The 2026 NFL trade deadline has already nudged the 2027 draft picture into a different shape, and the biggest question hanging over the board is simple: what do teams do when there isn’t a clean-cut quarterback at the top?
That uncertainty is what makes this class so tricky. There may not be a true QB1, but there’s still plenty of talent at quarterback, and there are also a few blue-chip players at other spots who could tempt teams into taking the safer star over the riskier passer. With the New York Jets holding three first-round picks and clubs like the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles staring at interesting decisions, the top of this mock draft is loaded with pressure points.
At No. 1, the Los Angeles Chargers stay put and take Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State. Unless the Chargers decide to move on from Justin Herbert, Smith looks like the cleanest answer for the franchise.
Even with the frustration that’s been building around Ohio State’s losses, Smith still stands alone as the best receiver in football. A Herbert-Smith pairing would give Los Angeles the kind of playmaking punch it needs.
The Tennessee Titans follow at No. 2 with Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame. Tennessee could go in a few different directions here, especially with another first-round pick in hand, but the choice is the best defensive player available.
Edge rusher Colin Simmons is in the mix, yet Moore’s stock keeps rising. He reinforced his value in Week 10 when Notre Dame handled Darian Mensah and the Hurricanes, and with cornerback a major need, the Titans grab the defender who can anchor the back end.
Miami comes next at No. 3 and lands Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State. Malik Willis is on injured reserve and will miss at least four weeks, but even before that, quarterback remained the Dolphins’ biggest issue.
Mestemaker brings the kind of arm talent that can energize a fan base, and he’s been stacking 300-yard passing games. He also flashed some versatility in Week 10 by showing off his receiver skills.
There doesn’t seem to be much reason for him to stay in college another year, and Miami gets its quarterback.
The New York Jets, picking fourth via Indianapolis, take CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame. With three first-rounders in the top 10 as of Week 10, the Jets have room to attack the board aggressively, and this one doesn’t sound like much of a debate.
Carr becomes the second quarterback off the board. Despite the 2-7 record, New York has enough offensive firepower that adding a passer with Carr’s precision and pocket poise could lift the whole unit.
His Week 10 performance against Mensah only helped his case.
Philadelphia goes at No. 5 and selects Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas. The Eagles sold at the deadline and picked up a first-rounder in the Jordan Davis deal, which gives Howie Roseman options.
Quarterback could become a conversation if Jalen Hurts’ health turns into a bigger concern, but if Hurts is back in 2027, Simmons is the kind of defensive weapon that changes things quickly. He’s described here as an absolute beast off the edge, and Philadelphia adds another young disruptor to a division already being impacted by rookies Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese.
At No. 6, the Jets are back on the clock and take Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina. New York’s interior defensive line still needs help, but with another first-rounder and a high second-round pick, that can wait.
Stewart gives them a chance to replace Will McDonald IV, who requested a trade before the deadline, and pair him with David Bailey. The result would be a young pass-rush duo that could make the Jets dangerous on both sides of the ball.
Tampa Bay lands Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana, at No. 7.
The Buccaneers already pulled off a win with zero passing yards, which is the kind of thing that can’t keep happening. They have talent at receiver, but they don’t have a true WR1.
Becker brings that missing piece with speed, body control and the ability to win contested catches. Baker Mayfield would have a new favorite target in a hurry.
The Arizona Cardinals round out this group at No. 8 with Arch Manning, QB, Texas. Manning’s season has been uneven, but the talent still jumps off the page.
He keeps flashing the kind of throws and drives that remind scouts why he’s in the conversation near the top of the class. Arizona looks like a reasonable landing spot with Mike LaFleur in place, and Carson Beck’s first NFL start in Week 10 only adds another layer to the decision.
Even if Beck plays well the rest of the way, the Cardinals still may choose quarterback. Year 2, after all, is where the real answer tends to show up.
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