These five prospects entered the season largely off the NFL Draft radar but are quickly making their cases to become legitimate 2027 NFL Draft prospects, including one playmaker who has already caught the attention of an NFL team.
One of the most interesting parts of the NFL Draft process is watching players go from completely off the radar entering the season to legitimate draft prospects by the end of the season. While we are only five weeks into the 2026 college football season, these five players have already made enough of an impact to put themselves firmly on the 2027 NFL Draft radar.
5 prospects making noise on the 2027 NFL Draft radar
Jamal Roberts, RB, Missouri
Jamal Roberts is filling the void left by Ahmad Hardy at Missouri and has quickly emerged as an intriguing 2027 NFL Draft prospect. Roberts ranks sixth nationally with 606 rushing yards and has already topped 125 yards three times, including a dominant 211-yard, three-touchdown performance against Florida featuring two runs of more than 75 yards.
His vision stands out, as he consistently finds small running lanes and is averaging more than five yards per carry, while his burst allows him to reach top speed quickly. That combination has helped him produce 13 runs of 10-plus yards. Roberts may not have the same home-run ability as Louisville’s Isaac Brown, but his combination of vision, quickness and production has been impressive enough for me to move him from an undrafted free agent grade to a sixth-round grade on my 2027 NFL Draft board.
Mizzou, my word!
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 3, 2026
They hit the chomp celly after 😮 pic.twitter.com/V5HWpigaOQ
Anthony Evans III, WR, Mississippi State
Despite Saturday’s loss to Alabama, Mississippi State has been one of the biggest surprises in college football this season, sitting at 4-1 with an impressive win over Missouri. A major reason for that success has been wide receiver Anthony Evans III, who ranks sixth in the FBS with 574 receiving yards.
Evans’ speed will certainly attract NFL scouts, as he consistently creates separation while his reliable hands and agility make him dangerous after the catch. The Chicago Bears could be an intriguing fit, as his speed would give Ben Johnson another explosive weapon in an offense that values big-play ability at wide receiver.
Umari Hatcher, WR, Syracuse
While Anthony Evans III is the smaller, more explosive wide receiver, Syracuse’s Umari Hatcher brings a different skill set as a 6-foot-3, lengthy target. Hatcher missed the entire 2025 season with an injury and entered this year off the radar of most NFL scouts, but his recent production has quickly changed that.
In his latest game, Hatcher caught 12 passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns, earning himself a seventh-round grade on my 2027 NFL Draft board. His breakout performance also caught the attention of a Miami Dolphins scout in attendance, which could be significant given Miami’s need for additional talent at wide receiver.
Umari Hatcher goes long AGAIN 💥
— ACC Football (@ACCFootball) October 3, 2026
📺 CBSSN x @CuseFootball pic.twitter.com/4Rs8Nls4hz
Luke Talich, S, Notre Dame
A defensive player who has gone from off the radar to a draftable prospect is Notre Dame safety Luke Talich. Talich earned his first start of the season and has impressed in each of the three games he has started, including this weekend’s win over North Carolina, when he played through a broken hand.
At 6-foot-4 and 222 pounds, Talich offers impressive size and range that could appeal to a team such as the Atlanta Falcons, who need to add depth at safety. Even if he does not immediately earn a starting role, Talich has the size, athleticism and physicality to make an impact on special teams at the next level.
Simeon Harris, CB, Fresno State
Quietly, Fresno State cornerback Simeon Harris has been one of the better cover men in college football this season. Harris already has three interceptions on the year and has been targeted just twice over his last two games.
As a pro prospect, Harris brings a physical style of play and impressive ball skills, with eight interceptions over the last two seasons. His combination of physicality, coverage ability and production should make him an intriguing name to watch as the 2027 NFL Draft process develops.
With plenty of football still to be played, these five prospects will have more opportunities to continue improving their 2027 NFL Draft stock. None entered the season among the most talked-about names in the class, but if their early-season performances are any indication, NFL scouts will be paying much closer attention to them over the next several months.
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