2027 NFL Draft Stock Report 9/29/26

2027 NFL Draft Stock Up

Colin Williams, OLB, Texas

Simmons is a potential first-round pick, and he had a legendary performance to help lead his team to a road win. In the first quarter, Simmons lined up as an off-ball inside linebacker behind the right nose tackle. After the snap, Simmons read the play well before using his speed to get around the left tackle across the line for a sack. Later in the second quarter, Simmons used a speed rush to get past the right tackle and the left guard bounced to grab quarterback Faizon Brandon as he started to step. While he initially avoided Simmons, other Texas defenders collapsed the pocket, and Simmons was able to adjust to Brandon’s scramble to bring him down for a sack. However, after the play, Simmons faked peeing on the Volunteers, and it was a first down on fourth-and-29 for the Volunteers offense from an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. It was a stupid penalty that took away good field position for the Longhorns offense.

Midway through the third quarter, Simmons had sacks on back-to-back plays. The first saw him go up, take down the left tackle, and go after Brandon. On the next play, he was off the ball at linebacker and spun around the line to get into the pocket and then adjusted to chase down and trip the mobile quarterback for his fourth sack of the game. Early in the fourth quarter, three Longhorns defenders hit Brandon, but he escaped in the flat. Simmons used his speed to chase him down from behind with a strip-sack. The ball rolled out of bounds, but Simmons’ fifth sack forced a punt.

It was a record-setting game for Simmons as he tied Texas’ single-game sack record and moved closer to NCAA history. Simmons is impressive, showing great speed, agility to break into space and redirect, to go with vision and instincts. This tape could help Simmons become a top-10 pick next April and he looks like a top-20 pick at worst.

Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State

Smith rewrote the Buckeyes’ record books, and that continued with a game of pure Illinois dominance. Smith hauled in 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns. Smith started the day with a 72-yard touchdown catch, showing off his elite speed and athleticism, making defenders look silly trying to tackle him. That set the tone and Smith continued to destroy the Illini secondary. In 2026, Smith had 33 catches for 617 yards and seven touchdowns. Smith has been so good this year, he could be such an elite prospect that even quarterback-needy teams will consider him too good to pass on. It would be a shock if any non-quarterback went ahead of Smith, and Smith is the top-rated prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.

Greg Johnson, G, Minnesota

In speaking with multiple team sources, Johnson is the consensus top interior offensive line prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. “O.G [Greg] Johnson, Minnesota. The end,” texted an AFC director of college scouting in response to if there are any potential first-round interior offensive linemen. The 6-foot-6, 327-pounder has been an effective starter at left guard while also filling in at left tackle and right tackle in his career when injuries have been a factor. If he stays healthy this season, Johnson will enter as a power starter with three straight seasons. in pass pro with the ability to stop power and speed rushers. has the potential to be a first-round pick next April.

Arion Carter, LB, Tennessee

Carter was very good against Texas. He was a tackling machine and shut down the Longhorns’ ground offense. Carter had some outstanding plays, including a tackle for a loss in which he absorbed the pull of guard Brandon Baker, pushed Baker, and then took down the back. Carter also worked well in zone coverage in the middle of the field, covering ground and drawing receivers in his area. Late in the fourth quarter, Carter made a great play on special teams, diving on a loose ball to successfully secure an onside kick. Carter looks like a starting linebacker candidate for the NFL. The 6-foot-1, 240-pounder is a strong, physical run defender who is a good form tackler. Carter could be a second-day pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Yhonzae Pierre, OLB, Alabama

Pierre had a good game that helped himself against South Carolina. On the first drive of the game, Pierre faked as if rushing before dropping back into coverage. He jumped to deflect a pass and nearly had an interception for himself or a teammate on the deflection. Pierre was active with a good tackle in support and then, on a third down, pushed left tackle Sellers to get pressure on the quarterback. In the third quarter, Pierre rushed the left tackle again to collapse the pocket, and he hugged Sellers to bring him to the ground as he climbed the pocket. This is a great tape from Pierre that will help his grade. He showed impressive strength to bully, quickness to close, athleticism to drop into coverage, and read-and-react instincts. This tape will help Pierre’s draft grade.

2027 NFL Draft Stock Down

John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma

The rough start to the 2026 season for Mateer continued against Georgia. He threw an interception and had two fumbles in his bid to emulate former Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mateer hasn’t been the same player since his thumb injury from last season, and he’s struggled as a passer. Mateer shows an alarming lack of hope and running seems to be the best he does. The tape Mateer produced this season made him look like a day-three prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.