Jeremiah Smith walked into the 2026 season as the best non-quarterback prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. That is another way of saying he might be the best player in the entire class. But because he's not a quarterback, the assumption has been that he won't go first overall.
Now I'm not so sure about that.
In this week's NFL Mocks Watch we'll discuss whether Jeremiah Smith could really be taken first overall in the 2027 NFL Draft, ahead of the several quarterbacks we've been talking about for months.
Jeremiah Smith keeps building his case for the 2027 NFL Draft's top pick
Smith's performance on Saturday officially put the league on notice that the No. 1 overall conversation shouldn't be limited to quarterbacks. Smith had 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns in Ohio State's 42-19 win over Illinois, tying the Buckeyes' single-game record for receiving touchdowns.
Smith played the hits in the Buckeyes' 42-19 win on Saturday when it came to his touchdowns. His first score came on a seven-yard fade, using his size and leverage to beat the defender in the end zone.
His second was a wild 72-yard play where he won deep, then made a defender miss en route to the end zone.
The third showed off the ridiculous body control we've come to expect from Smith, as he got his left foot down in the corner of the end zone while blanketed in coverage.
But his fourth and final score was maybe my favorite.
Sayin and Smith showing off their ELITE connection@OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/zVgqFFDBRf
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 26, 2026
What Jeremiah Smith's highlight showed NFL scouts
Smith's first three touchdowns were examples of the size, strength, and speed advantages he has over his opponents. But his final touchdown brought those physical traits together with elite route-running chops, making Smith a unique wide receiver prospect with just about every tool imaginable.
Everyone knew Smith was a physical freak coming into the season. And those first three touchdowns on Saturday were confirmation of that. But in case anyone wasn't sure, Smith is also developing into a very high-level route runner.
And in a league where the top wide receivers aren't always the most physically gifted (Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Justin Jefferson), that's an important piece of the puzzle.
Smith doesn't just have the physical tools to overwhelm defensive backs. He's showing he can create separation with his routes, win with technique and still make the spectacular plays when he's covered.
That's what makes the No. 1 overall conversation much more interesting.
Jeremiah Smith is making a case for the No. 1 pick
Smith now leads the NCAA in receiving yards, is tied for first in touchdowns, and is tied for third in receptions.
And as he continues to dominate, and the quarterback class has its ups and downs, each week is another chance for Smith to prove he's the best player in the class, and one teams do not want to pass on.
Two of Ohio State's next three games are against Iowa and Indiana, which means more chances for Smith to be in the spotlight and against a high-level competition.
If Smith keeps producing performances like the one we saw against Illinois, the question might eventually shift from whether a wide receiver can go No. 1 overall to whether a team can justify passing on this particular one.
3 NFL teams that could make Jeremiah Smith the No. 1 pick
It's still early in the season, but every week that a quarterback fails to separate from the rest of the class gives Smith another opportunity to strengthen his argument for the top pick.
The depth of this quarterback class might actually help Smith toward that goal. As more quarterbacks who weren't drafted in the top ten find success, someone could try to copy formula by selecting the best player available early and waiting on a quarterback.
Obviously, when talking about a potential No. 1 overall pick, all teams should be watching all of the best players. But these are three teams in unique situations that especially need to keep an eye on Smith.
New York Jets
Why they should be watching: The New York Jets are going to have three picks in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft. The calculus before the season was to take the quarterback early and be willing to trade up if necessary, then continue filling out the roster later.
But now they should consider flipping that math. If the Jets could get Smith with their first pick, then take a quarterback with their next pick, that might work out better for them overall. Geno Smith and the offense have performed well to this point in the season. And they selected Cade Klubnik in the 2026 draft.
There's enough going on in New York at quarterback and offense that the possibility at least needs to be considered. A wide receiver pairing of Smith and Garrett Wilson would make things a whole lot easier for whichever quarterback ends up leading the offense.
Cleveland Browns
Why they should be watching: The math for Cleveland is similar to New York. Cleveland has two picks in the first round of the draft and has been building out the rest of its roster in recent years. It makes a lot of sense to swing on a quarterback in 2027.
But when has that ever worked out for Cleveland?
Taking a position player and then a quarterback in the first round might give Browns fans 2012 vibes, but this is a very different situation in 2026, where you have a position player with all of the tools and a potential quarterback who isn't a 29-year-old former baseball player.
Cleveland is building a strong stable of pass catchers who, along with Todd Monken's coaching, are making the Browns' quarterback situation seem capable. Adding Jeremiah Smith to that group could give Cleveland the type of difference-maker who changes the entire offense, regardless of who is playing quarterback.
Tennessee Titans
Why they should be watching: There are other teams one might think of before the Tennessee Titans when it comes to taking a quarterback in the 2027 NFL Draft, but there are some very relevant reasons to bring up Tennessee.
First, fans might be panicking about 2025 first-overall pick Cam Ward. Ward hasn't thrown for 200 yards in a game yet this season and has just two passing touchdowns.
There's also the fact that Tennessee just took a wide receiver with the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Carnell Tate.
Tennessee is also winless through three weeks, putting them in a great position to get another high pick in 2027.
And yet, with all of this, they should still be keeping a close eye on Smith. The coaching staff is in its first season, so there's no reason to rush out of the quarterback situation. And despite the numerous investments at wide receiver made this offseason, they don't have a receiver, or player, like Jeremiah Smith.
Drafting Jeremiah Smith could either help turn Cam Ward's future around by giving him another elite weapon or give Tennessee a true No. 1 option if the franchise eventually decides to make another change at quarterback.
That's the type of decision Smith could force teams to make if he keeps playing like the best prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft.
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