ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith as the top prospect for the 2027 NFL draft.
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has solidified his status as the Heisman frontrunner while capturing the attention of professional scouts across the country. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has officially placed the standout wideout at the very top of his board for the 2027 NFL draft.
During a recent episode of First Draft, Kiper revealed his initial top five players for the class, with Smith claiming the number one overall spot. The young star entered the college football season widely regarded as one of the finest talents in the nation, according to information published by bleache.
Smith has continued to elevate his stock on the field by recording at least 150 receiving yards in four of the first five games for the Ohio State Buckeyes. His impressive streak includes back-to-back performances exceeding the 200-yard mark, showcasing his elite playmaking abilities.
Jeremiah Smith and Rare Draft History
If Jeremiah Smith ultimately goes on to be selected with the first overall pick, he will achieve a rare feat in professional football history. He would join elite company as only the third wide receiver selected first overall in the common draft era, which dates back to 1967.
Historical precedent shows that only two other wide receivers have ever achieved this distinction. Keyshawn Johnson was selected first in 1996, and Irving Fryar accomplished the milestone back in 1984.
Quarterback Landscape Changes for 2027
The latest rankings from Mel Kiper Jr. also featured significant shakeups at the crucial quarterback position. Preseason favorites Arch Manning and Dante Moore have fallen out of the top tier, with Kiper noting they would currently sit near the bottom of a top-25 list.
Taking their place at the helm of the quarterback group are Drew Mestemaker of Oklahoma State and Darian Mensah of Miami. Mensah has opened his campaign with a remarkable 84.2 completion percentage through five games, while Mestemaker has thrown for 1,271 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Other Notable Prospects on the Board
Beyond the top spot, the early 2027 NFL draft board features several other standout collegiate athletes. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss appeared at number six in the rankings provided by the prominent ESPN analyst.
Additionally, Florida running back Jadan Baugh earned the number ten spot on the list. Other young talents mentioned by Kiper include Notre Dame wide receiver Jordan Faison and Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton.
Houston Texans and Draft Scenarios
Based on current league standings, the Houston Texans would hold the number one overall selection if the draft were held today. Analysts note that the franchise could explore trading down with quarterback-needy teams.
Alternatively, adding a transcendent talent like Jeremiah Smith to an offensive unit featuring C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins represents an intriguing option for the organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is ranked as the top prospect for the 2027 NFL draft?
Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is ranked as the number one overall prospect for the 2027 NFL draft by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.Which quarterbacks lead the 2027 draft class according to Mel Kiper Jr.?
Drew Mestemaker of Oklahoma State and Darian Mensah of Miami have emerged as the top quarterback prospects in the early rankings by Mel Kiper Jr.How rare is it for a wide receiver to be drafted first overall?
It is extremely rare, with only Keyshawn Johnson in 1996 and Irving Fryar in 1984 being selected with the top pick during the common draft era.
