Now in draft week and everyone focused on who their team is going to be selecting in a few days, team general managers and personnel staff have another matter to consider however – the 2027 draft and just what they are willing to trade to add to next year’s stockpile (or lack thereof).

It is a common misconception that the ’27 draft is just about quarterbacks. If you aren’t a person who pays attention to college football, that is likely what you’ve been served – a heaping helping of Arch Manning hype.

But take a closer look at the 2027 class — with a few quotes thrown in — in case there is still some doubt about NFL teams being in search of more for next year, this year.

GETTING THE QBs OUT OF THE WAY

Though the point here is to share that quarterbacks aren’t the only thing driving attention to the class, it isn’t without merit or something to ignore — it could be a great class.

Manning is currently the prize, but he’s far from alone. Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola can make all the throws. Ohio State underclassman Julian Sayin worked his way into the Heisman conversation in just one year. Oregon QB Dante Moore decided to return for another year, and he was widely-held as the top prospect behind Fernando Mendoza this year. Trinidad Chambliss of Ole Miss was another player who drew late attention before deciding he would return to college as well.

Last, just like every other position, there will be players whose growth in 2026 will see them coming out of the woodwork like Mendoza (and Sayin) seemingly did. That list includes South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellars and Baylor’s DJ Lagway, each of whom have a ton of talent but haven’t yet produced the kind of season one would hope.

“If (2027) is not the best draft, it’ll go down as one of the two or three best quarterback drafts and maybe overall drafts, certainly in my time.” – Draft analyst Todd McShay

OTHER PLAYERS THAT MAKE IT A SPECIAL DRAFT

Just behind an understanding of the quarterback class, 6-3, 215 wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State) is the most-mentioned player eligible in 2027, and with good reason. As a true freshman and sophomore, he amassed 163 catches for 2,558 yards (15.7), and 27 touchdowns, despite sharing the field with other NFL first round players. What’s more to say?

But Smith isn’t alone. Alabama’s Ryan Williams and 2026 Texas transfer Cam Coleman have each shown first-round flashes.

“I do not get the sense that anybody wants to part with 2027 picks at this point in time. If we have a bold move and someone comes up and parts with a 2027 pick, I’ll be very surprised.” — NFL analyst and former scout Daniel Jeremiah.

Undeniable 2026 first round pick Kenyon Sadiq is being replaced at Oregon by a tight end Jamari Johnson many consider a better NFL prospect. In his first year after transferring from Louisville, the 6-5, 257-pound sophomore posted 32 receptions for 510 yards (15.9) as the primary inline tight end for the Ducks. He has room for growth as a blocker, but has traits that teams are undeniably already aware of.

Georgia alone has a pair of defensive backs – CB Ellis Robinson IV and S KJ Bolden – currently listed as top 15 prospects.

REASONS TO ALWAYS KNOW ONE DRAFT AHEAD

Drafting in 2026 without an eye on next year would not be wise. One example is for teams in search of offensive linemen.

This year’s draft is considered guard heavy, and even the top tackles – like Spencer Fano (Utah) and Francis Mauigoa (Miami) – are thought to possibly be better guards.

If you are Jon-Eric Sullivan, a first-year general manager who comes from a place that traditionally drafts to play interior position as well, then there is a good chance you’re aware that the inverse is the case in 2027 and instead of guards, it will be a class deep with tackles.

Texas tackle Trevor Goolsby will get plenty of attention continuing to protect top-level Longhorns quarterbacks. He has lined up at both tackle spots and gave up just one sack last season in the edge rusher-rich SEC. NFL teams in search of an elite left tackle will likely set up shop in Boulder this year as Colorado left tackle Jordan Seatan has great feet and qualifies as both a mauler and currently the top tackle in the class.

More importantly, of those currently identified as top 50 players, nine are offensive linemen and eight of those are tackles.

“If you’re in a dynasty league with me and trying to get 2027 draft picks in a trade — don’t even hit send. I’m hoarding picks in that year” –ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller

THE BOTTOM LINE

The bottom line is this – yes, it is too early to predict which players will be at the top of the 2027 draft. And yes, it will be a great challenge on draft night to watch the Dolphins turn one of their selections into 2027 capital when there are players who could likely help immediately.

But ignoring 2027 would be unwise, and frankly, if the organization is truly forward-thinking and looking big picture, it will take any opportunity available to flip a 2026 pick for one in 2027. The big draft night question will be how many teams will be willing, as well as what the compensation will be compared to past years.

The 2027 draft is no secret, and no, it isn’t just about the QBs. Keep that in mind on draft night because smart GMs will be.

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Some current 2027 top 50 players at notable positions:

2. QB Arch Manning, QB, Texas

6. QB Dylan Raiola, QB, Nebraska

11. QB Julian Sayin, Ohio State

12. QB Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma St.

13. QB Dante Moore, Oregon

19. QB DJ Lagway, Baylor

25. QB Jayden Maiava, USC

26. QB LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

27. QB Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

28 QB John Mateer, Oklahoma

8. OT Jordan Seaton, OT, Colorado

19. OT Trevor Goosby, Texas

29. OT Trevor Lauck, Iowa

30. OT Brandon Baker, Texas

31. OT Austin Siereveld, Ohio State

32. OT Cayden Green, Missouri

46. OT Carter Smith, Michigan

47. OT Guerby Lambert, Notre Dame

48. OT Josiah Thompson, South Carolina

1. WR Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State

3. WR Ryan Williams, Alabama

9. WR Cam Coleman, Texas

15. WR TJ Moore, Clemson

21. WR Nick Marsh, Michigan State

33 . WR Mike Matthews, Tennessee

34. WR Perry Thompson, Auburn

35. WR Bryant Wesco, Clemson

7. CB Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia

13. S KJ Bolden, Georgia

14. CB Zabien Brown, Alabama

23. CB OJ Frederique Jr., Miami

28. CB Leonard Moore, Notre Dame

36. CB Kobe Black, Texas

37. CB Jaylen Mbakwe, Alabama

50. CB Charles Lester III, Florida State

4. EDGE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina

5. EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas

22. EDGE John Henry Daley, Utah

38. EDGE Jordan Ross, Tennessee