The 2027 NFL draft class is one of the most anticipated in recent memory, and ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid has identified 16 players who could be selected No. 1 overall next April.

Among serious contenders, quarterback Dante Moore from Oregon (15% chance) and quarterback Arch Manning from Texas (15% chance) stand out. Moore, a 6‑3, 210‑pound natural thrower, posted 3,565 yards, 30 touchdowns and a 71.8% completion rate, while Manning rebounded from a slow start to finish with 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and a strong bowl performance.

Edge rusher Dylan Stewart of South Carolina (13% chance) and Texas’ Colin Simmons (12% chance) are also listed as serious contenders. Stewart, a 6‑5, 245‑pound prospect with rare bend and explosiveness, has only 4.5 sacks so far, while Simmons leads the SEC with 12 sacks and a 16.7% pressure rate.

Potential risers include quarterback CJ Carr of Notre Dame (10% chance) and Miami’s Darian Mensah (10% chance). Carr, who won the starter role and threw for 2,741 yards, could benefit from a favorable schedule, while Mensah, a transfer who excelled at Duke, must improve ball security to boost his draft stock.