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

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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.

Quarterback: A lot of fun, but some risk (sorta like sports betting, too soon?)
Top Names: Dante Moore (Oregon), Arch Manning (Texas), Drew Mestemaker (N. Texas), CJ Carr (Notre Dame), Darian Mensah (Miami), Drake Lindsey (Minnesota), Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), Brendan Sorsby (Texas Tech), LaNorris Sellers (S. Carolina), Julian Sayin (Ohio State)
Watch in 2026: Sam Leavitt (LSU), Josh Hoover (Indiana), Aidan Chiles (Northwestern), John Mateer (Oklahoma), DJ Lagway (Baylor), Marcel Reed (Texas A&M), Gunner Stockton (Georgia), Rocco Becht (Penn State), Jaden Craig (TCU)
Sleepers/Risers Potential: Jayden Maiava (USC), CJ Bailey (NC State), Demond Williams (Washington), Dylan Lonergan (Rutgers), Nico Iamaleava (UCLA), Byrum Brown (Auburn), Colton Joseph (Wisconsin)
Initial Grade: A-

• Everyone always says oh the QB class next year is this or that, and well most years it isn’t what it’s made out to be. I have a very hard time thinking that will be the case in 2027. Moore, Manning, Mestemaker, Carr, Mensah, Lindsey, and Chambliss all have likely top 50 selections penciled in assuming the development course remains the same which for most it doesn’t seem a route that will change. Additionally, Sayin & Sellers could both rise quickly along with the three names listed in the sleepers/risers section. Leavitt a former potential first rounder needs to come a long way this year, but he’s shown the traits to warrant a top 3 round selection. The 2027 class should be one of the deepest and should have 5-7 first round picks, that said the class does feature Mestemaker, Carr, Sayin, Bailey, and Manning as the top names with all having the ability to potentially return and declare in 2028.

  There’s a few other intriguing names, Oklahoma’s John Mateer is an electric athlete, has a great arm but he’s small and non conventional in a lot of ways as is Aidan Chiles at Northwestern. Stockton and Becht are two late round QBs that could rise with strong seasons, into a early of day three player. Drake Lindsey is fascinating to watch, he’s got an elite arm, is mobile, and can truly be a top QB in the class. I’d also keep an eye on the Bailey & Williams to really develop and take a step forward in 2026. A fun one to watch as a mid day three QB that can be a good NFL backup, TCU’s Jaden Craig who comes over from Harvard.

Runningback: Top heavy, chance to see risers in 2026
Top Names: Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss), Jadan Baugh (Florida), Ahmad Hardy (Missouri), LJ Martin (BYU), Raleek Brown (Texas), Isaac Brown (Louisville), Justice Haynes (Georgia Tech), Hollywood Smothers (Texas), Tre Wisner (Florida State)
Watch in 2026: Fluff Bothwell (Mississippi State), Wayshawn Parker (Utah), Jordan Marshall (Michigan), Malachi Hosley (Georgia Tech), Wayne Knight (UCLA), Quinten Joyner (Texas Tech), Triston Morgan (Kennesaw State), J’Koby Williams (Texas Tech), Dylan Edwards (Kansas State)
Sleepers/Risers: Antwan Raymond (Rutgers), Cam Cook (WVU), Waymond Jordan (USC), Nate Frazier (Georgia), Mark Fletcher (Miami), Cam Edwards (Michigan State), Quinten Joyner (Texas Tech), Adam Jones (Montana State),
Initial Grade: B+

• The 2027 class is fascinating, there’s a lot of the top talent that should continue their careers and showcase the talent to be a top back in the class, though right now I’d argue there’s only 1 maybe two deserving of a first round pick being Lacy & Hardy. The class features a ton of different names, and a lot of diverse backs in their skillsets. A majority of the class is built on straight line speed, with good initial quickness and movement skills, but there’s also a noticeable lack of true power runners between the tackles, and bigger backs. Additionally, most of the names at the end of the class transferred from D2/FCS to power four, and or are just making their power four initial appearance this off-season which could be a key aspect to watch. Antwan Raymond is likely one of, if not my favorite, back in the class with his blend of talent and he reminds me a lot of a bigger Ashton Jeanty.

  Dylan Edwards is lightning in a bottle, but he’s not put everything together in his career. In addition, Fluff Bothwell is a fun prospect, he’s lighting in a bottle, he struggled to show his traits last year, but has the talent and a big 2026 could be massive for his career. Additionally, keep an eye on Wayne Knight, the Texas Tech duo, Cam Edwards, and Adam Jones who all could see very favorable seasons and rise quickly in a class that is begging for someone to take the 4th till 9th spots in the class. After a really really week 2026 class, I’d expect 2027 to bounce back, but still not be similar to that of the 2025 class.

Wide Receiver: Multi Generational Potential
Top Names: Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State), Cam Coleman (Texas), Charlie Becker (Indiana), Omarion Miller (Arizona State), Mario Craver (Texas A&M), Nick Marsh (Indiana), Evan Stewart (Oregon), Isaiah Sategna (Oklahoma), Devin McCuin (Ohio State), Wyatt Young (North Texas), Ryan Wingo (Texas), TJ Moore (Clemson), Cooper Barkate (Miami), Tre Richardson (Louisville)
Watch in 2026: Eric Singleton Jr (Florida), Nyck Harbor (South Carolina), Ryan Williams (Alabama), Mike Matthews (Tennessee), Braylon Staley (Tennessee), Jayce Brown (LSU), Griffin Wilde (Northwestern), Duce Robinson (Florida State), Cayden Lee (Missouri), Taco Dowler (Montana State)
Sleepers/Risers: Junior Sherrill (Vanderbilt), Bryan Wesco (Clemson), Ian Strong (Cal), Jordan Faison (Notre Dame), Jaden Greathouse (Notre Dame), KJ Duff (Rutgers), Jared Richardson (Duke), Danny Scudero (Colorado), Nitro Tuggle (South Carolina), KD Hutchinson (Western Kentucky)
Initial Grade: A

• I hope you like wide receivers, because the 2027 class is a year to not only need receivers, but to have potentially multiple top 10 receivers in one class. Jeremiah Smith is the consensus top receiver, and possible top player in the class, but do not overlook Cam Coleman who is also arguably a top five player in the class and not far off Smith. Additionally, Indiana duo Charlie Becker & Nick Marsh have the ability to be similar to that of JaMarr Chase/Justin Jefferson at LSU, and I’m really high on Miller, Craver, Young (need to see him produce again in 2026), Moore, and Faison. Notre Dame features two diverse receivers, with Jordan Faison having arguably the best pure movement skills in the class. The watch in 2026 category features, to no surprise, two Tennessee receivers, both of which aren’t traditional Tennessee receivers and I can see a route to similar talk of Chris Brazzell with.

  Two key names to watch, and both can either tank or skyrocket this season, Alabama’s Ryan Williams & South Carolina’s Nyck Harbor. Habor truly has comparable measurables to Calvin Johnson, but he plays like Quentin Johnston. Harbor needs to clean up his technique, drops, and also just grow into being a receiver. Ryan Williams looked to rival Jeremiah Smith in 2024, but a rough 2025 with a ton of drops, did not help his case and he’ll need to bounce back or look to keep falling. There’s a few mid power four receivers I didn’t mention above that you’ll want to watch, and while the 2027 class does feature a good core of names that could return, that’s likely to be avoided.

Tightend: Turn the Development Slider to Max
Top Names: Jamari Johnson (Oregon), Trey’Dez Green (LSU), Peter Clarke (Temple), DJ Vonnahme (Iowa)
Watch in 2026: Ben Brahmer (Penn State), Dorian Thomas (Cal), Chris Corbo (Georgia Tech), Terrance Carter Jr (Texas Tech), Lawson Luckie (Georgia), Garrett Oakley (Kansas State)
Sleepers/Risers: Brody Foley (Louisville), Luke Reynolds (Penn State), Michael Masunas (Texas), Ryan Schwendeman (Wisconsin), Darrin Fuggitt (App State), Carter Moses (Kansas State), Eli Finley (Louisiana Tech), Bruin Fleischmann (Montana State)
Initial Grade: C+

• The 2027 class at TE does feature some names that can pop and be potential options. Johnson/Green, and likely Clarke can push for first round consideration. At the same time, Clarke is the only one I’m fully sold on. Johnson has an ability to be a generational prospect at TE (better than Bowers), but he will finally step into a full time role in 2027 along with Green, which will be big for both of their careers. I like Dorian Thomas, Chris Corbo, and Ryan Schwendeman a lot but all three are coming from the FCS or G5 to power four, and that adaptation will need to happen quickly. My favorite name however, is Iowa’s DJ Vonnahme who should rise quickly into possible round one consideration. Also watch Montana State star Bruin Fleischmann, who could turn heads quick.

  Texas Tech’s Terrance Carter stood out in 2026, but he’s smaller and very similar to Darren Waller on the field. He has the ability to rise considerably, and how well he does working inline at times will be telling for his NFL value. The 2026 class featured runs on development, blocking first tight ends, and if that trend continues in 2027, then Corbo, Oakley, Brahmer, and Luckie should see a ton of high praise early on. If not, it could be a rough year for blocking focused tight ends, with many being pure receivers or dual options. The class has the ability to produce talent, but the lack of proven options even at the top, gives the class a big C+.

Offensive Tackle: It’s like a Chemistry Test, I’m not confident but I’m not worried and that scares me
Top Names: Jordan Seaton (LSU), Trevor Goosby (Texas), Austin Siereveld (Ohio State), Carter Smith (Indiana), Blake Frazier (Michigan), PJ Williams (SMU), Lance Heard (Kentucky), Niki Prongos (Stanford), Jacarrius Peak (South Carolina), Trevor Lauck (Iowa), Andrew Sprauge (Michigan)
Watch in 2026: Xavier Chaplin (Florida State), Melvin Siani (Texas), Anthony Donkoh (Penn State), Desmeal Leigh (Youngstown State), Earnest Greene (Georgia), Joe Cotton (Cincinnati)
Sleepers/Risers: Ben Murawski (Michigan State), Fred Williams (Cal), Drew Azzopardi (Washington), Jimarion McCrimon (NC State), Howard Sampson (Texas Tech), David Ndukwe (Syracuse), Elijah Pritchett (Nebraska), Kahlil House (Stanford), Beau Johnson (Vanderbilt)
Initial Grade: B

• If you didn’t know, I wasn’t great at Chemistry, which is why I well didn’t do Chemistry in college. Regardless of such, the 2027 class has some good names at the top. Jordan Seaton transferred to LSU from Colorado, Trevor Goosby returns as does Carter Smith as both could’ve declared in 2026. Additionally, the class does see some good youth with Sprauge, Peak, Prongos, Heard, and Lauch as top names to watch early on. Ben Murawski has the ability to really elevate his game this season, though he could kick to guard. I’m a big fan of a lot of the sleepers in general, Howard Sampson & Beau Johnson stand out immediately, as does McCrimon & Azzopardi as guys who can stay stagnant or elevate themselves to top names

  The watch class is likely the most diverse I have seen in a draft cycle. Xavier Chaplin a potential 2026 first rounder, was not great in 2025, and thus returns in 2026 this time to Florida State. He’s joined by a few other raw prospects that will need a big year, and an FCS tackle similar to Charles Grant in Desmeal Leigh. I’d expect a lot of names to pop during the season, and this class be a lot deeper with Colorado having two names I didn’t mention in Leon Bell & Jayven Richardson, while Arkansas tackle Bryant Williams, Tennessee’s Ory Williams, and Pitt’s Ryan Baer are also other names to watch. There’s talent at the top, and then it’s a dartboard of who hits and who doesn’t.

Offensive Guard: It’s alright, but I want a lot more & naturally a few tackles will kick to guard
Top Names: Cayden Green (Missouri), Brandon Baker (Texas), Coen Echols (Texas A&M), Evan Tengesdahl (Cincinnati), Braelin Moore (LSU), Drew Bobo (Georgia), Samson Okunlola (Miami), Alani Noa (USC), Greg Johnson (Minnesota), Griffin Empey (North Dakota State), Titan Fleischmann (Montana State)
Watch in 2026: Malachi Breland (Arkansas), McKale Boley (Virginia), Luke Montgomery (Ohio State), Anthonie Knapp (Notre Dame), Chandler Donaway (Wyoming)
Sleepers/Risers: Shadre Hurst (Houston), Eddy Pierre-Louis (Oklahoma), Wendell Moe Jr (Tennessee), Eryx Daugherty (Louisville), Tellek Lockette (Maryland), Evan Link (Michigan), Charles Jagusah (Notre Dame),
Initial Grade: C-

• Offensive Guard is always a tough class to determine early on in the process, a lot of guys develop into their frame their final season, but a lot also can fall off or not make the step. Additionally, you’ll see a ton of tackles kick into guard, which is something I expect again out of this class. The top of the class is good, Green, Baker, Echols, Tengesdahl are good high quality names and I do really like a few of the others in Johnson, Bobo, Okunlola who join Titan Fleischmann/Griffin Empey as top midwestern players who both have an ability to skyrocket their potential this off-season. Empey is next in line for the North Dakota State OL pipeline, and I see a potential future top 75 selection in his future. Additionally, there’s some good depth in the class, with a lot of developmental players who can take big steps in 2027. Fleischmann has the potential to be a round 1 prospect, but he can also return in 2027 and I’d expect that with the Montana tate ties.

  Lockett, Jagusah both have different routes for development, with Jagusah needing to stay healthy but having elite potential and Lockette coming into his first season as an power four starter after spending 3 years at ULM & Texas State. Chandler Donaway looks to be the next Wyoming OL who’s built fully on power, strength, and aggression. The guard class is fun, there will need to be risers to help elevate the bottom and middle of the class, but that’s very likely to happen given the world of college football and I’m sure there’s numerous names I missed.

Center: Not Deep, but a a handful of very high impact potential rookies
Top Names: Kade Pieper (Iowa), Iapani Laloulu (Oregon), Braelin Moore (LSU), Drew Evans (Indiana)
Watch in 2026: Knijeah Harris (Florida State), Coleton Price (Kentucky), Carson Hinzman (Ohio State), Trent Fraley (Michigan State)
Sleepers/Risers: Sheridan Wilson (Texas Tech), Lyndon Cooper (Vanderbilt)
Initial Grade: B+

• I haven’t felt this confident in a center class in a while, last year’s class I liked a lot but guys didn’t start to rise or show out till the season ended. Heading into 2027, there’s a ton of talent and four players who could easily be the top center in the class, and have long NFL careers regardless. Laloulu is the prototypical Oregon C/G, he’s physical, brutal, violent, and a run first player that reminds me a lot of Jackson Powers-Johnson. I like Drew Evans, he’ll take over the center job for the Hoosiers this season, and should do really well in that role. Kade Pieper is the traditional Iowa OL, and his future is skyhigh. Overall, it’s a strong center class, there’s not a ton of depth but four immediate potential starters is not traditional for most classes, and it oculd be five depending on how Hinzman & Fraley develop this season with Fraley being one of my favorite day two to three prospects immediately.

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