<\/p>\n
T<\/span>he 2027 NFL Draft<\/a><\/strong> is still a year away, but the first wave of speculation has already begun, and four names are standing above the rest in one early projection.<\/p>\n Arch Manning<\/strong>, Dante Moore<\/strong>, Jeremiah Smith<\/strong> and Colin Simmons<\/strong> are the players listed at the top of Athlon Sports’ first round mock draft, giving fans an early look at how the next class could form.<\/p>\n The order is led by quarterbacks, which is no surprise given how aggressively NFL<\/strong> teams search for long-term answers at the position.<\/p>\n LeBron messes with Bronny James during a live interview<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n But the presence of Smith<\/strong> and Simmons<\/strong> inside the top four shows that this class may not be defined by passers alone.<\/p>\n Manning<\/strong> is projected as the No. 1 pick to the Miami Dolphins<\/strong>, a pairing that would immediately create national attention because of his name, profile and position.<\/p>\n The Texas<\/strong> quarterback has carried huge expectations throughout his college career, and the 2026 season could decide whether he fully becomes the face of the 2027 draft class.<\/p>\n Behind him, Moore<\/strong> is projected at No. 2 to the New York Jets<\/strong>. The Oregon<\/strong> quarterback was viewed as a potential high pick in the previous draft cycle before returning to college for another season.<\/p>\n That decision could prove valuable if Moore<\/strong> takes another step as a polished pocket passer and confirms himself as a franchise-level option.<\/p>\n At No. 3, Smith<\/strong> is projected to the Arizona Cardinals<\/strong>, making him the first non-quarterback off the board.<\/p>\n The Ohio State<\/strong> wide receiver has been described as one of the most talented players in college football, and his mix of production, size and explosiveness gives him a rare draft profile.<\/p>\n The top four is completed by Simmons<\/strong>, who is projected to the Cleveland Browns<\/strong> at No. 4.<\/p>\n The Texas<\/strong> edge rusher would give Cleveland<\/strong> another explosive defensive piece alongside Myles Garrett<\/strong>, if the board fell that way.<\/p>\n A lot can change before the 2027 NFL Draft<\/a><\/strong>, especially once the 2026 college season begins. For now, though, Manning<\/strong>, Moore<\/strong>, Smith<\/strong> and Simmons<\/strong> are the four names setting the early pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nArch Manning and Dante Moore lead the quarterback race<\/h2>\n
Jeremiah Smith and Colin Simmons complete the top four<\/h2>\n