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

Pick1

Los Angeles Chargers

Jeremiah Smith

WR|Ohio State

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69REC

1,200YDS

14TD

17.4YPC

The Chargers have scored a total of nine touchdowns in seven games this season. The quickest and best fix for the most anemic offense in the league is Jeremiah Smith, a physically dominant pass-catcher who’s more than worthy of being the first wide receiver taken No. 1 overall since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996.

Plays like

Julio JonesFalcons

Physically dominant, big-bodied receiver with rare size-speed combination who wins contested catches and turns short throws into explosive plays, the same profile that made Julio a top-10 pick and a seven-time Pro Bowler.

2026 seasonFull profile →

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 ParsonsPackers

Explosive, 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 →

Pick3

Miami Dolphins

Drew Mestemaker

QB|Oklahoma State

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2,962YDS

29TD

8INT

It isn’t fair to pin all the blame for the Dolphins' struggles this season on costly free-agent quarterback Malik Willis. But with just five touchdowns (against six interceptions) thrown through the first two months, he hasn’t provided much spark. One could argue that no QB would be successful given the supporting cast Willis has, but that may not matter come draft day. Drew Mestemaker’s perceived upside could have teams bidding against each other, and the Dolphins are currently in good position to land this year’s biggest fish.

Plays like

Josh AllenBills

Big, strong-armed passer with the size to extend plays and the arm to make every throw, the same raw upside that made Allen a top-10 pick and an MVP.

2026 seasonFull profile →

Pick4

New York Jets (from Colts)

Leonard Moore

CB|Notre Dame

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11TCKL

7Career INT

The Jets could wind up with three selections in the top 10, giving general manager Darren Mougey all the resources necessary to move up if desired. But with the likelihood of there being a handful of first-round QB prospects, letting the board fall to him makes a lot of sense. The first bite at the proverbial apple might be best used on blue-chip cornerback Leonard Moore.

Plays like

Christian GonzalezPatriots

Long, fluid outside corner who can carry receivers in man coverage and play the ball in the air, the same profile that made Gonzalez a first-round pick.

2026 seasonFull profile →

Pick5

Philadelphia Eagles

Dylan Stewart

Edge|South Carolina

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2SCK

5TCKL

4.5TFL

It seems much longer than two seasons ago that the Eagles were Super Bowl champions. A roster rebuild may be looming, and if so, Philadelphia might first look to a defensive line that is big on names but low in production, generating just 10 sacks over the first eight games of the season (second fewest in the NFL). For GM Howie Roseman, Dylan Stewart may be the perfect blend of immediate impact potential and long-term upside.

Plays like

Brian BurnsGiants

Long, bendy speed rusher who wins around the edge with burst and finishes with the ball in mind, the same skill set that made Burns a first-round pick and a Pro Bowler.

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 Wilson

Poised, 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 StanleyRavens

Tall, 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 Warner49ers

Rangy, 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 Fitzgerald

Big, 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 MadubuikeRavens

Quick-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 WatsonPackers

Big, 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 HerbertChargers

Tall, 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 LindstromFalcons

Powerful, 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 IIBroncos

Long, 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.Cowboys

Tall, 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 CousinsRaiders

Smart, 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 FashanuJets

Athletic, 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 Ragnow

Versatile, 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 TaylorColts

Big, 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 White49ers

Big, 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 BakerCardinals

Instinctive, 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 LinderbaumRaiders

Smart, 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 HallSeahawks

Violent, 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 LatuColts

Polished, 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 GrantDolphins

Massive, 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 WardBrowns

Sticky, 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. StroudTexans

Accurate, 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 WilliamsPatriots

Quick, 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 PittsFalcons

Towering, 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 GoffLions

Accurate, 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 MillerRaiders

Tall, 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 Mustapha49ers

Undersized 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 →