louisville), Taylor Wein (Oklahoma), Toby Anene (Colorado), J’Mond Tapp (Memphis), Gabe Harris (Georgia), Miles Capers (Vanderbilt), Adam Trick (Texas Tech), Jalen Thompson (Arizona State), Clayton Smith (Arizona State)
Initial Grade: A

• The EDGE classes in recent years have really risen, and it seems as each season is almost an improvement off the last. The 2026 class didn’t have a ton of top end talent, but they did see some good talent in the late 1st to 3rd rounds. The 2027 class projects to be nearly generational in terms of how many players could see their names called early on and the true talent of the class. SEC standouts Colin Simmons & Dylan Stewart project to be high end pass rushers in the NFL, and both have been well discussed since their freshman seasons. Additionally, the class also features standouts Quincy Rhodes, Matayo Uiagalelei, and Will Heldt who all are searching to build off their 2025 seasons. John Henry Dailey, Princely Umanmielen, Teitum Tuiti, Elijah Rushing, Boubacar Traroe, and Anthony Smith can all see their names rise extremely this off-season, especially Dailey who is coming off a serious injury limiting most of his 2025 season.

  The 2027 EDGE class features some top end run defenders down the list, but a large majority of the class has a ton of stronger dual threat pass rushers. I’d really keep an eye on Adam Trick at Texas Tech who pairs well with San Diego State transfer Trey White along with Memphis’ J’Mond Tapp who showcases to be one of, if not the, best non P4 pass rusher in the class. White has been a top pass rusher in college for the last two seasons, and Trick is transferring up from Miami Ohio, both of which will look to shoot up boards similar to David Bailey last season. While I doubt every EDGE rusher listed, especially James Williams, Melkart Jaoude, Bryce Young, Keon Kelley, and Gabe Harris declare the class has a lot of young ascending talent, and possibly 4 worthy of top 12 selections.

Defensive Tackle: Sirloin Steak, it can be great or terrible, or in between
Top Names: David Stone (Oklahoma), Justin Scott (Miami), Mateen Ibirogba (Texas Tech), Bear Alexander (Oregon), Mario Landino (Indiana), AJ Holmes (Texas Tech), Santana Hopper (Colorado),
Watch in 2026: Kemari Copeland (Virginia Tech), Cody Sigler (Auburn), Ezra Christensen (Colorado), JoJo Johnson (Texas Tech), Jason Onye (Notre Dame)
Sleepers/Risers Potential: Tyrique Tucker (Indiana), James Smith (Ohio State), Francis Brewu (Notre Dame), Hero Kanu (Texas), Ikenna Ezeogu (Penn State), Edric Hil (Alabama), Sean FitzSimmons (Pitt)
Initial Grade: B

• I like the 2027 defensive tackle class, but it does have it’s flaws as well. David Stone is looking to build off a 2025 season, and 2026 will be crucial for Stone who can elevate his game to a top 10 selection, but he can also have a fall off which could push him to late round one, or out of day one completely. Additionally, Mateen Ibirogba (truly an exceptional athlete, elite explosion), Bear Alexander, AJ Holmes, Francis Brewu, and Tyrique Tucker all will need to continue their development track from 2025 to 2026, and all of them outside of Alexander can also end up going back to school for the 2027 season.

  I am a REALLY big fan of Colorado duo Santana Hopper & Ezra Christensen with both very likely at worst 3rd round selections in 2026, with Hopper having the ability to be a first rounder. Keep an eye on Virginia Tech true Junior Kemari Copeland along with Cody Sigler at Auburn, who can both develop into first rounders, but need to have a strong 2026 season though their development track shows they can. This class is very boom or bust right now, there’s some really strong potential, and a lot of talent, but defensive tackle is hard to project in terms of development, so 2026 will be big for this year.

Nose Tackle: Two headed horse, need development in the depth
Top Names: Ahmad Moten (Miami), A’Marui Washington (Oregon), Will Echoles (Ole Miss), Keanu Tanuvasa (BYU)
Watch in 2026: Maraad Watson (Texas), CJ Fite (Arizona State), Markis Deal (TCU), Step Green (LSU),
Sleepers/Risers Potential: Jordan Hall (Georgia), Jayden Jackson (Oklahoma), Tomiwa Durojaiye (South Carolina), Jamari Lyons (Florida), CJ Mims (Texas A&M),
Initial Grade: B-

• The grade for this class is very much carried by Moten & Washington who project to be first rounders, and possibly the best two defensive tackles in the class when factoring in everyone. Moten could have declared in 2026, and he very likely would have ended up as a first round selection. Moten will now be tasked with being the key link on the Miami defensive line as Akheem Mesidor & Rueben Bain are gone, a year of struggle as the top guy on the line could dip his stock. Washington also could have declared in 2026 and returned to Oregon, he’ll look to continue his 2025 success, and I expect him to and possibly rise into the first half of round one.

  After those two, it’s a little concerning with Jordan Hall, Maraad Watson, CJ Fite, Will Echoles, and Keanu Tanuvasa needing to take big steps to be considered where they are currently projected to end up right now. Nose tackles usually rise throughout the year, but they can also fall off as well. The class is pretty deep in terms of true talent, but it’s not proven or consistent, both of which will fault the class. Nose tackles rise throughout the year, so don’t stress, and some of the defensive tackles above could shift into a 0-2 tech role and thrive.

Linebacker: Very Boom or Bust caliber, needs development to occur
Top Names: Kyngston Viliamu-Asa (Notre Dame), Sammy Brown (Clemson), Rasheem Biles (Texas), Suntarine Perkins (Ole Miss), Chris Cole (Georgia), Whit Weeks (LSU), Christian Alliegro (Ohio State), Ben Roberts (Texas Tech), Raylen Wilson (Georgia), Kip Lewis (Oklahoma), Cole Sullivan (Oklahoma)
Watch in 2026: Ray Coney (Texas A&M), Tony Rojas (Penn State), Drayk Bowen (Notre Dame), Xavier Atkins (Auburn), Amare Campbell (Tennessee), Ray Coney (Texas A&M), Cade Uluave (BYU), Kam Robinson (Virginia)
Sleepers/Risers Potential: Arion Carter (Tennessee), Austin Romaine (Texas Tech), Jaylen Sneed (Notre Dame), Owen Heinecke (Oklahoma), Isaiah Jones (Indiana), Isaiah Glasker (BYU), Qua Rassaw (Ohio State), Jordan Hall (Michigan State), Peyton Seelmann (UNC), Tre Moore (Purdue)
Initial Grade: B

• This class can truly be anywhere from an A+ to a D. At the top everyone outside of Weeks, and the Oklahoma trio can return to school in 2027 which limits how well I can project this class right now. At the same time, most of those in the Sleepers/Riser & Watch section should declare and can also rise enough to take the place of the top names if they decide to return. A really big name to watch is Arion Carter, who’s coming off a strong 2025 season and I’d like to see him really develop his run defense, initial movement, and overall trust himself more often. Additionally, Notre Dame’s Drayk Bowen needs to improve in coverage but he’s a sensational athlete, is excellent vs the run, and also a great blitzer who has limited pressure in that Notre Dame second level.

  Speaking on Notre Dame, Kyngston Viliamu-Asa is one of my favorite players in the class on both sides, he’s coming off a torn ACL so I think he’s less likely to declare in 2027 than it’s currently assumed, and he may not be ready to start the season which will open the door for Jaylen Sneed who’s likely to hear his name called in the first 4 rounds. Sammy Brown is an exceptional athlete, as is Rasheem Biles, Perkins, Cole, and Alliegro who all need to find consistency but they will blow the doors off their athletic testing. Ben Roberts has a chance to step into a big role for the Red Raiders this off-season replacing Jacob Rodriguez at MIKE and he’s a true thumper downhil run defender at the position, as is UNC’s Peyton Seelmann who comes in from Richmond and I’d expect a big season from him for the Tar Heels. Owen Heinecke, Jordan Hall, Isaiah Glasker all could have declared in 2026, but returned and it should benefit their careers, along with LSU’s Whit Weeks who can rise into the first round.

Cornerback: It’s like a cold glass of lemonade in summer, phenomenal -> truly a lockdown class
Top Names: Leonard Moore (Notre Dame), Ellis Robinson IV (Georgia), Chris Peal (Syracuse), OJ Frederique Jr (Miami), Zabien Brown (Alabama), Brice Pollock (Texas Tech), Ashton Hampton (Clemson), Jamari Sharpe (Indiana),
Watch in 2026: Eli Bowen (Oklahoma), Elijah Green (Tulsa), Kelley Jones (Mississippi State), Evan Johnson (BYU), Jayden Bellamy (UCF), Jontez Williams (USC), Christian Gray (Notre Dame), Ja’Son Prevard (Kansas State), Jyair Hill (Michigan), Dontay Joyner (Maryland), Zion Tracy (Penn State), JoJo Johnson (Bowling Green), Xavier Lucas (Miami),
Sleepers/Risers Potential: DJ McKinney (Notre Dame), PJ Woodland (LSU), Kayin Lee (Tennessee), Jermaine Matthews Jr (Ohio State), DJ Barksdale (UCLA), AJ Harris (Indiana), Jabril Rawls (Florida State), Smith Snowden (Michigan State), MJ Cannon (Clemson), Zeke Berry (Michigan), Asthon Stamps (Arizona)
Initial Grade: A-

• After a weird 2026 corner class, the 2027 class features two possible top 10 selections in Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore & Georgia’s Ellis Robinson IV. Both have been top corners in college since their freshman seasons, and both will be battling for the top spot again all season. Moore is a traditional man coverage physical corner, and Robinson works a bit better in true zone, which will cause some diversity but they both project as top corners in the NFL long-term. I’d like to see more consistency from Chris Peal, Zabien Brown, and Ashton Hampton while OJ Frederique is someone who can truly rise into the top of the class with Moore/Robinson should he have the year many expect he can.

  Brice Pollock is big, physical, and has had his ups and downs which is fairly similar to new Indiana CB AJ Harris who projected as an early 2026 first rounder before a terrible 2026 season forced him into the portal. Additionally, Jamari Sharpe joins him as another anchor of the Hoosiers secondary, and I expect both to rebound into top prospects with a look at possible late round 1, early round 2 conversations. After that, the other Bowen brother, Eli, should see his ability to rise this off-season be more streamlined after focusing on cornerback over safety. Notre Dame duo DJ McKinney & Christian Gray round out a top trio, Gray has struggled but he’s also had his highlights and McKinney was a projected 2026 first rounder just a year ago.

  Keep an eye on Elijah Green who projects as the best non P4 cornerback, and I truly think he can rise to a level of Quinyon Mitchell with the talent, length, and instincts he has. Evan Johnson, Jayden Bellamy, Jabril Rawls, Smith Snowden, and MJ Cannon are exceptional athletes who can rise with consistency and Bellamy has top talent among that list. I also expect to see more from Ashton Stamps & DJ Barksdale, both who have different paths but Barskdale could look to be the best nickel in the class with Illinois Safety Xavier Scott his top challenger. This cornerback class has a ton of top end talent, but also a lot of depth, I wouldn’t be surprised to see nearly 10 immediate starters when looking back.

Safety: If you need one, take two, if you need two, take three, if you need none, take one.
Top Names: Tae Johnson (Notre Dame), KJ Bolden (Georgia), Xavier Scott (Illinois) Jelani McDonald (Texas), Bray Hubbard (Alabama), Tao Johnson (UCLA), Zach Lutmer (Iowa), Terry Moore (Ohio State), Amare Ferrell (Indiana), Bryce Thornton (Florida), Keon Sabb (Alabama), Earl Little Jr (Ohio State), Marcus Neal (Penn State),
Watch in 2026: Isaac Smith (Mississippi State), Peyton Bowen (Oklahoma), Koi Perch (Oregon), Davaughn Patterson (Wake Forest), Ty Benefield (LSU), Ty Bryant (Kentucky), Kerry Brown (Minnesota), Rod Moore (Michigan), Robert Fitzgerald (Northwestern)
Sleepers/Risers Potential: Adon Shuler (Notre Dame), Ricardo Jones (Vanderbilt), Alex McLaughlin (Washington), Ty Bryant (Kentucky), Qua Moss (Tennessee), Faletau Satuala (BYU), King Mack (NC State)
Initial Grade: A++++++++

• I almost put this class first, but I didn’t for the sake of reading. This class is purely sensational, but it can also see most of the top names with Johnson, Bolden, Scott, McDonald, Hubbard, Johnson, and Lutmer all eligible to return among others. Tae Johnson is right up there with Xavier Watts & Kyle Hamilton for Irish safeties, and Bolden gives him a great run for his money. Both are exceptional athletes, have a knack for the ball, and the game comes slow to them. Both of them will likely compete with Scott (more of a nickel), Hubbard and some of those in the watch list for the top safety in the class.

  McDonald steps into a bigger role with Michael Taafe gone, and Bray Hubbard will need to continue his success in 2025 after an absurd 2026 season where he was an anchor of the Crimson Tide’s secondary with elite versatility. Tao Johnson, Koi Perch both transferred to new schools this off-season, and they step into good secondaries that will allow them to be a focal point in the backend, something that Perch really needs to build off some stagnant seasons at Minnesota. Lutmer is a good safety, he’s a traditional Iowa DB and extremely versatile, as is Alabama’s Keon Sabb and I think he’ll make a good run for the first round this season. Michigan’s Rod Moore was a top safety back in 2025 but an injury prevented him from declaring in 2026, and he’ll look to return to 2027 where he likely won’t be a first rounder but could be someone to watch late in day two or early day three.

  Three paragraphs, the only time I did that in this series, and that’s to show this class is among the best I have ever watched. Qua Moss transferred from West Georgia to Kansas State, and now the Vols where the 6’4, 215 safety has a sub 4.35 40 and exceptional ball skills where he pairs with App State transfer DJ Burks who also could see his name rise this year. Notre Dame’s Adon Shuler hits like a truck, is a good nickel defender, and could rise quickly with similar athleticism, ball skills, and instincts to Kyle Hamilton just at 6’2, not 6’4. Peyton Bowen is moving from nickel corner to a more traditional strong safety role, but his versatility is key, as is Amare Ferrell’s who’s the new anchor of the Hoosiers backend secondary. Lastly, I’ll touch on Bryce Thornton & Marcus Neal who don’t flash much but are completely foundational high floor safeties and should see their names called early on, along with Earl Little Jr at Ohio State.

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