2027 NFL Draft Notebook: Browns could be lining up a future QB-WR duo in 2027

While the 2026 NFL Draft cycle winds down, team scouts are already turning their attention to 2027. How the 2026 Draft plays out could set the stage for next year’s class. One key domino: if the Celeveland Browns land a franchise-caliber quarterback in 2026, they could position themselves to snag an elite wide receiver in 2027.

This week’s 2027 NFL Draft Notebook looks at that scenario, a quarterback who deserves more respect in the 2027 Draft, and a coaching addition at South Carolina that could help LaNorris Sellers become a much more polished passer next season.

If the Browns go with Ty Simpson

While NFL Mocks is one of the few places pushing the Cleveland Browns to take Ty Simpson in the first round, it could also set them up well for the 2027 NFL Draft. If they land Simpson at 24 or trade down from six, pick up extra 2027 capital, and still get him in the middle of the first round, it gives them flexibility to build around him with elite weapons. One name to watch is Jeremiah Smith from the Ohio State Buckeyes football, who looks like a near lock to go top five. If they’re not in range for him, Cam Coleman is another option and would still be an upgrade over any receiver in the 2026 class.

No respect

ESPN recently released its rankings of the 68 Power Four quarterbacks, and one signal caller who received little respect was Jaden Craig of TCU. Craig was ranked just 55th despite drawing NFL interest last season at Harvard University before transferring to TCU. As a pro prospect, he has several traits working in his favor, including a high football IQ, strong arm, and impressive athleticism for a pocket passer. The biggest area he needs to improve is his accuracy, but if he takes a step forward there this season, he could emerge as a Day Three NFL Draft prospect and one of the top 15 quarterbacks in the Power Four.

Expect a big year from Texas Tech tight end

One of the most productive tight ends in the 2027 NFL Draft class is Terrance Carter Jr. of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Last season, he caught 55 passes for 624 yards, and with new quarterback Brendan Sorsby now in Lubbock, that production could climb even higher. Along with putting up bigger receiving numbers, Carter has also made it a goal to improve as a run blocker this season, which would further strengthen his NFL Draft stock.

Best addition for LaNorris Sellers

One of the best assistant coaching hires this offseason might be South Carolina bringing in Kendal Briles as offensive coordinator. Briles has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks and leading high-powered passing attacks, most recently guiding TCU to one of the top passing offenses in the country while helping Josh Hoover emerge as one of college football’s better quarterbacks. If he can refine LaNorris Sellers’ mechanics and turn him into a more polished passer, there is a real path for Sellers to push himself into the top 10 of next year’s NFL Draft.

Big Ten corner to watch

A Big Ten corner to watch this season is Jontez Williams of USC, who transferred in from Iowa State and was one of the top defensive backs in the portal. Last season, he was limited to just five games before suffering a torn ACL, but he still posted an 84.6 PFF coverage grade. In 2024 he finished third in the Big 12 Conference with four interceptions.

Intriguing NFL prospect

An athlete who would make an intriguing NFL Draft prospect is Kalen Walker of Iowa. What makes Walker so interesting is his elite speed. The three-time All-American is the Big Ten Conference champion in the 100-meter dash and reportedly ran a 4.15 in the 40-yard dash, which would beat the fastest time in National Football League Combine history of 4.21. Walker also played football in high school, so while football does not appear to be in his plans right now, that could change if an NFL team came calling.

New dimension in Texas offense

While the Longhorns added the top wide receivers in the transfer portal with Cam Coleman, he won’t be the only new weapon making an impact. Running back Hollywood Smothers brings a new dimension to the passing game, something Texas lacked at the position last season. During his 2025 season at NC State Wolfpack football, Smothers caught 37 of 40 targets, showing reliable hands and the ability to be a true receiving threat out of the backfield.

Relax

One thing people are overreacting to is Auburn's Byrum Brown’s throwing motion. Yes, he needs to clean up the loop at the bottom of his motion, but his release point isn’t nearly as bad as it’s being made out to be and shouldn’t drastically impact his accuracy. The bigger issue is his inconsistent footwork, especially failing to throw from a solid base and overextending at times, which has a much more direct effect on his ball placement.

One area Jordan Seaton must improve

One of the top offensive tackles in the 2027 NFL Draft is Jordan Seaton, who transferred from Colorado to LSU this offseason. He stands out for his elite mobility for someone 6-foot-5, 330 pounds, but his run blocking needs to take a step forward. This past season, he posted a 52.0 PFF run-blocking grade, ranking 263rd out of 310 qualifying tackles. A big reason for that is his consistently high pad level, which limits his power and ability to move defenders off the ball.

LSU’s new weapon in Eugene Wilson

A 2027 wide receiver prospect to watch is Eugene Wilson, who transferred from Florida to LSU. What makes him a player who could really shine with the Tigers is his quickness, which makes him a dangerous slot receiver, and in Lane Kiffin’s offense his production should take a jump, especially if he can stay healthy. On top of that, he shows strong contact balance after the catch and is comfortable picking up extra yards, like he did in 2024 when he averaged over 11 yards after the catch.