Scouts Rank 2027 Draft Prospects

College football scouts are beginning to finalize their boards for the 2027 NFL Draft as the season enters its final stretch. Analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Jordan Reid evaluated player performance from Week 9 to identify risers and potential first-round picks.

Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker emerged as a top-10 candidate after catching eight passes for 149 yards and a touchdown against Minnesota. Becker, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 208 pounds, demonstrated speed and body control to secure contested catches. His teammate Nick Marsh also contributed with four receptions and 59 yards. Marsh is currently ranked 18th overall but could enter the top 20 if his production holds.

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers has seen a sharp increase in draft stock since October. He has thrown for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns with only three interceptions over his last four games. Sellers also rushed for 359 yards and five scores. This surge has moved him from a late third-round projection to a potential second-round pick despite previous inconsistencies.

Texas Tech defensive tackle A.J. Holmes Jr. is climbing the rankings due to his recent pass-rushing success. Holmes recorded five sacks in the past three weeks and has 12 total sacks in two seasons with the Red Raiders. His ability to penetrate the interior line has drawn early-to-mid second-round grades from scouts.

Oklahoma State receiver Justin Bowick is gaining attention after transferring through four different programs. He caught seven passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns against Iowa State. Bowick averages 17.8 yards per catch and is being considered for a fourth-round selection, with the possibility of rising to the second day of the draft.

Clemson edge rusher Will Heldt continues to post consistent stats, recording seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss in eight games. His ability to rush the passer from multiple stances keeps him a solid day-two prospect. Meanwhile, Indiana edge rusher Tobi Osunsanmi has recorded a sack in seven consecutive games, totaling nine for the season. This streak has elevated his grade to late second round.

LSU tight end Trey'Dez Green returned from a leg injury to catch five passes for 50 yards and a touchdown against Auburn. While he remains behind Oregon's Jamari Johnson in current rankings, his return offers a realistic path to becoming the first tight end selected in the 2027 draft class if he stays healthy.

South Carolina defensive end Dylan Stewart is being compared to Brian Burns due to similar size and pass-rushing traits. Stewart forced a fumble that led to an upset victory over Tennessee. He is currently ranked third overall on Reid's board, though questions regarding his prior suspension may linger during the pre-draft process.

Under-the-radar candidates include Montana running back Eli Gillman, who has averaged 6.1 yards per carry over three seasons. Gillman scored two touchdowns against Eastern Washington and is generating late third-round interest. Other names drawing scout attention include Rhode Island's Marquis Buchanan and Northern Arizona's Ty Pennington.

The next round of evaluations will focus on Week 10 performances. Scouts will monitor consistency for players like Becker, Sellers, and Holmes as the draft approaches in six months. The final rankings will depend on how these players perform in their remaining regular-season games.