Full Breakdown
Arch Manning and Texas Longhorns dominate early 2027 NFL mock drafts
4/29/2026, 12:31:43 PM
Core Event: Early mock drafts highlight Texas talent
In April 2026, Pro Football Focus, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, FanDuel, FOX Sports (Rob Rang) and PFSN released a way-too-early 2027 NFL mock draft. All five placed Texas quarterback Arch Manning in the top five and projected at least two other Longhorns—Colin Simmons, Cam Coleman, Trevor Goosby—among first-round picks.
Background & Context
The 2026 draft was called “weak at the top” for quarterbacks, prompting teams to eye the 2027 class. Texas built a roster that yielded four first-round prospects in Brugler’s mock (Manning, receiver Ryan Wingo, edge rusher Simmons, receiver Coleman). Analysts call the Longhorns a “juggernaut” that could reshape the draft.
Key Figures & Groups
Key prospects include quarterback Arch Manning, EDGE Colin Simmons, WR Cam Coleman, OT Trevor Goosby, WR Jeremiah Smith (Ohio State), and QB Dante Moore (Oregon). Mock-draft providers are PFF, The Athletic, FanDuel, FOX Sports and PFSN.
Data & Statistics
Manning posted 1,714 yards, 14 TDs and 2 INTs. Moore threw for 3,565 yards, 30 TDs, 10 INTs (71.8 % completions) in 2025. Coleman had 93 catches for 1,306 yards and 13 TDs. Simmons recorded 29.5 TFL and 21 sacks. Smith logged 163 catches, 2,558 yards and 27 TDs (15.7 YPC). Goosby earned PFF blocking grades above 80. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby entered rehab for a gambling addiction, pausing his draft evaluation.
Why It Matters / Impact
Teams needing quarterbacks—Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins—are projected to secure early picks, positioning them to select Manning or a comparable prospect. Texas’s cluster of talent could force multiple franchises to trade up, inflating early-pick value and reshaping roster strategies league-wide.
Official Statements & Responses
Brugler (The Athletic) called Manning “the clear favorite to be 2027’s top pick”. Rang (FOX Sports) cited Manning’s 35:9 TD-INT ratio as “quietly backing up the hype.” PFF flagged Sorsby’s draft stock as “uncertain” pending treatment. FanDuel’s odds list Manning at +160 to be first, while Simmons carries +2000 at fifth.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note Manning’s “consistency” remains unproven after one full season. Early mock drafts are “subject to a ton of change,” and Sorsby’s off-field issues illustrate how personal factors can derail projections.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Brugler’s mock ranks Manning No. 1; PFF lists him in the top five; FanDuel also ranks him first; PFSN suggests Simmons could be No. 1. No player has officially declared, leaving the final order unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Had Manning been in the 2026 draft class, the Fernando Mendoza-vs.-Manning debates would have commanded all the pre-draft attention. If the Texas star continues to build off his improvements from the second half of last season, he will be the clear favorite to be 2027's top pick.” — Dane Brugler, The Athletic
- “Rang noted his 35:9 TD-INT ratio and efficient play show a quarterback growing into the moment, not shrinking from it.” — Rob Rang, FOX Sports
What’s Next
The 2026 college season will test Texas’s projected dominance. Player performance, NFL combine invites and the 2026 NFL standings will set the actual draft order for April 2027.
