Top-10 Quarterbacks 2027 NFL Draft: Scouting Reports Pre-2026 Season
- Zak Drapeau
- 5 minutes ago
- 20 min read
by Zak Drapeau
Sportz Nation - 8/20/2026
Make sure to come back everyday for positional rankings and my MOCK DRAFT 1.0 releasing Thursday, August 27 at noon
Top-10 Quarterbacks of the 2027 Draft Class
10. John Mateer
6'1" 225 lbs.
Oklahoma
Pro Comparison:
Older Russell Wilson
2025 Overview
2025 was a very up and down year for the former Washington State transfer. At one point early in the season, Mateer's name was hyped with talks of Heismans and #1 picks. However a midseason hand injury stopped most of the chatter and greatly impacted his play. Mateer was still good up until Oklahoma's first round playoff exit but nowhere near his from from the start of the season.
Positives
Mateer isn't especially big for his position standing only 6'1" tall, but he is bulky and able to move that bulk in and out of the pocket. He has a great spin on the ball that he can deliver standing or off a platform and from Washington State and Oklahoma last year has some decent experience behind a not-so-great offensive line. His arm strength wasn't elite but very good before his hand injury which allowed him to fire shots into very tight windows the past two seasons at short and medium level throws.
Mateer has over 1,200 yards and 23 TDs on the ground in the past two years and has shown that he's able to work multiple offensive schemes including pro style and option.
Negatives
Mateer makes a lot of great plays but in doing so will also make a lot of mistakes. His tendency to hold the ball until he can make the big play has made him one of the most sacked Quarterbacks in FBS the past two seasons.
He will also try to use his arm talent to fire balls into windows no one can get through and threw 18 interceptions in 24 games. A number of those interceptions came on deep balls. Not only will he try to force the ball downfield a little too much but his accuracy down field is much more inconsistent.
2025 broken thumb injury. After 4 week recovery, Mateer's accuracy and grip strength were majorly impacted and he even admitted hurt his confidence.
Player Summary
Mateer was always kind of a loose cannon even when he was a Heisman favorite but his hand injury last year almost made him more trouble than he's worth.
Key word: Almost.
Mateer is an experienced Quarterback with a great arm who is highly effective on designated QB runs or scrambling out of the pocket. He is reckless at times and relies too heavily on his arm talents but when he's on... this dude is on.
Mateer's hand injury from 2025 is a big issue and should show us very early into the 2026 season if it should wipe him off every scout's board or is a non-factor moving forward. If it's the latter, Mateer could easily rocket up this ranking by the end of the season.
Prospect Grade: 76.0
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9. LaNorris Sellers
6'3" 240 lbs.
South Carolina
Pro Comparison:
Cam Newton on the Patriots
2025 Overview
Sellers came into last season with lofty expectations including a Top-10 pick in the 2026 draft and with some even having him going #1. These expectations come from Sellers' unbelievable physical traits including a huge frame, great speed and fantastic zip on the ball through the air. The 2025 season unfortunately, did not play out that way for Sellers or his Gamecocks. We saw his raw talents on display the year before and wanted to see progression in his accuracy, pre-snap adjustments and poise in the pocket and to everyone's surprise, we saw all of it decline.
Sellers' numbers worsened in completion percentage, passing yards, passing touchdowns, yards per attempt, rushes, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Sellers still looked like a freak of nature on the field but showed us that he may never gain the necessary skills as a Quarterback to put those raw talents to use in the league.
Positives
Sellers is one of the best athletes at the Quarterback position to come out of college since Cam Newton in 2011. His huge frame is matched with incredible speed that he uses to break the pocket almost like Derrick henry bouncing outside the Tackles.
While Sellers is mostly a running threat as of now, his ability on deep ball throws is very above average. His arm strength can get the ball almost anywhere on the field and his touch almost always puts the ball where his receivers can make a play.
Negatives
Plays the game like a Running Back taking a snap from the Wildcat formation. His processing and pocket presence just isn't up to par with anyone looking to take snaps in the NFL next year. Struggles with accuracy in short range due to inconsistent and often average throw power. Often relies on the play scheme and locks on to his first read rather than reading the defense.
Sellers can and does use his size and athleticism to his advantage but will often get into trouble with it. Sellers has 15 fumbles over the last two seasons which improved from 11 in 2024 to 4 in 2025 but is still worrisome for his size.
Player Summary
Sellers legitimately has the most potential of anyone in this class due to his size and speed. At his best in 2024 he looked like Cam Newton at Auburn. At his worst though, flashes of Jamarcus Russell.
Sellers has the physical tools including size, speed and arm talent but whether it's his inability to progress or perhaps the team around him, he hasn't picked up on the mental preparation that's need for the position. South Carolina is loaded with freakish talent including Sellers, his best receiver Nyck Harbor, and a top-10 pick worthy D-End Dylan Stewart who seem to come up short. Maybe this will be their year and they'll finally live to their potential. But maybe, the team around them including coach Shane Beamer is holding them back.
Prospect Grade: 77.5
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8. Josh Hoover
6'1.5" 200 lbs.
Indiana
Pro Comparison:
Pre-Heisman Fernando Mendoza
2025 Overview
Hoover transferred to Indiana from TCU where he started the last three seasons getting better and better. We saw a very similar path work extremely well for Fernando Mendoza last season, winning the Heisman, National Championship and going #1 in the draft. I'm not saying Hoover will do that but there are a lot of people that say Hoover is a better player now than Mendoza was when he came to Indiana from Cal.
Hoover did turn the ball over a bit too much at a higher rate but was better in almost every other area in 2025. His consistent 8.4 yards per attempt ranks among the best in FBS last season and is known for leading his receivers in short and medium range throws with perfect placement.
Hoover ended the year in an outstanding last game vs Cincinnati with 300 yards and 4 TDs but had 2 TDs to 5 interceptions in the two games before that. Hoover took advantage of the softer teams on TCU's schedule but too often was turnover prone against better defenses.
Positives
Hoover's 3 years of starting at TCU makes him one of the most experienced QBs in FBS where he actually leads all passers in passing yards with 9,629.
Along with his experience, he'll bring a brilliant, pre-play mind to Indiana. Hoover's route adjustments and audibles are already NFL-ready. His hips in the pocket are pro ready to and makes him easily move from read to read while in a clean pocket.
Hoover is also very talented and loves to move the ball vertically. We saw Indiana specialize in 10-20 yard throws including seams and curls last year and that's what Hoover loves. He also loves to run his offense out of the RPO, having the 2nd highest percentage of plays come from the option. The only team who ran more RPOs last season?... Indiana.
Negatives
Hoover has only 2 negatives: Under pressure and his size.
When he is able to work from a clean pocket he will make much less mistakes and almost always the right decision. When he does have to scramble or throw off platform, his interception rate rises dramatically and fails to move on from initial target.
Standing at 6'1" and 200 pounds, he should be much more mobile than he is but at times looks like he's running for his life from the bigger lineman that got through TCU's line. Luckily for him, Indiana's line this year should be a Top-10 unit.
Player Summary
The jump from Sellers and #9 on this list to Hoover is dramatic. Hoover may not be a mobile Quarterback but his processing, arm talent and experience all make him viable to be drafted somewhere in the 1st round come April and/or bring the Hooisers to another Playoff run.
He NEEDS to cut down on his interceptions but I really believe Indiana's offensive line will give him that much more confidence to do that. This is a very smart kid who's seen a lot of games and with Indiana should turn into one of the more efficient QBs in FBS this season.
The reason Hoover isn't a bit higher on my board is that he is a system Quarterback who will win you games with the right roster around him at the NFL, but I see a definite ceiling on his ability to create plays especially if he gets drafted to a team with a subpar O-line.
Prospect Grade 82.5
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7. Darian Mensah
6'3" 205 lbs.
Miami
Pro Comparison:
Hints of Jordan Love
2025 Overview
Darian Mensah transferred from Tulane to Duke last season and under OC Jonathan Brewer had one of the best QB seasons in FBS last year. Mensah threw for 3,973 yards, 34 TDs and only 6 INTs on 67% completion.
Mensah's breakout campaign last year came because of his accuracy at all three levels on the field. Yes, Duke had a great group around him with Coach Brewer and WR Cooper Barkate who transferred with him to Miami, but it all came from Mensah's ability to sling the rock.
His accuracy and arm were the big reasons his stats were so great but his performances kept getting better as the season went on including an incredible win in the Sub Bowl with over 300 yards and 4 TDs.
Positives
Mensah showed remarkable progression from his Freshman season at Tulane to last year at Duke. Not only did he get better year-to-year but he got better game-to-game in the second half of last season where he noticeably became one of the best passers in the country. The step from Duke to Miami in 2026 should give him an easy path to making an even bigger jump in 2026.
His accuracy is trending toward elite and his anticipation and timing are his best qualities right now. Whether he throws a 3-yard timing pattern or a 30-yard fade route the ball will be right at his receivers' hands.
Negatives
Even though he only threw 6 interceptions this year, the amount of errant throw he made should've made that number higher. Mensah has great accuracy and timing but only an average arm. When facing athletic and speedier cornerbacks he could have his throws jumped.
He stands over 6'3" which is great but is a little too slender at just over 200 pounds. He'll need to take full advantage of Miami's weight room to bulk up and be ready for an NFL-workload.
Player Summary
As of right now, Mensah is a projection which is why he's a bit lower on this list than I would've liked him. His numbers from last year were spectacular but now that he is on a better team he will be expected to again, better his numbers and could have his draft stock diminish even if he stays the same.
Mensah is naturally a game manager who is best when working in an intricate scheme that allows him to pick between short, medium and deep threats while being able to cycle through those progressions on every play.
The jury isn't officially back with this kid but everything's pointing up so far.
Prospect Grade 84.5
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6. Trinidad Chambliss
6'1" 200 lbs.
Ole Miss
Pro Comparison:
Taller Kyler Murray
2025 Overview
Chambliss made his first FBS start last season after playing 2 years at FCS school Ferris State. Originally, Chmabliss didn't win the Week 1 starting role but after Austin Simmons suffered an ankle injury in Week 2, Chambliss took over and the Rebels never looked back.
Quickly becoming one of the best dual threats in the country, Chambliss ran Kiffin's offense beautifully and more importantly efficiently. With 30 total touchdowns and only 4 turnovers in 15 games played, Chambliss was even among the most efficient in the country.
Not always using his speed to scramble, the former FCS Quarterback proved that he had the poise to keep his eyes downfield when outside of the pocket. His skill showed through the season and in the CFP even after Kiffin left. His performance against Georgia in the 2nd round was easily his best and most clutch of the year in a 39-34 win.
Positives
Chambliss is probably the best RPO-centered Quarterback in college. Sure, Lane Kffin's system is one of the most Quarterback-friendly in FBS but it still takes an elite QB to run it that well.
Chambliss' running ability is absolutely elite. His speed gives errant Lamar Jackson-vibes and his ability to keep his eyes downfield until he gets to the line of scrimmage is a sign of great instincts.
Negatives
Chambliss' arm talent is only okay, he has shown great accuracy but hasn't proven he can fit the ball into tight windows the likes of which he'll see at the next level.
Many critics say he's reckless with the ball and refuses to slide so I'll include it here but this is a trait more and more Quarterbacks have and most of them don't have Chambliss' speed.
This is the big one: We just don't know if he'll still be elite without Lane Kiffin in town.
Player Summary
Chambliss is one of the hardest prospects for me to grade, not only in the Quarterbacks but in the entire class. Point blank, I believe we'll see a decrease in production now that Lane Kiffin no longer leads Ole Miss. His RPO-scheme is just too efficient and now that John David Baker returns to run his offense in Oxford, look for Chambliss' turnovers to increase and the offense to more heavily rely on their also-star Running Back Kewan Lacy.
That's the downside, but Chambiss still has uber-potential. He proved in 2025 that a "run-first" college Quarterback can also be among the most efficient passers as well. He also got much better the later into the season we got and even without Kiffin had wonderful performances. If Chambliss plays as good or better this year without Kiffin, he should be a guaranteed 1st rounder. If he doesn't... he still might be.
Prospect Grade 85.0
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5. Jayden Maiava
6'4" 230 lbs.
USC
Pro Comparison:
Jordan Love
2025 Overview
Through the first 6 weeks of the 2025 season, Maiava was Top-2 or 3 in Heisman voting before a string of mediocre games had him drop down the poll. Maiava had 30 TDs to 10 turnovers last season and led the Trojans to a 9-3 regular season record.
Through the first 6 games Maiava looked like a perfect QB-prospect. Standing 6'4 and 230 pounds, Maiava has a quick release and beautiful spiral. He was completing deep balls and check downs and looked unstoppable until a 2-interception performance against Notre Dame changed the course of his season.
Positives
As mentioned, Maiava has the build and arm of an NFL-Quarterback already. He is able to take a hit and finish through contact. He also has the confidence to take a hit that allows him to keep his eyes down field even under pressure.
His deep ball is one of if not THE best in the Big 10 where he led the conference in total passing yards last season.
Showed significant improvement from sophomore to junior season under Lincoln Riley. Improved all-around accuracy and lessened turnovers including 0 fumbles lost.
Negatives
Maiava will stand in the pocket to take the hit but too often does he stay in the pocket too long. Without great escape ability he will need to at least get a better pocket-feel and throw the ball earlier.
Stays locked on to 1st read more than I'd like. Improved from 2024 but will need to improve again in 2026.
Multiple turnovers against best teams he faced means he needs to do better in the most important games.
Player Summary
Maiava looks the part and plays like the part of a future, starting NFL QB. Or at least he played the part for half a season last year. Down the stretch he made sloppy mistakes with his footwork or turnovers but flashed way more good than bad.
His schedule in 2025 was tough and that can be blamed for multiple-turnover games but USC has one of the hardest schedules in 2026. Maiava has a chance to show that he can make smart decisions this season but their schedule should mean he either sinks or swims this season.
Prospect Grade 86.0
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4. C.J. Carr
6'3" 210 lbs.
Notre Dame
Pro Comparison:
Aaron Rodgers right now
2025 Overview
Carr's 2025 season started off rough as a Redshirt Freshman but quickly established himself as one of the most poised and reliable pocket passers in CFB. In 11 full games played last season, Carr didn't have a game with under 61% completion and held a 66.7% on the season which is remarkable for a first year player. In the pocket, Carr is very accurate and smart, where he consistently makes the right adjustments before the snap and the right reads after.
Carr had a great freshman season not only in making the smart play but in airing the ball out too. For a system-Quarterback, Carr was able to routinely stretch the ball out when the defense exposed themselves deep.
He is a great kid and all reports say that he's extremely coachable. Coach Marcus Freeman had so much to praise about his character and has also been quick to point out he's been even better on the road than in South Bend.
Positives
Carr is extremely smart both pre and post-snap. He works well in Notre Dame's system and has shown that he can think on his feet with elite pocket presence and a smooth delivery.
Carr showed an innate understanding of the game at the highest level in only his first season on the field. His mechanics and character point to even more progression this season.
Very good pocket awareness, had an extremely low snap-to-pass time his freshman season and only took 11 sacks all season.
Negatives
Lack of experience against quality competition. Last year Notre Dame played only 3 Top-25 teams where Carr averaged 18/29, 217 yards, 1.3TDs and 1 INT while going 1-2 in those games.
Showed a drop in production against good pass rush. Carr thrives in Notre Dame's system but when pushed out of the pocket has been mediocre.
Player Summary
C.J. Carr is the media darling of 2026 and the first Quarterback so far on this list that could likely go #1 in the draft come April. For a young, Quarterback he showed remarkable poise in the pocket along with the arm talent to make almost any throw on the field and he got better deeper into the season.
BUT.
I have a major gripe against Notre Dame and it's players, (and yes I am a Hurricanes fan but that's not the reason.) These guys don't play quality teams so I can't fairly say that Carr will do well at the next level against NFL-defenses. Yes I think he will but the only evidence we have is when he faced Miami, Texas A&M and USC last year and averaged a 130 passer rating, (and if you add their 4th toughest opponent Pittsburgh, that number drops to 129 by the way.
This kid looks like he will be in for an outstanding season once again and be a mature, pocket passer with great stats in contention for the Heisman. But he should be all those things when you play two, Top-25 teams all year and only one on the road at BYU.
Prospect Grade 86.0
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3. Julian Sayin
6'1" 210 lbs.
Ohio State
Pro Comparison:
Tua Tagovailoa 3 years ago
2025 Overview
Before the season started, Sayin and other prized talent Lincoln Keinholz had a terrific battle for the job that Sayin would win. He would beat #1 ranked Texas in his first ever start and immediately show off his accuracy and poise. Traits that would define him for all of the 2025 season.
Sayin went on to lead FBS in completion % with 77% on the year, only .45% less than the all time record. Sayin had a lot of help with some of the best college receivers in school history in Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith but his ability to lead them on drags and drop the ball in their hands 40+ yards down the field.
Sayin and Ohio State's season which spent most of the season ranked #1 would come to an early exit. After dropping the SEC championship to Indiana and shockingly losing to the other team that would compete for the National Championship Miami, to say their season was disappointing would be an understatement. In his first year as a starter though, Sayin himself was anything but disappointing and won major hardware including the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year award and was a Heisman finalist.
Positives
Elite accuracy and timing. If he can work off a script he is as deadly within 20 yards as any Quarterback coming out of college in the last 6 years.
Great mechanics on release. Very quick and with zip.
Great pocket presence with natural footwork. Will often climb the pocket rather than scramble and keep his eyes downfield.
Sayin was not very creative but didn't need to be. He allowed his elite receivers to go get the ball downfield and checked down when they weren't open.
Negatives
We haven't seen him without an A+, elite group of pass catchers.
Only decent frame, not too small but definitely could use some more mass for when he goes to the NFL.
Indiana's defense gave him fits. Heavy pass rush eventually made him make mental errors and cause turnovers.
Player Summary
Of anyone in this class, I'd say that Sayin has the lowest floor and should be a decent-to-good starter in the NFL for years to come. His ability to throw timing routes or quick throws within 10 yards is just money and his timing and velocity are crisp.
His deep ball was very good last season but the fact that he had two elite, 6'4", 1st-round receivers to throw to helped a lot. Every Quarterback needs help but the fact is we won't see what Sayin looks like throwing to average receivers until he's already on an NFL roster next year.
He isn't too big but works the pocket like he's not afraid to get hit, consistently stepping up into throws. No matter how good those around you are, you have to be a special athlete with an elite knowledge of the game to complete 77% of your throws.
Sayin's mobility is good but no where near elite and he's not likely to pick up multiple first downs or score a gritty touchdown in the league. He will make all the right plays and be a coaches' dream in the NFL but he's also much, less likely to put a team on his back and win you a game than the next two guys on this list.
Prospect Grade 88
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2. Dante Moore
6'3" 210 lbs.
Oregon
Pro Comparison:
Much Bigger Bryce Young
2025 Overview
Moore came into the season with only a half a year of starts back in his UCLA days but from the jump looked to be every bit of the 5-star High School prospect he was rated as. Moore's numbers never really reflected just how talented of a Quarterback he is but he did lead the Ducks to an 11-1 record before the Playoffs.
having thrown 24 TDs to 6 INTs before the Playoffs started, Moore wasn't just throwing check downs and was one of the most consistent in the league at throwing to the 3rd level.
In his 3 games in the CFP, Moore may have thrown 4 picks but he completed over 70% of his throws and over 277 yards per game. He may have crumbled late against Indiana but so did everyone else last year.
Positives
Best arm talent in the draft. Able to throw the ball anywhere on the field with zip especially down the field.
Professional's maturity in game. Started off slow a few times last season and always found his groove by mid game for a comeback.
Figures out coverage before the snap and uses hot routes to find soft spots ot get the ball out quickly. Snaps the ball when he releases it. Gets the ball out quickly both after the snap and within his release.
Negatives
Just an average athlete. Doesn't scramble side-to-side much but will fall forward when climbing the pocket.
One of many Quarterbacks to crumble when facing Indiana's pass rush.
19 interceptions in 633 attempts is too often. Moore will rely too much on his throw power and try to force throws into windows that aren't there.
Player Summary
Moore looks the part and plays the part of an NFL-ready Pocket Passer. While his arm talent is clearly the best of his class, it would probably only be considered very good in the NFL. Then again , the guy is only 21-years old still.
We saw the turnovers pile up in the Playoffs last year and Indiana's pass rush definitely get to him. Experience and coolness under pressure should come with time but it would be great to see improvements in that this season.
With Oregon's expectations of being a top team and contending for a Natty, we should see Moore compete against not only B1G teams like Ohio State and Indiana again but against some of the best defenses in the country. If he can zip the ball past them and predict their coverages in 2026 as well as he did last year we will know for sure that this guy will be throwing 500 passes a year in the league very soon.
Prospect Grade 90.5
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1. Arch Manning
6'4" 220 lbs.
Texas
Pro Comparison:
Justin Herbert
2025 Overview
Arch Manning came into the 2025 CFB season with as much if not more expectations than any college football player in I don't know how long. He started the season as just average and at times less than average which immediately made him look like a bust to fans but that was only half the story.
From Week 8 on, Arch was one of the best Quarterbacks in the country and settled into the Texas offense beautifully. Manning was throwing the ball all over the field making little to no mistakes and finding his timing along with his feel pre snap where he looked like one of his uncles at times.
Manning ended the year with a 61% completion, 3,163 passing yards, 26 TDs and 7 INTs through the air plus 400 yards and 10 TDs on the ground. Through just his final 6 games, Manning averaged 285 passing yards and 14-2 TDs to INTs through the air as well as over 200 yards and 5 TDs on the ground. Manning did all of this, while leading Texas to a 5-1 record against Miss St, Georgia, Texas A&M and Michigan.
Positives
Manning showed from Day 1 that he is a pure dual threat. This is a 6'4", 220 pound man with groundbreaking speed and great vision when rolling outside of the pocket.
Manning's processing both pre snap and during the play got better and better last season to a point where he should be NFL-ready by the start of this season.
This kid had perfect throwing mechanics before he even got to High School. That shows both in timing routes and when he bombs the ball deep.
Great feel for the pocket. Has the poise to climb the pocket to throw a laser or escape when looking to make plays with his legs.
This isn't on the field but Manning's "Marketability" is head and shoulders above everyone in this class and he has a legitimate chance to be the "Face of the League" if he plays well at the next level.
Negatives
I gave him excuses for his early-2025 form because he only had 95 throws before the season but it should be noted that he fell short to expectations.
His dual threat ability will have him bailing the pocket too early at times and starting his run rather than keeping his eyes down field.
This will now be Manning's 2nd season in the spotlight and he has zero excuses for not performing at a Heisman-level.
Player Summary
We all knew that Arch Manning would be in this position as soon as he turned 15. Manning has the mental capacity that comes from his legendary, 3rd-generation lineage. He may not yet have the pure arm talent of Peyton or the clutch factor of Eli, but he definitely has his grandfather's legs.
He fell way short of his Heisman-like expectations last season but from the middle to the end of the season when Texas had it's toughest stretch he finally pieced it all together and was one of the best in the country during that time.
Manning would've been the 1st overall pick had he declared last year but he decided to return and fine tune his skills. If Manning underperforms early on again it could show some mental limitations that would be worrisome but if comes out balling like he did late last season, I don't see any way he doesn't become the 3rd man in his family to go #1 overall.
Prospect Grade 92.5
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