While the NFL world is currently fixated on the immediate future of the league, professional scouts are already casting their eyes toward the horizon. In a recent comprehensive poll conducted by ESPN, ten NFL scouts were asked to provide their "way-too-early" top three quarterback projections for the 2027 NFL Draft class. The results highlight a clear frontrunner in Oregon Ducks standout Dante Moore, signaling the beginning of what promises to be a highly scrutinized developmental cycle for the next generation of signal-callers.
Dante Moore: The Early QB1 for the 2027 NFL Draft
Oregon’s Dante Moore has secured the top spot in the preliminary rankings, earning significant praise from the scouting community. Moore, a former five-star recruit who began his collegiate journey at UCLA before transferring to the University of Oregon, is viewed as a prospect with an elite ceiling. Scouts pointed to his natural arm talent and his ability to navigate complex defensive looks as primary reasons for his high standing.
The 2027 NFL Draft evaluation process is unique because it focuses on players who are often just beginning to see meaningful collegiate snaps. For Moore, the transition to Dan Lanning’s system in Eugene is expected to provide the platform necessary to solidify his status as a franchise-altering talent. Evaluators noted that while he is still refining his consistency, his raw tools are currently unmatched in his class, making him the consensus favorite among the ten scouts surveyed.
The Arch Manning Factor and the Texas Influence
Coming in closely behind Moore is Arch Manning of the Texas Longhorns. As the latest standard-bearer for the Manning football dynasty, Arch has faced unprecedented expectations since his high school days. Despite playing a backup role to Quinn Ewers for much of his early career, Manning has done enough in limited action to convince NFL scouts of his professional pedigree. The poll results suggest that scouts value his fundamental soundness and his high football IQ, which are hallmarks of the Manning family.
The University of Texas has become a focal point for NFL talent evaluators under head coach Steve Sarkisian. Scouts mentioned that Manning’s development within a pro-style offense will likely make him one of the most "pro-ready" prospects by the time the 2027 NFL Draft arrives. The battle between Moore’s dynamic upside and Manning’s polished floor is expected to be the defining narrative of this draft class over the next two seasons.
Rising Stars: Julian Sayin and Brendan Sorsby
Beyond the top two names, the scout poll identified several other quarterbacks who are rapidly climbing the draft boards. Julian Sayin, currently at Ohio State, was frequently mentioned as a player with elite accuracy and processing speed. As a member of the Buckeyes, Sayin will have the benefit of throwing to some of the best wide receiver talent in the country, a factor that scouts believe will help highlight his precision passing.
Another name that surfaced as a potential riser is Brendan Sorsby of Texas Tech. After showing flashes of brilliance during his time at Indiana, Sorsby’s move to the Red Raiders' high-volume passing offense has scouts intrigued. His ability to produce high-level statistics in a quarterback-friendly system could see his draft stock soar if he can maintain efficiency against Big 12 defenses.
Deep Talent Pool: Sellers, Mestemaker, and Beyond
The 2027 class appears to be deep with diverse archetypes of quarterbacks. The scouts identified several other players who could potentially crash the top tier by 2026:
- LaNorris Sellers (South Carolina): A physical specimen known for his dual-threat capabilities and high-velocity arm.
- Drew Mestemaker (Oklahoma State): A developmental prospect who has caught the eye of scouts for his poise and frame.
- Sam Leavitt (LSU): Mentioned as a player with significant upside who could thrive in a high-profile SEC environment.
- CJ Carr (Notre Dame): A highly intelligent passer who scouts believe will benefit from the Fighting Irish’s traditional offensive structure.
- Darian Mensah (Miami): A rising talent in the ACC who has shown the ability to make explosive plays.
The Long Road to the 2027 NFL Draft
It is important to remember that these projections are based on current potential and limited sample sizes. The 2027 NFL Draft is still several years away, and the landscape of college football is more volatile than ever due to the transfer portal and NIL developments. However, for NFL teams currently planning their long-term rosters, these early polls provide a crucial baseline for talent acquisition.
Scouts emphasized that while Moore and Manning are the current favorites, the development of players like Julian Sayin and LaNorris Sellers could easily shift the rankings by next spring. As these young athletes continue to gain experience and physical maturity, the competition for the "QB1" title will only intensify, providing football fans with a compelling storyline to follow over the coming years.
Sources & Original Reporting