With the first NFL preseason game in the books, the road to the 2027 NFL Draft officially begins. While teams evaluate their current rosters, the development of quarterbacks from the 2026 NFL Draft, especially players like Fernando Mendoza and Carson Beck, could reshape next year's quarterback market.
If young passers such as Beck prove they can become long-term starters, some quarterback-needy franchises may look elsewhere. If they don't, the 2027 class could produce one of the biggest first-round quarterback runs in recent NFL history.
Here's how a quarterback-only 2027 NFL Mock Draft could unfold if seven signal-callers hear their names called in Round 1. The draft order follows the reverse Super Bowl odds from betting markets and projected team win totals.
2027 NFL Mock Draft: Predicting where the top 7 quarterbacks land
No. 1 Arizona Cardinals: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
With the first pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals make Oregon’s Dante Moore the first quarterback off the board over both Arch Manning and Julian Sayin. In our way-too-early mock draft, Sayin was the Cardinals' projected pick because of his upside. But Moore's larger body of work, experience and NFL-ready traits make him the safer projection at No. 1 overall. With elite arm talent and poise in the pocket, Cardinals fans are going to love Moore leading an offense of Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., and dynamic running back Jeremiyah Love.
No. 2 Miami Dolphins: Julian Sayin, QB, Ohio State
Why would the Dolphins pass over Arch Manning and select Julian Sayin in the 2027 NFL Draft? This decision will trigger discussion amongst critics and Dolphins fans, but if Sayin builds off his debut season as a starter at Ohio State and becomes a clear frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, his stock will rise. With his elite accuracy, the way he delivers the ball and reads the field pre-snap, the Dolphins will evaluate his complete quarterbacking skills to be above Manning.Â
What about Malik Willis?Â
Even if Willis proves capable as Miami's starter, Sayin's long-term upside may be too enticing for the Dolphins to pass on. If the franchise believes he's the better quarterback, they won't hesitate to reset the position.
No. 3 New York Jets: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
If Arch Manning joins the New York Jets, he could provide the franchise with the quarterback they have been seeking. Although Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson were both drafted within the top three selections, neither arrived with the fanfare or legacy associated with Manning. Manning possesses exceptional arm strength, and if he enhances his decision-making under pressure during his upcoming season at Texas, he will demonstrate NFL readiness and the capacity to assume a leadership role in New York from Day 1. Furthermore, if Manning proves to be a complete quarterback prospect, he may deserve consideration for the No. 1 overall draft selection.
No. 5 Cleveland Browns: CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame
If the Browns are selecting inside the top five, it likely means the quarterback position remains unsettled. That would make Notre Dame's C.J. Carr a logical target as Cleveland continues its search for a franchise passer. If Shedeur Sanders doesn’t win the competition against Deshaun Watson, the team will continue searching for a top-tier quarterback. Even if Sanders establishes himself in 2026, the impressive depth of talent in the 2027 NFL Draft will be tough to overlook. Should the Browns pick within the top five, it suggests that the quarterback question remains unresolved. That brings Notre Dame’s C.J. Carr into the discussion. As the fourth quarterback drafted, the 6-foot-3, 215-pound Carr may be the solution the Browns need, thanks to his accuracy, pre-snap field awareness, and his ability to deliver precise intermediate and deep throws.Â
No. 13 Pittsburgh Steelers: Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker is the fifth quarterback off the board as he goes to the Pittsburgh Steelers with the No. 13 overall pick. After leading the nation with 4,379 passing yards and earning 2025 AAC Offensive Player of the Year honors, Mestemaker will be one of the quarterbacks to watch as he transitions to the Big 12. Will a bigger, brighter stage catapult Mestemaker as one of the top prospects? Taken in the top 15, he would bring the pocket mobility and quick post-snap processing Mike McCarthy loves at the position. He would also create an interesting QB battle with Drew Allar ahead of the 2027 NFL season.
No. 14 Minnesota Vikings: Sam Leavitt, QB, LSU
The Vikings are another team on the market for a franchise quarterback or at least someone to come in and create competition at the position if J.J. McCarthy doesn’t take command of the position. With the No. 14 overall pick, the Vikings make Sam Leavitt the sixth quarterback off the board in the 2027 NFL Draft. In transferring to LSU after two seasons at Arizona State, Leavitt will get an opportunity to increase his draft stock under the guidance of Lane Kiffin and his high-tempo offensive style of football. With his elite arm strength and passing efficiency, playing under Kevin O’Connell could be the perfect fit for Leavitt and a Vikings team looking for consistency at the position.
No. 15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Darian Mensah, QB, Miami
Baker Mayfield's contract situation could leave the Buccaneers searching for their quarterback of the future. If that happens, Darian Mensah may be the ideal late first-round target. After setting Duke's single-season passing record before transferring to Miami, Mensah enters the 2026 season with a chance to cement himself as one of the nation's top quarterback prospects. His arm talent, size and mobility would make him an intriguing fit in Tampa Bay.
NFL Mock Draft summary:
Seven first-round quarterbacks may sound premature and crazy at this point, but the 2027 class has the talent to make it happen. Whether it reaches that number will depend on the development of returning college stars and how quarterbacks from the 2026 NFL Draft perform during their rookie seasons. If several NFL teams remain unconvinced they've found long-term answers at the QB position, the 2027 NFL Draft could produce one of the deepest quarterback classes in recent memory even toping the 2024 NFL Draft QB class.
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