More than a month of the 2026 College Football season is under our belts. At this point, we have a pretty good idea of which teams are real contenders, which teams will be firing their coaches, and who the real stars are across the league.
What we also have is a pretty good sample size for the members of the 2027 NFL Draft class. Five games gives fans and evaluators enough of a picture to be able to start piecing together draft projections.
In lieu of a theme in this week’s draft report, I think it’s time to start putting together the Big Board for what will ultimately become the 2027 NFL Draft.
Yes, it is still early, and every team has at least six more games for their stars to show their worth to scouts and evaluators. Some teams will likely have ten more games to do so, with conference championships and postseason play.
However, it’s never too early to begin draft season. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the first SportCLT Big Board of the 2027 NFL Draft.
1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
It wouldn’t be a fair and honest big board without Ohio State’s spectacular wide receiver at the top. Jeremiah Smith has been in a league of his own the past few seasons as a receiver, and it’s hard to see anyone challenge him for the title of WR1 in this year’s class.
Strengths: There isn’t much Smith can’t do on the field. Reminiscent of another star “Smith” receiver back in 2020, Jeremiah is destroying the stat sheet every week. Jeremiah Smith has a strong frame with explosive athletic ability to match, allowing him to overwhelm at and after the catch point. His hands are as solid as they come, and he has the necessary long speed to get away from defenders.
Area of Improvement: Despite his already otherworldly numbers, Smith can still get better. In particular, Smith’s route-running is not part of his top tier skillset. Often times, Smith will just win at the break or at the catch point simply due to his overwhelming athletic advantage. If Smith becomes more meticulous at the tops of his routes, he can become an unstoppable force, even in the NFL.
To sum it up - you’re probably looking at the best receiver prospect since Ja’Marr Chase. Other OSU receivers have been hyped up in recent years, but Smith has been the best of all of them at the collegiate level.
With the 2028 NFL Draft having more talented quarterbacks than 2027, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for a QB-needy team to wait until 2028 for their signal-caller and rather add Smith in this draft.
2. Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
On the defensive side of the ball, Simmons is one of the most impressive edge rusher prospects in a long time. Even as a true freshman, he was anchoring the Longhorns’ defense.
Strengths: Simmons is a monster pass rusher. He has a bevy of moves at his disposal, and even when he doesn’t use them, can generally win with his athletic advantage. Simmons is also disciplined, and projects to be able to set a strong edge in the run game.
Area of Improvement: Game-to-game consistency is something Simmons can improve upon. In the past, including this season, Simmons can put together monster performances, only to be average the next week by his own standards.
The 2027 NFL Draft class is filled with strong edge rushers, but Simmons combination of traits, technique, and tape land him at the top of the list.
3. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame
Defensive back is another strength of the 2027 NFL Draft class. Along with multiple talented safeties, Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore leads the way for the corners. You likely won’t hear his name called during Notre Dame games, and for good reason - Moore is a complete blanket in coverage.
Strengths: Leonard Moore brings prototypical size to the position. At 6’2”, just under 200lbs, Moore fits the mold as a boundary corner in the NFL. Moore’s movement ability and ball skills give his frame an extra edge, as he’s able to shut down even the tallest, longest receivers.
Area of Improvement: More on-ball production would be nice to see for someone projected to go in the Top 5 picks. It isn’t always necessary, but through almost half the season, we’ve yet to see an interception (Moore had 5 total INTs in 2025).
There haven’t been many pure cover corner prospects with the pedigree of Moore, you’d have to go back to the Stingley/Gardner class. Moore’s ability to be a Top 10 corner in the NFL will likely push him to the top of the class like they were back in 2022.
4. Jordan Seaton, OT, Louisiana State
Making the move from Colorado to LSU, Jordan Seaton’s ability as a stalwart tackle has been on display in front of many more eyes. The former 5 star’s top shelf traits will likely land him as a top half of Day 1 selection.
Strengths: Seaton is a large human (6’5’’, 310lbs) but moves like a much smaller one. The ability to get out in space in the run game and play isolated in pass protection gives Seaton an edge among the offensive linemen in this class. While not the biggest tackle prospect in recent memory, Seaton is more than strong enough to hold his own against power-based rushers.
Area of Improvement: You’d like to see Seaton be more decisive as a striker. Patience can be a good thing in pass protection, but only if you can mirror/match the defensive lineman to a high degree, which Seaton may not be able to do immediately in the NFL.
Left tackle will always be a premium position in NFL drafts. Between Seaton and Texas’ Trevor Goosby, there will be multiple offensive linemen selected in the first half of Day 1 in April.
5. Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida
Probably my favorite prospect so far in the 2027 NFL Draft, Florida’s Jadan Baugh has been putting on a show to start the season. While he hasn’t quite reached the level of prospect that Jeremiyah Love, Ashton Jeanty, and Bijan Robinson have recently, Baugh is a different type of runner, and is still very impressive in his own right.
Strengths: Baugh is an incredible mover for his size. When watching him, you’d think Baugh is around 205lbs, cutting and outrunning defenders. The truth is, Baugh is pushing 230lbs, almost all of if as functional mass. Size, speed, strength, and the ability to play as a pass-catcher when necessary will have Baugh pushing for RB1 throughout the draft process.
Areas of Improvement: Baugh is fast, but lacks the top end speed of other former RB1 picks in recent drafts. While he can catch passes, Florida’s offense hasn’t stressed that part of his game too much this season; you’d like to see more good reps as a pass-catcher for Baugh.
There hasn’t been a real bruiser back that can move like Baugh in the NFL in quite some time. He’s not Derrick Henry (no one is), but Baugh can end up being someone in the mold of Michael Turner. A running back with that type of impact absolutely deserves to be a first round pick.
6. Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina
The other side of the Colin Simmons coin for this class’s edge rushers is Dylan Stewart. While Simmons is like a Master Jedi - cool, technical, and smart with his rushes, Stewart is like a Sith Lord - raw, powerful, and occasionally, undisciplined.
Strengths: Point-blank there is no one that can successfully, continuously stop Stewart when he is playing at full health. The strength, speed, and bend for someone at his size is rare, and often game-wrecking for opposing offenses. Even as a true freshman, Stewart terrorized the SEC for the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Areas of Improvement: Back to the Sith Lord point, Stewart’s worst enemy is himself. Multiple times throughout his collegiate career, Stewart has pick up unnecessary penalties that put his team in adverse scenarios. Recently, Stewart was even suspended from the team for his conduct in South Carolina’s loss to Alabama.
If Stewart can get out of his own way, he will be a special player in the NFL. He has the raw talent and pass rush package to match up with the best. Perhaps the best part about Stewart as a prospect is that he can be much better - something that should terrify quarterbacks everywhere.
7. Will Echoles, DL, Mississippi
Defensive line isn’t as robust a group as the edge rushers are, but there are equally talented players at the top, headlined by Will Echoles. The Ole Miss defensive lineman has been a force in both run defense and as a pass rusher.
Strengths: Probably the most dominant interior force in the country, Echoles is a nightmare matchup to block one-on-one. Echoles uses his hands/arms well to dictate the terms of engagement with the offensive linemen he plays against, displacing and moving them in the run game to muddy up lanes.
Areas of Improvement: It’s hard to have a lot of on-ball production when you’re the focus on the offensive game plan, but ideally Echoles would boast better than half a sack through four contests. Echoles could also work on adding more explosive movements to his game, splitting double teams off of the snap as opposed to consistently fighting through them.
Having teams gameplan around you is one of the best compliments you can receive as a player. When Florida hosted Ole Miss, they would consistently structure their runs away from the talented defensive lineman. Teams looking for a stout interior presence to their defensive front should start their boards with Will Echoles.
8. Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
The step down from Jeremiah Smith to the next receiver in the 2027 NFL Draft is a plateau, but not a particularly steep one with Charlie Becker available. The Indiana star receiver is looking to follow in Omar Cooper Jr’s footsteps as a first round pick, but will likely go much, much higher than Cooper did in 2026.
Strengths: Becker has hands for days - if the ball is going toward him, he’s bringing it down. Strong hands, as well as good body control at the catch point and strong contact balance, make Becker an ideal deep threat in the passing game.
Areas of Improvement: Becker doesn’t have the high-end breakaway speed that other top receivers have had in year’s past. While it isn’t the fault of Becker, but rather his athletic program and coaches, we haven’t seen Becker play against good competition as the true No. 1 option this season. If Becker can continue his stellar play against meaningful opponents down the stretch, he will likely be moved up even higher on the board.
He’ll likely draw Jordy Nelson, Alec Pierce, and Eric Decker comparisons, but don’t get it twisted, Becker is a baller. If it weren’t for Jeremiah Smith, Becker would have a very good chance of being the first receiver taken.
9. Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State
What was once considered to be an all-timer for quarterback classes has fizzled out over the first month and change of the 2026 College Football season. However, the one draft-eligible QB trying to keep the hype alive is Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker.
After a slow start to the season transferring from North Texas to OKST, Mestemaker has regained the hype surrounding him.
Strengths: Mestemaker is fearless. Whether it’s standing in the pocket and taking hits or putting his own body on the line with runs, Mestemaker will do whatever needs to be done in order to move the ball and score. He has a more than adequate arm, and is athletic enough to present as a run threat when the pass is covered. Mestemaker also has a habit of showing up big against big time opponents - just look at what he did against Oregon.
Areas of Improvement: While impressive, Mestemaker still needs to be more consistent between drives and from game to game. Mestemaker does a good job of being willing to make plays, but this also leads to him putting the ball in harm’s way. Being efficient and explosive is the next step in his passing game development.
Unfortunately, Mestemaker is not guaranteed to be in the 2027 NFL Draft class; he has another year of eligibility, and is signed to Oklahoma State for another year on his NIL deal. Still, if Mestemaker decides to declare for this year’s draft, it will be hard for any QB to dethrone him based on talent and tape alone.
10. Yhonzae Pierre, EDGE, Alabama
Rounding out the Top 10 of our Big Board is another talented edge rusher in the 2027 NFL Draft class. Alabama’s Yhonzae Pierre may not be in the tier of rusher as Simmons or Stewart, but is a very good player himself, and will only get more chances to show it as Alabama proceeds through their gauntlet of a schedule.
Strengths: Pierre might be the best run-defending edge rusher in the class. His ability to set and maintain the edge in the run game, while also being disciplined about QB scrambling/runs, is impressive. Pierre is also a bendy and quick rusher in the pass game, and can routinely get underneath offensive linemen who aren’t quick enough to stop it.
Areas of Improvement: Continuing to expand the pass rush bag is the next step for Pierre. Being more consistent with power/bull rushes will add a strength element to the pass rush that will make Pierre even harder to defend against.
If Yhonzae Pierre continues to progress, he will be able to help rekindle the run of elite edge rushers that Alabama was able to put in the NFL under Nick Saban.
First Player Out: Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR, Alabama
There are a great many players that could’ve vied for this spot, but I just can’t quite quit Ryan Coleman-Williams. Now that the highlights are more reminiscent of the freshman tape instead of last year, RCW has a real chance of hearing his name called on Day 1.
Strengths: Coleman-Williams is a special mover with the ball in his hands. We haven’t seen a player that can do what he can after the catch in a long time. From avoiding contact to taking contact and bouncing off of it, RCW is probably the most creative YAC (yards after catch) threat the NFL Draft has seen in recent history.
Area of Improvement: Consistency is the name of the game with RCW. If he catches the ball, there’s a 90% chance you’re going to see a play that goes on SC Top 10 the next day. The question becomes “will he catch it?” due to the number of drops Coleman-Williams has accrued over his time at Alabama.
Now, with new experimental tech from Alabama’s training staff and RCW’s willingness to improve, the drop issue seems to have mostly subsided. If the issue goes away altogether, Coleman-Williams is someone a team almost has to draft if they need an explosive playmaker.
As stated above, there are many more players that will continue to make a case at being high picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. We didn’t even get to the talented tight ends at the top, the rest of the star corners, or any of the high-impact safeties that are available this year.
All of these guys will continue to showcase their skills throughout the season. This week, here are the marquee matchups to watch to see some of these stars in action:
Iowa (20) vs. Washington (Friday)
Iowa State vs. BYU (8) (Friday)
Indiana (7) vs. Nebraska
UCLA (21) vs. Oregon (13)
Texas (1) vs. Oklahoma - Red River Showdown
Georgia (2) vs. Alabama (6)
Perhaps the match of the season, Alabama (6) hosts Georgia (2) at Bryant-Denny Stadium this Saturday. Carolina’s own Bryce Young is the celebrity guest picker on the College Gameday show, representing both Alabama and what he’s done for the Carolina Panthers this season.
Maybe Young can give the scouting staff some insight from this game like he was able to with Tetairoa McMillan back in the 2025 NFL Draft.