The 2027 quarterback class offers several intriguing prospects, but nobody has separated himself as the unquestioned QB1.
Darian Mensah currently owns the top spot on my board because of what he has demonstrated this season. Dante Moore may possess the most attractive collection of traditional NFL traits, but his health is now part of the evaluation. Behind them, every quarterback carries questions involving size, experience or projection.
1. Darian Mensah — Miami
Mensah has played the position better than anyone else in this class. He processes the field quickly, throws with anticipation and consistently delivers an accurate football.
He operates with command from the pocket and distributes the ball efficiently without becoming overly dependent upon his athletic ability. Mensah still must prove himself against the best defenses on Miami’s schedule, but right now, he has the strongest body of work in the class.
Strengths: Accuracy, anticipation, processing and pocket command
Concerns: Must sustain his production against stronger competition
Current grade: First round
2. Dante Moore — Oregon
Moore may be the most naturally gifted passer in the class. He possesses a smooth release, excellent touch and the ability to attack every level of the field.
The immediate concern is his health following the concussion he suffered against USC. Until he returns and demonstrates that he is completely healthy, it is difficult to place him above Mensah.
Even when healthy, Moore must become more consistent when the pocket begins to collapse.
Strengths: Arm talent, accuracy, touch and throwing mechanics
Concerns: Health, pressure response and consistency
Current grade: Late first round
3. Trinidad Chambliss — Ole Miss
Chambliss may be the most dynamic playmaker among these quarterbacks. He is tough, mobile and capable of producing explosive plays both inside and outside the structure of the offense.
His size will receive considerable attention during the evaluation process. NFL scouts must determine whether he can consistently locate throwing lanes and operate effectively from a crowded professional pocket.
Strengths: Mobility, toughness, arm talent and playmaking ability
Concerns: Height, pocket projection and occasional inconsistency
Current grade: Late first round to early second round
4. CJ Carr — Notre Dame
Carr may eventually become the safest quarterback in the class. He reads the field well, delivers the football accurately and plays with tremendous composure.
He doesn’t possess overwhelming physical traits, but he understands how to play the position. More experience and continued production could eventually push him into the QB1 conversation.
Strengths: Processing, accuracy, anticipation and decision-making
Concerns: Limited experience and good—but not elite—physical tools
Current grade: Late first round to early second round
5. Julian Sayin — Ohio State
Sayin is an accurate and efficient distributor who operates comfortably within the structure of the offense. His mechanics are clean, his timing is impressive and he rarely appears overwhelmed.
The difficulty comes in separating Sayin’s individual ability from the extraordinary talent surrounding him at Ohio State. Scouts must determine how he responds when the protection breaks down and receivers are not immediately open.
Strengths: Accuracy, timing, mechanics and decision-making
Concerns: Supporting cast, limited experience and creation outside structure
Current grade: Second round
JUST OUTSIDE THE TOP FIVE
6. Drew Mestemaker — Oklahoma State
Mestemaker possesses the size, arm talent and downfield mentality to become one of the biggest risers in the class. However, his résumé remains too thin to place him above the five quarterbacks currently ahead of him.
THE ARCH MANNING QUESTION
Arch Manning is not included because I am not convinced he will—or should—enter the 2027 NFL Draft.
Manning has the physical talent to receive first-round consideration, but another season at Texas would benefit his long-term development. He needs more experience reading complex coverages, handling pressure and producing consistently from week to week.
If Manning declares, he immediately enters the top-five conversation based on his potential. My advice, however, would be to return to Texas and prepare for the 2028 draft.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Darian Mensah is my QB1 today, but he has not completely closed the competition.
Moore’s eventual return could change the order. Chambliss remains the most dangerous improvisational player. Carr may be the safest projection, while Sayin and Mestemaker still possess considerable upside.
This class has talent, but it still does not have an unquestioned franchise quarterback worthy of being selected among the first five players in the draft.
