The 2027 NFL Draft, scheduled for next year in Washington, D.C., is already generating intense speculation as analysts eye a class described as having generational wealth. In a recent 2027 NFL mock draft released by Athlon Sports, analyst Luke Easterling projected the Minnesota Vikings to select Missouri quarterback Austin Simmons with the No. 30 overall pick. While the Vikings currently hold their first-round selection, the next seven months will determine whether this projection holds water or if the team’s draft capital shifts due to on-field performance and free agency moves.
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Easterling highlighted Simmons’ explosive first half of the 2026 season as the primary driver for the projection, noting that the Missouri passer has displayed the arm talent and intangibles required to succeed at the next level. The analyst argued that despite head coach Kevin O’Connell’s historical reluctance to spend consecutive first-round picks on quarterbacks, the right fit could justify the risk. “Simmons has launched himself into the first-round conversation,” Easterling wrote, emphasizing that the quarterback’s upward trajectory makes his availability at No. 30 a potential steal for an organization looking to maximize its offensive ceiling.
The projection underscores the strategic value of O’Connell’s offensive system, which is widely regarded as one of the league’s best. By pairing Simmons with O’Connell’s scheme, the Vikings could establish a durable quarterback duo or a clear successor, significantly raising the team’s competitive outlook for the late 2020s. Although the draft is still months away, this mock draft serves as a critical early indicator of how the Vikings might approach the 2027 class, balancing immediate needs against long-term roster construction.
Source: Yahoo Sports
