Chris 'The Bear' Fallica's World Cup Best Bets Today — Match Day 30
We aren’t quite halfway through the 2026 NFL season yet some fans and their beloved teams are already looking ahead to the 2027 draft.
We've been examining the quarterback class for months. And while it has not quite lived up to expectations through the first two months of the college football season, there is still a healthy supply of options. Just as importantly, there remains great demand across the NFL. At least eight of the 32 teams do not have their starting QB in place for 2027. That alone might prompt a Day 1 run on QBs in the upcoming draft.
As with any mock this far out, it's important to note that some of the players listed below — including quarterbacks — will inevitably return to school rather than make the NFL jump, especially because of NIL opportunities. But if the draft were held today — and all of the best eligible prospects were available — here is how I think the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft would go.
*Draft order set by current standings
Pick2
Tennessee Titans
Colin Simmons
Edge|Texas
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9.5SCK
15TCKL
16TFL
Could it be as simple as just replacing one Simmons with another? Not really, but with All-Pro Jeffery Simmons now playing in Chicago, the Titans must add difference-makers on defense if Robert Saleh has any chance at success. Colin Simmons is the most explosive edge rusher of this class. Pairing him with Jermaine Johnson on the outside would be a great start to the Titans’ defensive rebuild.
Plays like
Micah ParsonsPackersExplosive, twitchy edge rusher with elite first-step burst who collapses the pocket from anywhere on the line, the same game-wrecking profile that made Parsons a perennial All-Pro.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick6
New York Jets
Trinidad Chambliss
QB|Ole Miss
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2,359YDS
18TD
9INT
Geno Smith has played well this season, but at 36 years old, he is likely no more than a one-year stopgap for the Jets. Succeeding amid all the scrutiny of New York is going to take a signal-caller with rare poise. Trinidad Chambliss won’t be a fit for everyone, but I could see a lot of coaches being a fan of his competitiveness and dual-threat talents.
Plays like
Russell WilsonPoised, creative dual-threat passer who extends plays with his legs and keeps his eyes downfield, the same competitive style that made Wilson a Super Bowl champion.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick7
Houston Texans
Elijah Paige
OT|USC
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6-7HEIGHT
315LBS
0SACKS ALLOWED
Regardless of whether the Texans can right the ship this season, they are in need of upgrades at various positions. That includes left tackle, where second-year pro Aireontae Ersery has surrendered 25 pressures (and four sacks) so far this season. Elijah Paige pairs light feet and balance with power and nastiness in the running game to be this year’s top offensive line prospect.
Plays like
Ronnie StanleyRavensTall, light-footed left tackle with the balance to mirror speed rushers and the strength to move people in the run game, the same profile that made Stanley a top-10 pick and an All-Pro.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick8
New Orleans Saints
Chris Cole
LB|Georgia
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43TCKL
5SCK
0INT
Only the division rival Panthers (12) have surrendered more rushing touchdowns so far this season than the Saints (11). With a blend of size and speed similar to last year’s top-five pick Sonny Styles, Chris Cole would fill a need and offer excellent value at this point in the draft.
Plays like
Fred Warner49ersRangy, instinctive linebacker who runs sideline to sideline, covers and comes downhill against the run, the same do-it-all skill set that has made Warner a perennial All-Pro.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick9
Washington Commanders
Charlie Becker
WR|Indiana
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50REC
875YDS
9TD
17.5YPC
I love Charlie Becker's potential fit with the Commanders. His blend of size, body control and exceptional hands would be exactly the type of reliable pass-catcher that would help QB Jayden Daniels to reemerge as one of the NFL’s brightest young stars.
Plays like
Larry FitzgeraldBig, physical receiver with strong hands and elite body control who wins contested catches, the same traits that made Fitzgerald one of the most reliable pass-catchers in NFL history.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick10
New York Jets (from Cowboys)
Xavier Gilliam
DT|Tennessee
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6SCK
11.5TFL
26TCKL
It would be fitting to use the first-round selection gained in the trade of Quinnen Williams on another difference-making defensive tackle. Xavier Gilliam is one of this year’s fastest rising prospects, surging up draft boards in large part due to his elite first-step quickness.
Plays like
Nnamdi MadubuikeRavensQuick-twitch interior rusher who wins with first-step explosion and constant pressure up the middle, the same disruptive style that made Madubuike a Pro Bowler.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Nick Marsh
WR|Indiana
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11REC
169YDS
2TD
When healthy, wideouts Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka have flashed star talent, but they haven’t been able to stay on the field and third-round rookie Ted Hurst remains a flashy project. I believe the quickest way to get the Bucs back on top in the NFC South would be to give Baker Mayfield another dynamic weapon. Big and shockingly athletic, Nick Marsh gets overshadowed at Indiana, but he projects as an even better NFL receiver than he’s been at the college level.
Plays like
Christian WatsonPackersBig, long-striding receiver with rare speed for his size who can stretch the field and turn short throws into big plays, the same athletic profile that made Watson a second-round pick.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick12
Arizona Cardinals
Arch Manning
QB|Texas
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1,727YDS
15TD
7INT
The Cardinals' inspirational comeback over the Cowboys last week completely shook up their QB room, as Jacoby Brissett has since been traded, backup Gardner Minshew is now QB1 and rookie Carson Beck is the backup. This is all temporary, however. Arizona will assuredly be in the market for a new starter next year and Mike LaFleur is exactly the type of QB-friendly head coach needed to unlock Arch Manning’s great potential.
Plays like
Justin HerbertChargersTall, big-armed pocket passer with the athleticism to make plays outside the pocket, the same rare tools that made Herbert the No. 6 overall pick and Offensive Rookie of the Year.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick13
Atlanta Falcons
Trevor Lauck
OL|Iowa
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6-5HEIGHT
314LBS
22STARTS
Some teams just adopt the style of their head coach and Kevin Stefanski is a hard-nosed, run-first guy. With longtime left tackle Jake Matthews now 34 years old and right tackle Jaylon Moore in the final year of his contract, I think Atlanta will prioritize the offensive line in the offseason. Trevor Lauck’s game screams top-10 pick, but his relatively short arms could push him down the board slightly.
Plays like
Chris LindstromFalconsPowerful, technically sound blocker who moves people in the run game and plays with a mean streak, the same traits that made Lindstrom a first-round pick and an All-Pro.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick14
Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Hampton
CB|Clemson
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2INT
30TCKL
As dynamic as the Raiders have been on offense so far this season, their secondary has been the polar opposite, allowing an NFL-high 18 touchdown receptions so far this season. Ashton Hampton’s size and physicality would be an immediate help.
Plays like
Patrick Surtain IIBroncosLong, physical cornerback with the size to press and the smooth hips to mirror receivers, the same profile that made Surtain a top-10 pick and Defensive Player of the Year.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick15
Baltimore Ravens
Kelley Jones
CB|Mississippi State
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33TCKL
0INT
With aging cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie both in their walk years, Baltimore should be looking for youth at the position. The 6-foot-4 Kelley Jones has the length and physicality the Ravens have long prioritized. A horrific run of injuries at quarterback could have them drafting in the top 10.
Plays like
Joey Porter Jr.CowboysTall, long-armed press corner who uses his length to disrupt receivers at the line, the same physical style that made Porter a starter as a rookie.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick16
Cleveland Browns (from Rams)
CJ Carr
QB|Notre Dame
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2,168YDS
21TD
1INT
Browns general manager Andrew Berry has quite the conundrum. His team already has four quarterbacks on the roster, though current starter Deshaun Watson is 31 years old and a pending free agent. Can the Browns afford to spend yet another first-round pick on a signal-caller? With two first-round picks in a potentially rich QB class, can they afford not to? CJ Carr lacks elite traits, but he’s smart, tough and seemingly an ideal fit for head coach Todd Monken’s run-heavy attack.
Plays like
Kirk CousinsRaidersSmart, accurate pocket passer who wins with timing and decision-making rather than elite physical traits, the same profile that carried Cousins to four Pro Bowls.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick17
Seattle Seahawks
Jordan Seaton
OT|LSU
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6-5HEIGHT
311LBS
5★RECRUIT
The defending champs face a big decision at right tackle with veteran Abe Lucas struggling this season yet slated to earn a significant raise in 2027. Moving on from the popular local product would be a risk, but there are enough quality tackles such as Jordan Seaton likely available in this class to justify it.
Plays like
Olu FashanuJetsAthletic, long-armed tackle with quick feet and the upside to anchor either side of the line, the same profile that made Fashanu a first-round pick.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick18
Cleveland Browns
Greg Johnson
OG|Minnesota
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6-6HEIGHT
325LBS
28STARTS
A large part of the reason for the Browns' impressive play this season has been the steady, veteran presence of a retooled offensive line. However, with right guard Teven Jenkins on a one-year deal and center Elgton Jenkins’ contract up a year later, the Browns could see Greg Johnson (who has played both positions) as a cost-effective solution.
Plays like
Frank RagnowVersatile, tough interior lineman who wins with strength and smarts, the same traits that made Ragnow a four-time Pro Bowler.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick19
Carolina Panthers
Jadan Baugh
RB|Florida
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836YDS
14TD
5.2YPC
The Panthers have a sub-.500 record and yet would still be picking this late in the first round as they are the current leaders in a weak NFC South division. Carolina has yet to get any return on its investment in third-year RB Jonathon Brooks, and head coach Dave Canales needs results. Jadan Baugh is a 6-foot-1, 225-pound bulldozer with breakaway speed.
Plays like
Jonathan TaylorColtsBig, powerful back with the breakaway speed to turn any carry into a long run, the same combination that made Taylor an NFL rushing champion.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick20
Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
Devan Thompkins
Edge|Alabama
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5SCK
6.5TFL
33TCKL
If the Cowboys are unable to extend wideout George Pickens or cornerback Joey Porter Jr., those positions could leap to the forefront of their draft priorities. Otherwise, a big, versatile defender such as Devan Thompkins could help solidify a front seven that has allowed an NFL-worst 1,222 rushing yards (and 10 TDs) so far this season.
Plays like
Keion White49ersBig, versatile defensive lineman who can line up inside or on the edge and holds up against the run, the same profile that made White a second-round pick.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick21
New England Patriots
Jaylen McClain
S|Ohio State
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36TCKL
2INT
1SCK
The Patriots have a good young safety in Craig Woodson but could seek an upgrade over pending free agents Kevin Byard III and Mike Brown this offseason. Jaylen McClain gets overshadowed by all of the talent at Ohio State, but he’s taken over for Caleb Downs as the sheriff in the Buckeyes’ defensive backfield and has the range and reliable open-field tackling skills the NFL covets.
Plays like
Budda BakerCardinalsInstinctive, rangy safety who flies to the ball and is a sure open-field tackler, the same style that has made Baker a perennial Pro Bowler.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick22
New York Giants
Kade Pieper
C|Iowa
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5PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA 1ST TEAMS
3AWARD WATCH LISTS
It should have surprised no one when John Harbaugh selected bulldozing blocker Francis Mauigoa with the first pick (on offense) of his Giants tenure. I think Harbaugh will make a similar push for Kade Pieper, whose style and frame will remind the former Ravens coach of All-Pro center Tyler Linderbaum.
Plays like
Tyler LinderbaumRaidersSmart, powerful interior lineman with a strong anchor who finishes blocks in the run game, the same profile that made Linderbaum a first-round pick and a Pro Bowl center.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick23
Cincinnati Bengals
Yhonzae Pierre
Edge|Alabama
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4.5SCK
27TCKL
1INT
The Bengals' defense has been better this season, but stopping the run remains an issue. Cincinnati is allowing 4.8 yards per carry, which is tied for 29th in the NFL. Yhonzae Pierre isn’t a dynamic pass-rusher, but he’s violent and sets a firm edge, making him an excellent complement to last year’s investments in defensive ends Boye Mafe and Cashius Howell.
Plays like
Derick HallSeahawksViolent, physical edge defender who sets a firm edge against the run and wins with power, the same style that made Hall a second-round pick.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick24
Kansas City Chiefs
Boubacar Traore
Edge|Notre Dame
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4SCK
24TCKL
1INT
Longtime Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is one of the NFL’s best, so it might surprise some to learn that the Chiefs are tied (with the Giants and the Dolphins) for worst in the league in quarterback sacks, with just nine on the season. Boubacar Traore is technically sound with a full tool belt of moves, making him among the most pro-ready rushers of this class.
Plays like
Laiatu LatuColtsPolished, technically sound edge rusher with a deep bag of pass-rush moves, the same pro-ready skill set that made Latu a first-round pick.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick25
Jacksonville Jaguars
A'Mauri Washington
DT|Oregon
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6-3HEIGHT
330LBS
20TCKL
Given that the Jaguars' run defense has been the stoutest in the NFL thus far with just 542 total yards (and four TDs) allowed, this selection might seem superfluous. However, with key veterans Arik Armstead and DaRon Hamilton both nearing free agency, adding youth and girth could ensure that one of Jacksonville's biggest strengths remains one for the foreseeable future.
Plays like
Kenneth GrantDolphinsMassive, athletic defensive tackle who eats up double teams and gets his hands up in passing lanes, the same rare size-athleticism blend that made Grant a first-round pick.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick26
Detroit Lions
Ellis Robinson IV
CB|Georgia
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2INT
12TCKL
It is a testament to the Lions’ explosive offense that they seem destined for a long playoff run despite surrendering a league-high 18 passing touchdowns thus far. General manager Brad Holmes might have to trade up to acquire Ellis Robinson IV, who possesses the rare cover skills to help remedy Detroit's secondary woes.
Plays like
Denzel WardBrownsSticky, instinctive cornerback with the quickness to mirror receivers and the ball skills to finish plays, the same cover traits that made Ward a top-five pick and a multiple-time Pro Bowler.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick27
Pittsburgh Steelers
Dante Moore
QB|Oregon
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926YDS
9TD
0INT
Given the investment made in Drew Allar last spring, I don’t believe the Steelers are planning to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2027 draft. However, should an abbreviated 2026 season push Dante Moore — the most talented passer in this class — far enough down the board, it would make sense for Pittsburgh to adjust its plan.
Plays like
C.J. StroudTexansAccurate, poised pocket passer with a quick release and the arm talent to make every throw, the same traits that made Stroud the No. 2 overall pick and Offensive Rookie of the Year.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick28
Tennessee Titans (from Bears)
Will Echoles
DT|Ole Miss
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2.5SCK
20TCKL
The Titans used the No. 2 overall selection on edge rusher Colin Simmons in this projection and I don’t think the defensive rebuilding ends there. With the first of two Day 1 picks acquired from the Bears for star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, general manager Mike Borgonzi could see another All-SEC DT in Will Echoles as an ideal replacement.
Plays like
Milton WilliamsPatriotsQuick, powerful interior lineman who penetrates gaps and makes plays behind the line of scrimmage, the same disruptive style that earned Williams a big payday in New England.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick29
Denver Broncos
Trey'Dez Green
TE|LSU
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29REC
357YDS
2TD
A playmaking tight end was one of the staples of Sean Payton’s dynamic offenses with the New Orleans Saints. I think he’d love to go back to the bayou for Trey'Dez Green (6-foot-7, 245 pounds) should he still be on the board this late.
Plays like
Kyle PittsFalconsTowering, athletic tight end who creates mismatches all over the field as a receiver, the same rare size-speed blend that made Pitts the No. 4 overall pick.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick30
Minnesota Vikings
Darian Mensah
QB|Miami
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2,694YDS
28TD
2INT
The Vikings were the final team in the NFL to lose a game. Just imagine what they could become if they had anything close to quality play at the quarterback position. Despite his gaudy statistics, Darian Mensah isn’t universally regarded as a first-round talent. Still, I think he’d excel in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, especially throwing to Justin Jefferson.
Plays like
Jared GoffLionsAccurate, rhythm-based pocket passer who thrives on timing and getting the ball out on schedule, the same profile that has made Goff so productive in a QB-friendly system.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick31
San Francisco 49ers
Zereoue Williams
OT|Utah
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6-8HEIGHT
305LBS
9STARTS
Simply put, Trent Williams is one of the best players I’ve ever seen. He is still playing at an All-Pro level at 38 years old and may very well play for another few seasons. Should San Francisco have any thoughts that he is considering retirement, however, the club should be proactively searching for an understudy. Utah's Zereoue Williams has been starting for just one season, but he too possesses a shocking combination of size (6-foot-8, 305 pounds) and athleticism.
Plays like
Kolton MillerRaidersTall, athletic left tackle with long arms and the feet to mirror speed rushers, the same size-athleticism blend that made Miller a first-round pick.
2026 seasonFull profile →
Pick32
Buffalo Bills
KJ Bolden
S|Georgia
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22TCKL
1INT
0.5SCK
The Bills are playing like Super Bowl favorites but will almost certainly be looking at safety in the offseason with veterans Damar Hamlin and Geno Stone hitting free agency (and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson recently released). KJ Bolden lacks ideal size at 6-foot, 185 pounds, but former safety and current Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard won’t be scared by that. Like Leonhard previously, Bolden has range and ball skills and is a fierce hitter.
Plays like
Malik Mustapha49ersUndersized but fearless safety with range and ball skills who hits far above his weight, the same style that has made Mustapha a key piece of the 49ers' secondary.
2026 seasonFull profile →