2027 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive talent takes over late in Round 1
No. 21 New England Patriots: Sammy Brown, LB, Clemson
The Patriots face two needs after the 53-man roster was set: depth at both edge rusher and linebacker. With no real standout star at either position, they take the best available talent at either spot in Clemson’s Sammy Brown.
As the projected top linebacker entering the 2027 NFL Draft, Brown is a tackling machine who can also get after the quarterback. If 2026 second-round pick Gabe Jacas comes into his own, Mike Vrabel and company could have two pieces to stabilize each position going forward.
No. 22 Denver Broncos: Trey’Dez Green, TE, LSU
Sean Payton gets his tight end by making LSU’s Trey’Dez Green the first tight end off the board. Adding another matchup problem to the offense gives Payton and Bo Nix another weapon to work with.
A player NFL Mocks has deemed the tight end to watch in 2026, Green comes with size and a massive wingspan that makes him a unique target for any offense. As a versatile tight end who can line up at different positions, Green is a red-zone threat Payton will find multiple ways to get the ball to.
No. 23 San Francisco 49ers: KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
The 49ers decide safety is their greater need and select Georgia’s KJ Bolden with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. If Nick Bosa is lining up on the field, the 49ers will generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The secondary is where another difference-maker could be needed.
Bolden is one of those players who can bring that pizzazz to the defensive backfield. As a single-high safety with scheme versatility, Bolden is the playmaking safety the 49ers are missing. He is valued to go higher, so the 49ers get a steal here.
No. 24 Los Angeles Chargers: A’Mauri Washington, DL, Oregon
The Chargers address the middle of their defensive front by landing A’Mauri Washington with the No. 24 overall pick.
A mountain in the middle, Washington is an elite run defender with an explosive first step who should make life easier for the pass rushers to get to the quarterback. He gives Los Angeles the type of defensive line anchor it can build around.
No. 25 Detroit Lions: Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson
The Lions address what may be their most critical need come draft time, and that is cornerback. With the selection of Clemson’s Ashton Hampton, they get a corner who has all the intangibles to eventually become a CB1 in the NFL.
Hampton has the size, can dominate in press-man coverage and can move into the box and defend the run. If the Lions don’t put too much pressure on him to be the top corner on the team Day 1, he should naturally grow into the role with time to find his comfort zone in the secondary.
No. 26 Houston Texans: Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
The Texans have been looking for a high-volume option who can put pressure on defenses out of the backfield. They find one by making Florida’s Jadan Baugh the first running back off the board.
With game-breaking speed, Baugh is a physical back who gives Houston what it has been looking for at the position. His speed, running style and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield give the Texans a potential three-down weapon.
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