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Welcome to the 5th edition of the 2027 Rookie Big Board from Dynasty Nerds, brought to you by Senior Writer Steven Pintado. In our Big Board series, we highlight the top 25 (and more) future NFL prospects to know for dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts.
This Big Board takes into account what these prospects have accomplished in past seasons, along with how they are performing throughout the 2026 college football season. The 2027 class continues to look incredibly deep, and there are plenty of players you could argue deserve to be ranked higher or even make their way into this top 25.
There is a legitimate argument for several prospects outside the top 25 to eventually work their way onto the Big Board as the season continues. Expect lots of change still between now and the 2027 NFL Draft.
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Top 25 Rookie Big Board for 2027 NFL Draft Prospects
Tier 1 – Early 2027 1st Round Pick
No. 1 | Jeremiah Smith | WR | Ohio State | 6’4’’ | 222 lbs
I don’t think anyone can argue that wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is the 1.01 on everyone’s big board right now. He is having a dominant season, setting all types of records at Ohio State. Smith is going to be an absolute difference-maker for the NFL team and any dynasty manager who lands him in 2027.
Smith has an elite combination of size, speed, route-running ability, and arguably the best hands in the class. College defensive coordinators can’t seem to figure out how to stop him because he can beat defenses in so many different ways. He is one of those generational talents who should not be overlooked. The fact that he has already found so much success at such a young age is incredible and only strengthens his case as the clear 1.01 in the 2027 rookie class.
No. 2 | Jadan Baugh | RB | Florida | 6’1’’ | 225 lbs
I’m well aware this is a Superflex big board, but Jadan Baugh has produced like he should be the top running back on the board in 2027 rookie drafts. Through six games, he currently ranks 8th in rushing yards and is tied for 1st in rushing touchdowns with 12.
Baugh brings a rare combination of power and elusiveness as a running back. He can pick up yards in multiple ways, whether that’s juking out a defender or simply running right through him. We’d love to see a little more receiving work from Baugh, but he hasn’t needed to be used much in that role. However, he has the skill set to develop into a true three-down back at the NFL level.
No. 3 | Darian Mensah | QB | Miami | 6’3’’ | 205 lbs
Darian Mensah is currently my top quarterback in this class. While we’re only heading into Week 7, things could easily change as the season progresses. Mensah currently ranks in the top 10 in passing yards, touchdowns, fewest interceptions, and quarterback rating. While the level of competition could be better, he’ll face tougher challenges later in the season that will give him a chance to showcase the impressive skill set he has displayed so far.
What makes Mensah stand out is that he is a smart quarterback who rarely makes bad decisions or turns the ball over. He understands how to process defenses and makes well-anticipated throws. These are exactly the types of traits you want to see from a quarterback who could eventually start in the NFL as a rookie. His arm strength may not be elite, but he can still push the ball downfield with great accuracy.
No. 4 | Drew Mestemaker | QB | Oklahoma State | 6’3” | 215 lbs
Drew Mestemaker is one of those players I’m so torn on! At times, his weaknesses really show up, whether it’s his poor mechanics or struggles with reading certain defenses downfield. However, he continues to surprise me with strong performances against solid teams like Oregon and West Virginia. He has shown off his quick release and ability to zip the ball to his pass catchers.
Mestemaker has been solid throwing to the intermediate areas of the field and finding tight windows in opposing defenses. He also brings some athletic ability that could make him somewhat of a dual-threat quarterback. There is a lot of upside to a quarterback like Mestemaker, which is why I have him ranked so high despite some of his flaws.
No. 5 | Charlie Becker | WR | Indiana | 6’4” | 208 lbs
Charlie Becker has risen to my WR2 in the 2027 class. The size he offers gives him the potential to develop into a WR1 for an NFL team. He has dominated through the first 6 weeks, recording 529 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.
Becker is can dominate a defense with his contested-catch ability. He knows how to beat defenders without relying on elite speed, instead using his physical presence and football IQ to his advantage. He still has the ability to create separation and consistently move the chains, which is an underrated part of his game.
Tier 2 – Mid 2027 1st Round Pick
No. 6 | Kewan Lacy | RB | Ole Miss | 5’11’’ | 205 lbs
Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy has been solid this season but has dealt with injuries that have limited him in games. When he has been on the field, he has shown elite vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage, allowing him to find running lanes and explode through them. He has also displayed great balance and the ability to pick up yards after contact.
There are still some injury concerns that could impact his stock as we move closer to the NFL Draft. While his pass protection has improved this year, it remains one of the biggest weaknesses in his game. However, Lacy has the skill set to handle a three-down workload, which is exactly what NFL teams and dynasty managers want in a running back.
No. 7 | Arch Manning | QB | Texas | 6’4’’ | 222 lbs
I’m lower on Arch Manning than most will probably be when evaluating this rookie quarterback class. You can’t dismiss his late-game heroics against Ohio State, helping Texas come back and win. He has incredible arm strength and has done well moving around the pocket while showing the ability to extend plays with his legs. There is plenty of natural talent in his game that NFL teams will love.
However, I do question his accuracy at times, and he tends to make risky throws when under pressure. I would also like to see more dominant performances in big-time games, especially with all the weapons Texas has surrounded him with. He’s a Manning, so the name value will always carry weight in his draft stock, especially if he continues to be a major part of Texas’ success in 2026.
No. 8 | Julian Sayin | QB | Ohio State | 6’1’’ | 214 lbs
Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin is a prospect I’m higher on than most because of the upside he offers despite some clear question marks in his game. What stands out to me is his high level of accuracy in the short to intermediate areas of the field. He is a smart quarterback who processes the field well and has a quick release, allowing him to get the ball out on time and make the right decisions.
His game against Texas, where he faced higher-level competition, saw his accuracy fall well below his usual standards. I also question his arm strength and how he would perform without a generational talent like Jeremiah Smith to throw to. However, Sayin continues to find ways to put the ball in the right place when Ohio State needs him most. Sayin will be a polarizing prospect, but I believe his strengths give him a chance to succeed at the next level.
No. 9 | Jayden Maiava | QB | USC | 6’4” | 240 lbs
Jayden Maiava has played very well for USC this season. He has the type of athletic talent that you simply can’t teach. Maiava possesses elite arm strength, NFL size that teams will fall in love with, and the mobility to develop into a dual-threat quarterback. What’s even more impressive is that he’s putting together a breakout season with freshmen as his primary pass catchers rather than being surrounded by veteran talent.
Maiava still has some work to do, especially with his mechanics and footwork, which can negatively impact his accuracy. His decision-making under pressure has also been questionable, particularly against Oregon this season. He also needs to cut down on turnovers, having thrown 29 interceptions throughout his college career. However, his upside may outweigh those concerns, especially since many of his weaknesses can be improved with proper coaching at the next level.
Tier 3 – Late 2027 1st Round Pick/Early 2nd Round Pick
No. 10 | KJ Duff | WR | Rutgers | 6’6” | 225 lbs
KJ Duff is enjoying a true breakout junior season and is easily on pace to surpass his 2025 numbers. He has been a touchdown machine, scoring 7 times through 6 games. Despite playing in a struggling Rutgers offense, Duff has been one of the few bright spots. He has also performed well against top-25 teams, recording over 75 receiving yards in two matchups. With his combination of size and speed, Duff is proving he has the potential to develop into a WR1 at the next level.
There are still some concerns about his ability to separate against faster cornerbacks. His game relies heavily on going up and winning contested catches, but he hasn’t consistently shown the ability to create plays after the catch. He doesn’t break many tackles or make defenders miss in the open field. Still, based on what we’ve seen in 2026, Duff is an intriguing prospect who could continue to improve his draft stock as the season progresses.
No. 11 | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon | 6’3’’ | 220 lbs
Dante Moore electing to return to school has not been great so far. We’ve seen his amazing ball placement and the great touch he puts on his throws. He is a smart quarterback who understands how to read defenses and recognize coverages. In reality, Moore should probably be higher on this big board, but I have him lower at the moment. He has faced a tough schedule to start the season, but I feel like that playmaking ability has been missing when he’s forced to deal with pressure.
The stats may look good, but when Moore faces pressure, something he’ll see plenty of at the NFL level, he tends to fold and underperform at times. It’s nothing that can’t be improved with coaching, but it’s still a concern. Perhaps by the offseason draft process, I’ll feel better about Moore as a prospect, but I expected to see more growth from him after he decided to return for the 2026 season.
No. 12 | Trinidad Chambliss | QB | Ole Miss | 6’0’’ | 205 lbs
Trinidad Chambliss fought to stay in college football and has found success this season. He offers plenty of upside as a dual-threat quarterback who can turn an ordinary offensive play into a highlight reel with his ability to improvise with the ball in his hands. However, he has been inconsistent at times. We saw an elite performance against LSU, where he helped lead his team to victory, but then followed it up with a more average outing against Florida. What makes Chambliss an intriguing quarterback prospect is his ability to remain calm under pressure and create plays when things break down around him.
The obvious concerns are his height and frame, which we’ve seen become significant issues for quarterbacks at the NFL level. While his athleticism and playmaking ability give him exciting potential, there are still some red flags that NFL teams will need to consider. Chambliss is another quarterback in this class with tremendous upside, but also enough concerns to make his evaluation difficult.
No. 13 | Cam Coleman | WR | Texas | 6’3’’ | 204 lbs
Cam Coleman has been one of the biggest fallers in 2026. When Coleman transferred to Texas, I expected him to take his game to another level. He has shown flashes of his talent with his speed and ability to be a vertical threat downfield. There is definitely talent in Coleman’s game, but it likely won’t translate into elite production on the stat sheet this season. He still lacks a complete route tree, as I’ve seen him run too many vertical routes rather than develop into a more well-rounded receiver. There is still plenty of season left for Coleman to turn things around, show more growth in his game, and improve his draft stock heading into the NFL Draft.
No. 14 | Ryan Coleman-Williams | WR | Alabama | 6’0’’ | 184 lbs
Ryan Coleman-Williams has shown some clear talent and has put up solid numbers this season. The obvious concern has been his issues with drops early in the year. However, Williams brings explosiveness and strong YAC ability to his game, making him dangerous with the ball in his hands. He also offers great versatility with his ability to line up all over the field and create mismatches against defenses.
Williams still needs to build up his strength, as he has struggled at times against press coverage. If he can clean up his issues with drops and continue developing his overall game, he has a chance to rise into the first-round conversation by the time the NFL Draft arrives.
No. 15 | Fluff Bothwell | RB | Mississippi State | 5’10’’ | 230 lbs
Running back Fluff Bothwell is someone I’m higher on this season. Bothwell suffered an injury during the Alabama game a few weeks ago, but before that, he was dominating with three straight 100-yard rushing performances, including 125 yards against a red-hot Missouri team. He brings a physical, downhill running style to his game, using his size to run through defenders and pick up yards after contact.
The biggest concern with Bothwell is whether he can handle a three-down role and a heavy workload at the next level. His career high was just 142 carries in 2025, leaving questions about his ability to handle a larger role. Can Bothwell develop into a true workhorse running back, or will he be better suited as a change-of-pace option in the NFL?
No. 16 | Ahmad Hardy | RB | Missouri | 5’10’’ | 210 lbs
Ahmad Hardy is a name you should remember from 2025. He finished the season with 256 carries for 1,649 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Hardy probably deserves to be higher on this big board, but he has yet to play in 2026 after suffering a gunshot wound during the offseason. He possesses some of the best vision and contact balance in this running back class, allowing him to find running lanes and fight through contact for extra yards. He hasn’t shown much as a receiver, with only 12 receptions last season, but that doesn’t mean he can’t develop that part of his game. If Hardy is unable to return to the field in 2026, there’s a chance he decides to wait another year before declaring for the NFL Draft.
No. 17 | Trey’Dez Green | TE | LSU | 6’7” | 237 lbs
We come to our first tight end on the board in Trey’Dez Green. The LSU tight end has the size that NFL teams love to see at the position. He is an athletic freak with a basketball background that could make him a dangerous red-zone weapon at the next level. Green was off to a strong start this season before suffering a leg injury that sidelined him. He has shown tremendous ability as a pass catcher, but he still lacks a complete all-around game, as his blocking is a tier below some of the other tight ends on this list. He also has occasional issues with drops that need to be cleaned up. Green’s talent is undeniable, and hopefully, he can get back on the field at some point this season to showcase it.
Tier 4 – Late 2027 2nd Round Picks
No. 18 | Cam Cook | RB | West Virigina | 5’9’’ | 203 lbs
Running back Cam Cook has proven that a breakout season wasn’t a fluke after transferring from Jacksonville State to West Virginia. After a dominant 2025 season, Cook has shown he can produce against higher-level competition with his new team. He’s coming off four straight 100-yard rushing performances against notable opponents. The impressive part is that Cook has handled a heavy workload, recording over 20 carries in each of those four games. His biggest hurdle is improving his pass protection and expanding his role in the passing game, where he has had limited opportunities to contribute. Cook is a monster with the ball in his hands and has the potential to become a great early-down runner at the NFL level.
No. 19 | CJ Carr | QB | Notre Dame | 6’2’’ | 215 lbs
Our final quarterback on the big board has to be CJ Carr. He’s having a great season at Notre Dame, helping lead the Fighting Irish to a 6 game winning streak. Carr has an impressive 16-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio and looks poised in the pocket, showing the ability to handle pressure well. He has solid arm talent and can zip the ball into tight windows while putting it in the right spot for his receivers. Carr is more of a traditional pocket passer, so you aren’t going to see his legs become a major threat to opposing defenses. One thing I’d still like to see is how Carr performs against top-25 competition, which he’ll have the opportunity to do over the next month or so.
No. 20 | Reed Harris | WR | Arizona State | 6’5” | 220 lbs
Many expected Omarion Miller to be the guy to emerge from Arizona State, but Reed Harris has really stepped up this season. Harris has been the top receiver for the Sun Devils, recording over 90 receiving yards in 4 of his first 5 games. He has a WR1-caliber frame with the ability to dominate contested catches and become a reliable red-zone target. When he gets the ball in his hands, he has also shown flashes of impressive YAC ability. Harris still needs to clean up his route running to become a more complete receiver, but he has been one of the biggest risers throughout the first part of the season.
No. 21 | Nick Marsh | WR | Indiana | 6’3’’ | 210 lbs
Nick Marsh has gradually improved as the season has progressed, really starting to shine over the last few weeks with back-to-back 100-yard receiving games. One of his biggest strengths is his ability to create yards after the catch, using his size and physicality to pick up extra yardage. Marsh has the size and skill set to develop into an outside receiver at the next level. Another appealing aspect of his profile is his young age, which would be a plus if he declares for the NFL Draft this year. We love seeing players dominate at a young age, and Marsh is beginning to show why he could be an intriguing prospect in this class.
No. 22 | Jamari Johnson | TE | Oregon | 6’5’’ | 255 lbs
Jamari Johnson is a more well-rounded tight end compared to Trey’Dez Green and is a YAC machine with the ball in his hands. He has the versatility to line up inline while also spending plenty of time in the slot. One area I’d like to see him improve is his route tree, as I’ve noticed a heavy reliance on vertical routes. Johnson got off to a hot start this season before suffering an injury in Week 2, finally returning to the field in Week 6. He has the athletic profile to become a dangerous pass catcher at the next level, and he’s a name to monitor over the rest of the season as he has the potential to rise up this board.
No. 23 | Nate Frazier | RB | Georgia | 5’10’’ | 205 lbs
If you like running backs with blazing speed, then Nate Frazier is someone you’ll love. The Georgia running back has the potential to run in the 4.3 range and possesses home-run ability with excellent vision. He can also contribute on passing downs as a receiver and a willing blocker. Frazier doesn’t need many touches to make a big impact, as he has a 211 rushing yards on just 26 carries this season.
My biggest concern with Frazier is whether he can handle a workload of over 200 carries, something he has yet to prove at the college level. While his explosiveness makes him an exciting prospect, the question remains whether he can develop into a true workhorse running back or if he’s better suited as a change-of-pace option at the NFL level.
No. 24 | Cayden Lee | WR | Missori | 5’11’’ | 180 lbs
Ole Miss transfer Cayden Lee has developed nicely since arriving at Missouri this season. Lee is on pace to surpass his 2024 production of 874 receiving yards and has emerged as a reliable weapon in the passing game. He projects as a slot receiver at the next level who can move the chains with his reliable hands and ability to create yards after the catch.
While Lee doesn’t have the typical WR1 build or play style, he has certainly been producing like one this season. He may not hear his name called in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean he can’t become an impactful player at the next level. Cayden Lee is a name dynasty managers should continue watching throughout the rest of the season.
No. 25 | Ryan Wingo | WR | Texas | 6’2” | 214 lbs
Texas receiver Ryan Wingo got off to a hot start this season but has cooled off with some decent, yet less impressive performances in recent weeks. Wingo has shown elite speed and explosive upside, making him a dangerous deep threat who can stretch the field. He is also the type of playmaker you want to get the ball to in space and let him create yards after the catch.
While his athleticism gives him a high ceiling, Wingo still needs to develop as a route runner, as he tends to rely more on his raw speed than his technique to beat defenders. If he can become a more polished route runner, Wingo has the potential to develop into a dangerous weapon at the next level.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for reading my first 2027 rookie big board of the season. We are still very early in the process as these players rise and fall in value. Throughout the coming months, many high leverage games will be played—which I care the most about. How do they play when the defenses are the toughest and the lights are the brightest? We will find out.
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