Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has cemented his status as the premier prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft class, holding the No. 1 spot on ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. latest big board. Smith’s dominance was on full display during the Buckeyes’ 19-15 victory at Indiana on Oct. 17, where he hauled in a 38-yard touchdown on a critical fourth-and-1 play. Kiper, who has consistently ranked Smith at the top, declared, “He’s the best player in the draft,” a sentiment backed by Smith’s historic statistical output. Through seven games, Smith has amassed 52 catches for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns, shattering Ohio State’s career records for receptions, receiving yards, and scoring.
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The depth of the 2027 class extends well beyond Smith, with Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore rounding out the top three. Mestemaker, a North Texas transfer, has emerged as a dynamic force for the 5-2 Cowboys, throwing for over 300 yards in six consecutive games. He currently leads the nation with 2,326 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, positioning himself as a high-upside starter for a contender. Meanwhile, Moore is viewed as the class’s top defensive prospect, possessing elite length and ball skills that have already yielded seven career interceptions. Kiper labels him a “lockdown corner,” suggesting he could be a first-round lock for defensive-minded franchises.
While the top three are relatively settled, the rankings raise significant questions about two major names just outside the elite tier. Notably, Arch Manning, the highly touted quarterback, has slipped out of the top 10 in Kiper’s projection, a surprising dip for a player with such massive pedigree. This shift highlights the competitive nature of the 2027 class, where production and consistency are currently outweighing star power. With ten distinct prospects standing out from quarterback to edge rusher, teams will have ample options in the first round, but the battle for the No. 2 and No. 3 picks remains a tight race between Mestemaker and Moore.
Source: Yahoo Sports
