2027 NFL Draft: Top Prospects Rising After Week 9

The race toward the 2027 NFL Draft is beginning to take shape as Week 9 of the 2026 College Football season delivers another series of standout performances, emerging prospects and important developments for NFL scouts. With approximately six months remaining before draft night, analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Jordan Reid are already evaluating the next generation of professional football talent, tracking players whose performances could significantly influence their draft positions.

Week 9 produced several notable results, including No. 1 Miami surviving a difficult test against North Carolina, No. 2 Ohio State suffering a loss to USC and No. 3 Georgia securing a convincing victory over Florida. Iowa State also won an entertaining shootout against Oklahoma State, while Iowa recorded a shutout against Wisconsin.

Beyond the team results, the weekend offered another opportunity to assess some of the most promising players in the 2027 draft class. Indiana wide receivers Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh strengthened their first-round credentials, Georgia linebacker Chris Cole continued to establish himself as an elite defensive prospect, and South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers produced another encouraging performance.

Kiper and Reid have also highlighted several under-the-radar prospects who could climb the rankings during the remainder of the season. Their latest evaluations provide an early look at the players attracting attention, the positions developing into competitive draft groups and the questions NFL teams will need to answer before making their selections.

2027 NFL Draft: Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh Strengthen Their Draft Stocks

Indiana’s receiving combination of Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh is becoming one of the most interesting storylines in the 2027 NFL Draft evaluation process. Both players found the end zone against Minnesota in Week 9, delivering performances that reinforced their potential to become early selections.

Jordan Reid believes both receivers could be selected inside the top 20. He currently ranks Becker as his second-best wide receiver and Marsh as his third-best at the position. Their contrasting playing styles give NFL teams two different types of offensive weapons to consider.

Becker recorded eight receptions for 149 yards, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field and make difficult catches. At 6-foot-4 and 208 pounds, he combines impressive speed with the body control required to win contested situations. His importance to Indiana’s offense was particularly evident in overtime, when he caught a 21-yard touchdown pass on the opening play.

Reid currently ranks Becker sixth overall on his draft board, placing him firmly in the conversation for a top-10 selection. His ability to threaten defenses vertically while also competing for contested catches makes him an attractive prospect.

Marsh finished with four catches for 59 yards and a touchdown. Measuring 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, he uses his strength and physicality to create opportunities after the catch. Reid also highlighted his willingness to contribute as a run blocker, an important quality that adds another dimension to his overall value.

Marsh currently occupies the 18th position on Reid’s board, suggesting that he could become a first-round selection if he maintains his current level of performance.

Chris Cole Emerging as a Leading Defensive Prospect

Georgia linebacker Chris Cole continues to attract significant attention from draft analysts after another impressive performance against Florida. His ability to contribute in multiple defensive situations has helped establish him as one of the leading linebacker prospects in the 2027 class.

Cole recorded nine tackles, a sack and a remarkable 66-yard fumble-return touchdown during Georgia’s victory. The performance demonstrated his ability to recognize opportunities, react quickly and turn defensive plays into points.

At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Cole offers the physical profile and athleticism required to operate effectively at the second level. Reid describes him as a versatile linebacker who can defend against the run, contribute as a blitzer and pressure quarterbacks from the edge.

Reid currently ranks Cole fifth overall and sees a substantial separation between him and the next linebacker on his positional rankings. He also compared Cole’s playing style to Devin Lloyd, highlighting similarities in physicality, awareness and reaction speed.

Although Lloyd was selected 27th overall in 2022, Cole could attract consideration much earlier if his development continues. Reid believes the Georgia defender has the potential to become a top-10 pick.

Cole’s versatility is particularly valuable in modern defensive schemes, where linebackers are increasingly expected to contribute in coverage, against the run and as pass rushers. His ability to handle different responsibilities could make him an appealing option for teams seeking an all-around defensive playmaker.

LaNorris Sellers’ Recent Resurgence Raises His Draft Potential

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers has produced a significant improvement during October, giving his 2027 NFL Draft outlook fresh momentum. After experiencing inconsistency earlier in the season, Sellers has delivered four consecutive productive performances.

Across those four games, he has thrown for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns while recording three interceptions. His completion percentage during that stretch stands at 64.2%. He has also contributed 359 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

Those performances came against Kentucky, Florida, Tennessee and Oklahoma, giving his recent production additional significance. Against Oklahoma, Sellers rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns for the second consecutive game.

Reid believes Sellers’ improvement could move him from an early-to-middle Day 3 evaluation toward the second-round conversation. However, consistency remains an important consideration. His exciting physical abilities have not always translated into reliable performances throughout entire games.

At 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds, Sellers possesses impressive arm strength and mobility. If he continues improving his decision-making and overall consistency, he could strengthen his position among the more intriguing quarterback prospects in the class.

Kingston Lopa and Will Heldt Attract Attention From Scouts

Several defensive prospects also made an impression during Week 9, including California safety Kingston Lopa and Clemson edge rusher Will Heldt.

Lopa recorded two pass breakups against NC State, continuing a season in which he has established himself as an important defensive presence. The Oregon transfer stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 210 pounds, giving him unusual size for a safety.

He has recorded five interceptions this season, tied for the most in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Kiper highlighted his ability to cover significant ground in deep coverage while also stepping toward the line of scrimmage to help defend against running plays.

Lopa’s smooth backpedal, coverage range and ability to change direction have strengthened his draft evaluation. Kiper currently ranks him as his third-best safety and believes he is a prospect worth monitoring in the second round.

Heldt has also continued producing for Clemson. The 6-foot-6, 260-pound edge rusher has recorded seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss through eight games, including another sack against Florida State.

After transferring from Purdue before the 2025 season, Heldt has demonstrated increasingly polished pass-rushing ability. Kiper praised his ability to identify offensive plays, take effective angles toward quarterbacks and operate both with his hand on the ground and from a standing position.

Heldt currently carries a Day 2 evaluation, placing him among the defensive players whose performances could attract considerable attention during the predraft process.

A.J. Holmes Jr. Continues His Rise in a Competitive Defensive Tackle Class

Texas Tech defensive tackle A.J. Holmes Jr. is another prospect whose draft stock has improved significantly during the season. His recent performances have made him an increasingly interesting name in a defensive tackle group that already features several promising players.

Holmes stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 300 pounds. Reid described him as an explosive interior defender who can penetrate offensive lines and create problems for blockers through his quickness and movement skills.

He has recorded five sacks over the past three weeks, demonstrating his ability to generate pressure from the middle of the defensive line. His quick first step and capacity to disrupt plays before they develop have helped him move up draft evaluations.

Kiper also praised Holmes’ strength and ability to work through double-teams. After spending three seasons at Houston, he has recorded 12 sacks with Texas Tech over the past two years.

Holmes has the versatility to contribute as an interior defensive lineman and potentially operate as a 3-4 defensive end in certain situations. Early evaluations place him in the early-to-middle Day 2 range, although continued production could improve his position.

Justin Bowick and Eli Gillman Among the Under-the-Radar Prospects

Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Bowick has taken an unusual route through college football, playing for four different programs before establishing himself with the Cowboys in 2026.

Bowick began his college career at Eastern Illinois, continued at Ball State and Illinois, and eventually moved to Oklahoma State. Against Iowa State, he recorded seven receptions for 124 yards and two touchdowns.

At 6-foot-5 and 209 pounds, Bowick has the size and physicality to compete for catches in tight coverage. He has averaged 17.8 yards per reception this season, while also demonstrating dependable hands and a willingness to contribute as a blocker.

Kiper currently considers him a potential third-round selection, while Reid has assigned him a fourth-round evaluation. Both analysts believe he could move higher if his connection with quarterback Drew Mestemaker continues developing.

Montana running back Eli Gillman is another player receiving attention outside the biggest college football conferences. He has already surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the third consecutive season, demonstrating consistency and durability at the FCS level.

Gillman has averaged 6.1 yards per carry across 787 career attempts and recently recorded his 63rd and 64th rushing touchdowns against Eastern Washington. He has also produced at least one run of 50 or more yards in four games this season.

At 6 feet and 215 pounds, Gillman combines vision, quick feet and the ability to finish runs. Kiper highlighted his ball security and energetic playing style, suggesting that he could attract interest during the later rounds of the 2027 draft.

October Risers: Dylan Stewart, Tobi Osunsanmi and Amare Ferrell

Several players identified during the October evaluations have continued building their draft profiles, including South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart, Indiana edge rusher Tobi Osunsanmi and Indiana safety Amare Ferrell.

Stewart has been one of the most closely monitored defensive prospects because of his physical tools and ability to pressure quarterbacks. At 6-foot-5 and approximately 250 pounds, he possesses exceptional length, athleticism and closing speed.

Reid compared Stewart’s physical profile and playing style to Brian Burns, pointing to similarities in their ability to bend around offensive tackles and accelerate toward quarterbacks. Stewart forced a fumble in South Carolina’s victory over Tennessee and recorded his third forced fumble in two weeks.

However, his evaluation also includes questions about overall production and disciplinary incidents. Stewart previously received a suspension following an incident involving an Alabama player and an argument with coaches. His performances after returning have helped rebuild momentum, but NFL teams will continue examining his consistency and conduct.

Indiana edge rusher Tobi Osunsanmi has also become a notable riser. He recorded two sacks against Michigan and extended his streak to seven consecutive games with at least one sack. His season total reached nine, placing him among the nation’s leading pass rushers.

At 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Osunsanmi plays with persistent effort and has demonstrated the ability to pressure quarterbacks consistently. Reid currently gives him a late-Day 2 grade, with the possibility of moving into an earlier selection range if his production continues.

Indiana safety Amare Ferrell has strengthened his reputation through his ball skills and defensive awareness. He recorded another interception and eight tackles against Michigan, bringing his career interception total to 11. Kiper praised his instincts, coverage awareness and ability to remain around the football.

Additional Wide Receiver and Defensive Prospects to Watch

The 2027 draft class continues to produce interesting prospects across multiple positions. Northwestern wide receiver Griffin Wilde is one example of a player whose consistent performances have attracted attention.

Wilde recorded nine receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown against Rutgers. He has accumulated 615 receiving yards this season, averaging 15.8 yards per catch. Kiper praised his route running, ability to create separation and wide catch radius, giving him a potential third- or fourth-round evaluation.

LSU wide receiver Jackson Harris has also moved upward in Reid’s rankings. The Hawai’i transfer caught nine passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns against Auburn, including a 70-yard scoring reception. His strong hands, speed and ability to create explosive plays make him an intriguing prospect in a deep receiver class.

At tight end, Louisiana Tech’s Eli Finley is receiving increased attention after recording 10 catches for 128 yards and a touchdown against Old Dominion. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 246 pounds, he can line up in different offensive positions, contribute as a blocker and become a red-zone target.

Kiper believes Finley’s evaluation has improved from the fifth-to-sixth-round range in August toward the fourth-to-fifth-round conversation.

UCLA linebacker Sammy Omosigho has also established himself as an important defensive prospect. The Oklahoma transfer has demonstrated strong instincts, speed and an ability to disrupt offensive plays. He recorded six tackles and two sacks against Michigan State, continuing a productive stretch that has strengthened his Day 2 outlook.

October 25 Evaluations: Trey’Dez Green and Other Emerging Names

The October 25 evaluations included several developments involving players returning from injuries and prospects improving their draft positions.

LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green returned after missing three games with a leg injury and recorded five receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown against Auburn. At 6-foot-7 and 237 pounds, Green offers an imposing target in the passing game and has the ability to gain additional yards after making catches.

Reid assigned Green a 40% chance of becoming the top tight end selected in the 2027 draft. He currently ranks behind Oregon’s Jamari Johnson, but his receiving ability and versatility could strengthen his position if he remains healthy and productive.

Texas linebacker Rasheem Biles is another player whose stock has improved. Against Ole Miss, he recorded four tackles, two pass breakups and an interception. His ability to contribute as a blitzer, defend against the run and cover ground makes him an interesting Day 3 prospect.

Indiana’s Tobi Osunsanmi, safety Amare Ferrell and Northwestern receiver Griffin Wilde were among the other names highlighted during the October 25 evaluation. Their performances demonstrated how quickly draft positions can change during the college football season.

Quarterback Questions: Arch Manning, Trinidad Chambliss and Darian Mensah

The quarterback position remains one of the most closely watched areas of the 2027 NFL Draft class. Several prospects have demonstrated impressive physical ability, but inconsistent performances have made the early rankings difficult to establish.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning has experienced a mixed season. Although he has produced impressive throws and demonstrated the ability to create scoring opportunities, turnovers and inconsistent accuracy have affected his evaluation.

Against Oklahoma, Manning completed 19 of 31 passes for 260 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Reid currently views him as a Day 2 prospect on his quarterback rankings, despite acknowledging that some of his individual plays demonstrate first-round potential.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has moved in the opposite direction. His strong performances have strengthened his position after concerns about his size and age initially created questions about his professional potential.

Chambliss stands 6 feet tall and weighs 205 pounds. He will be a 25-year-old NFL rookie, making him an older prospect than many quarterbacks entering the draft. Nevertheless, Reid believes his accuracy, arm strength and ability to perform in important games could make him a first-round candidate.

Miami quarterback Darian Mensah has also attracted attention. His early-season performances demonstrated poise, accuracy and an ability to control the offense. However, Reid has emphasized the importance of evaluating him against stronger opposition before reaching a firm conclusion about his draft position.

Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker is another name in the conversation after producing impressive passing and rushing performances. Meanwhile, Oregon’s Dante Moore has faced questions following inconsistent displays.

Jeremiah Smith Leads the Wide Receiver Conversation

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith remains one of the most highly regarded players in the entire 2027 draft class. His performances have strengthened the argument that he could receive an exceptionally high evaluation from NFL teams.

Against Iowa, Smith recorded 11 receptions for 206 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to win against different coverage schemes has made him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.

Reid believes Smith is the best overall player in the 2027 class. However, he explained that selecting a wide receiver with the first overall pick remains historically uncommon. Quarterbacks, offensive tackles and edge rushers have traditionally dominated the top selection.

Keyshawn Johnson was the last wide receiver selected first overall, going to the New York Jets in 1996. Reid estimated that Smith has a 10% chance of becoming the first overall pick, while suggesting that a quarterback remains a more conventional possibility.

Smith’s combination of speed, strength and ability after the catch has made him one of the most exciting prospects to follow. His continued production could place him among the most highly evaluated wide receivers entering the draft.

What the Latest 2027 NFL Draft Evaluations Reveal

The latest evaluations from Kiper and Reid highlight the depth and variety of the 2027 NFL Draft class. Indiana’s Becker and Marsh are building strong first-round cases, Georgia’s Chris Cole is emerging as a leading defensive prospect, and Jeremiah Smith remains a major attraction at wide receiver.

At quarterback, the competition remains unsettled, with Arch Manning, Trinidad Chambliss, Darian Mensah and other prospects facing different questions about their consistency, experience and professional readiness.

Defensive players such as Dylan Stewart, Colin Simmons, Kingston Lopa, Will Heldt and A.J. Holmes Jr. are also generating interest through their performances and physical abilities. Meanwhile, players such as Eli Gillman and Justin Bowick demonstrate that valuable prospects can emerge from less conventional college football backgrounds.

With several weeks remaining in the 2026 college football season, the rankings are far from final. Injuries, upcoming matchups, postseason performances and the predraft evaluation process will all influence where players eventually land.

For now, the performances through Week 9 provide an early picture of a class featuring promising talent across offensive and defensive positions. The coming weeks will offer further opportunities for established prospects to strengthen their cases and for new names to enter the 2027 NFL Draft conversation.