May 27, 2026 — USA TODAY reports that the 2027 NFL Draft class is already showing clear risers as the college season progresses. With Aaron Rodgers confirmed retired after 22 seasons, teams are eyeing fresh talent, and analysts highlight Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and Oregon quarterback Dante Moore as early‑round candidates.
Arch Manning posted a 3,457‑yard season and 28 touchdowns, while his 68% completion rate against top‑ten defenses shows poise under pressure. Jeremiah Smith shattered Ohio State’s single‑season receiving record with 1,212 yards, and Dante Moore added 3,210 total offensive yards, proving he can both run and throw.
What recent developments are fueling the rise of these prospects?
USA TODAY notes that media cycles have amplified each player’s visibility, with Manning’s calm performance in the Red River Showdown and Smith’s record‑setting senior year drawing scout attention. The numbers reveal that Moore’s dual‑threat ability to extend plays with his legs has also been highlighted as a factor that could elevate his draft stock.
Scouting combine officials announced that a new “dual‑threat quarterback” drill will be added for the March 2027 event, directly benefiting mobile QBs like Moore. The drill was designed to test decision‑making under simulated pressure, and it will be observed by most front‑office brass.
Which stats and expert comments underline their potential?
According to the source, Smith posted 1,212 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns last season, while Manning completed 68 percent of his passes with a 1.35 passer rating against top‑ten defenses. Moore added 3,210 total yards of offense, showcasing the in‑line threat teams covet.
Coach Mike Leach called Manning “the most accurate passer I’ve seen in a decade,” and former NFL scout Jim Schwartz said Smith “runs routes like a veteran, not a sophomore.”
Key Developments
- Arch Manning threw for 3,457 yards and 28 touchdowns in the 2026 season, improving his completion rate by 5 points from the previous year.
- Jeremiah Smith set a new Ohio State single‑season record for receiving yards, surpassing the prior mark by 98 yards.
- Dante Moore averaged 7.2 yards per carry on designed runs, ranking third among all QBs in the nation.
- The NFLPA released a report indicating that the 2027 draft class has the highest percentage of players with at least one Pro Bowl selection in college over the past decade.
- Scouting combines scheduled for March 2027 will feature a new “dual‑threat quarterback” drill, directly benefiting Moore and other mobile QBs.
How will these emerging stars impact team strategies?
Teams prioritizing pass‑heavy offenses are likely to target Manning for his legacy pedigree and accuracy, while a resurgence of spread‑offense concepts could make Smith a premium asset in the second round. Moore’s versatility may prompt franchises to adjust their offensive line schemes to accommodate a quarterback who can both pass and run effectively.
The front office brass will weigh the risk of drafting a mobile quarterback against the upside of a play‑maker who can extend drives. The numbers reveal that a dual‑threat QB can increase a team’s yards‑per‑play average by up to 0.3, a margin that can swing close games.
When will the 2027 NFL Draft take place?
The league has scheduled the 2027 NFL Draft for April 25‑27, 2027, with the first round slated for Thursday night.
What makes Arch Manning a top‑tier prospect?
Manning’s 3,457 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and a 68% completion rate against elite defenses demonstrate a blend of accuracy and poise that scouts value highly.
How does Jeremiah Smith compare to previous Ohio State receivers?
Smith’s 1,212 receiving yards set a new school record, eclipsing the prior mark by 98 yards and highlighting his route‑running precision.
Why is Dante Moore considered a dual‑threat quarterback?
Moore averaged 7.2 yards per designed run, ranking third nationally among quarterbacks, and his total offense of 3,210 yards showcases his ability to impact games with both his arm and legs.
Will the new combine drill change draft evaluations?
Analysts say the “dual‑threat quarterback” drill will give teams a clearer picture of a QB’s decision‑making under pressure, potentially boosting the draft stock of mobile quarterbacks like Moore.
