The 2026 NFL season has started with some surprise teams at 0-2 and some even bigger surprises sitting at 2-0.
A couple of those surprise teams still seeking their first win include the Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Chargers and Indianapolis Colts. Three of those teams could be facing questions at quarterback if their struggles continue throughout the season.
One of the surprise teams with a 2-0 record drafted its quarterback of the future in the 2026 NFL Draft and could potentially keep him on the sideline the entire season. Of course, we are talking about the Las Vegas Raiders and top pick Fernando Mendoza.
How could these early developments shape the 2027 NFL Draft?
Based on the current standings, the board has some of the 2027 NFL Draft's biggest names landing in intriguing spots. That includes a non-quarterback going No. 1 and one of the top QBs in the class falling much further than expected.
2027 NFL Mock Draft: Jeremiah Smith goes No. 1 and the Jets land their QB
No. 1 Houston Texans (0-2): Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
There will be temptation to draft a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick, but the Texans give C.J. Stroud another weapon with the selection of Jeremiah Smith.
The Ohio State record holder for receiving yards goes to Houston with an opportunity to chase records set by Andre Johnson, who played 12 seasons with the Texans. That's the long-term potential.
As far as 2027, Smith would give Stroud and the Texans quite the wide receiver room, teaming with Nico Collins, a healthy Tank Dell and 2025 second-round pick Jayden Higgins.
No. 2 Tennessee Titans (0-2): Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
The Titans are 0-2, but their defense hasn't been the reason for the slow start under Robert Saleh. They have been getting outstanding play from rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., and the defensive front led by Jeffery Simmons has been solid.
At No. 2, Saleh and the Titans add another talented defender with the selection of Dylan Stewart, who has the blend of size, athleticism and power to be the dominant pass rusher off the edge Tennessee is looking for. They can focus on the offensive line through the rest of the draft.
No. 3 New York Jets (1-1) via Indianapolis Colts (0-2): Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Texas quarterback Arch Manning showed he can be clutch in big games with that Week 2 win over Ohio State. That will play a factor in him being the first quarterback off the board over the likes of Dante Moore and Darian Mensah.
How fitting would it be for the Jets to use the first-round pick obtained from the Indianapolis Colts on a quarterback named Manning?
Will New York be too big of a market for Manning? As I've mentioned in previous mock drafts, his uncle Eli Manning could be a mentor in that area.
No. 4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2): Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
The Buccaneers are still seeking their first win of the season. Through two games, the defense has been solid against the run and has kept the team in both games they have lost.
If there is one area they will want to strengthen, it is the secondary. Selecting Leonard Moore as the best non-quarterback available would give the Buccaneers a shutdown-type corner who could match up against the elite talent at wide receiver throughout the NFC South.
No. 5 Washington Commanders (0-2): Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
The Commanders get their wide receiver in Indiana standout Charlie Becker. As featured in our NFL Mocks Watch this week, Becker is now challenging for the WR2 spot in the 2027 NFL Draft wide receiver class.
Could he go in the top five?
This mock draft is linking him to Washington at No. 5 due to the team's need and Becker's fit. He would complement Terry McLaurin as a second wide receiver while teaming with Antonio Williams as part of the future at the position for the Commanders' offense.
No. 6 Los Angeles Chargers (0-2): Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
Could the Chargers' search for a true WR1 lead them to Texas standout Cam Coleman?
If they end up selecting in this spot in the 2027 NFL Draft, Coleman would be a great option to pair with Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey.
With Justin Herbert's big arm, Coleman's athleticism, size and body control could add another explosive element to the Chargers' offense. Of course, if Los Angeles remains near the top of the draft order, bigger needs could emerge by draft time.
No. 7 Miami Dolphins (0-2): Darian Mensah, QB, Miami (FL)
Why not pair the hottest quarterback in South Beach with the team in need of a long-term answer at the position?
The Dolphins picking Darian Mensah over Dante Moore will be the immediate headline, but it could also set up a fascinating quarterback battle in the summer of 2027.
While the jury is still out on Malik Willis being that answer, it would be a tough call for the Dolphins to pass up an opportunity to select a QB from the 2027 NFL Draft class.
The play of Willis can decide when and in which round they select a quarterback, but if they have no shot at Jeremiah Smith and top QB talent like Mensah and Moore is still on the board, it should be an easy decision if they are selecting in the top 10.
No. 8 New York Jets (1-1) via Green Bay Packers (1-2): Will Echoles, DL, Ole Miss
With the second of their three first-round picks, the Jets select Ole Miss defensive lineman Will Echoles to anchor the middle of their defensive line.
Echoles, who stands at 6-foot-3, 309 pounds, is a force in the middle who is quickly rising as a DT1 in the draft. With David Bailey off to a fast start off the edge along with Will McDonald IV, adding an interior disruptor like Echoles would redefine the defensive front for Gang Green.
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