The 2027 NFL Draft is roughly eight months away, and a lot will change between now and then. Similar to a time capsule, CBS Sports' NFL Draft analysts answered questions fans may have as the college football and NFL seasons begin, with the intent of seeing how those responses age over the course of the season. Ryan Wilson and I answer some of the draft's most pressing questions as we see them in early September.
Ryan Wilson: QB Dante Moore, Oregon. "Dante Moore is my QB1 heading into the 2026 season and the best bet to be the top pick next April because the tape already shows the traits of a No. 1 pick. Plus, he would've been the No. 2 pick in last spring's draft had he not returned to Oregon.
He is composed, navigates the pocket naturally and can make the type of downfield throws that separate good college quarterbacks from future NFL starters. He still needs to be more consistent when the first read disappears or the pocket gets messy, but the best version of Moore looks like the best quarterback in this class." Josh Edwards: QB Arch Manning, Texas. "Arch Manning does a good job operating within the pocket, and his last name obviously carries a lot of weight.
If the decision between Oregon's Dante Moore, Manning or anyone else is remotely close, I could see an owner putting his thumb on the scale in favor of Manning. Manning could theoretically return for the 2027 season, but the odds are probably against it." Wilson: Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State. "Drew Mestemaker went from a zero-star high school backup and North Texas walk-on to leading the country with 4,379 passing yards last season.
He processes quickly, works through reads and throws with touch, although the arm strength is more solid than special. If that production follows him to Oklahoma State against better competition, the first-round conversation will get loud quickly." Edwards: Kenny Minchey, Kentucky. "It is tough to pick an under-the-radar quarterback because quarterbacks transfer to receive more playing time.
To fit the criteria, one would likely have to find a first-year starter in a system that fits him. Kenny Minchey lost the Notre Dame job to C.J. Carr last year and is now playing for Will Stein, who helped develop Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore." Wilson: OT Jordan Seaton, LSU.
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