The 2027 NFL draft is six months away, but ESPN's Field Yates is already projecting the top 10 picks, ordered by the inverse of standings through Week 6 of the NFL season. Plenty of intrigue surrounds these early selections, including two picks for the Jets that they acquired via trades, and Yates expects several quarterbacks to come off the board early.
At No. 1, Yates has the Los Angeles Chargers (0-6) taking Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State. The Chargers have no difference-makers among their pass catchers and rank 29th in yards after the catch. Smith has 984 yards and 12 touchdowns this season and combines size (6-foot-4, 222 pounds), speed and force. A wide receiver has not been taken No. 1 since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996, and Yates considers that possibility very much in play.
For the Miami Dolphins (0-5), Yates projects Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State. Miami's investment in Malik Willis, with a three-year, $67.5 million contract that has no guaranteed money beyond 2027, keeps quarterback in play. The 20-year-old is a legitimate dual-threat player whose mobility and off-platform throwing skills make him a fearless playmaker. Yates gives him the early lead as the top quarterback in the class.
Yates has the Tennessee Titans (1-5) selecting Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame. Moore has size (6-2, 197 pounds), excellent ball skills and solid anticipation, with just six receptions allowed on 153 coverage snaps. Yates notes that Texas' Colin Simmons was nearly his pick here, since the Titans also need young edge rushers. Tampa Bay follows at No. 4, where pass rush is again a priority.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing