Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs with the ball in opposition to the Michigan Wolverines through the first half at Tenting World Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Photos There are at all times indicators of what is to return within the NFL. Figuring out the place to look is the cheat code.
The 2027 NFL Draft class is stacked. Unimaginable gamers with No. 1 decide potential at a number of positions are chasing Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith and Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who’s tasked with the heavy burden of carrying on his household legacy.
Peeking again on the 2025 preseason, there have been apparent cracks within the plan devised by the Raiders to offer a rejuvenated Pete Carroll and last-chance (or not) quarterback Geno Smith an opportunity at reviving the franchise that wound up with the highest decide within the 2026 draft. The identical is true of the Jets, who had been attempting once more to resuscitate Justin Fields earlier than disarming the protection within the midst of a run of failures and accidents. Arizona? Tennessee? The Giants? Yeah, we guessed they’d be this unhealthy.
The best technique to make the checklist is doubt or an entire lack of readability on the quarterback place.
Quick ahead to the current, and it is moderately simple to challenge failures in team-building — or large-scale rebuilding efforts to scrub up the mess of a previous regime — to forged these groups as the very best candidates to be drafting on the prime in 2027.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have a completely barren roster constructed on extraordinarily restricted foundational items. Whereas they made a pair splash additions in free company, together with bridge quarterback and former Packers backup Malik Willis, they’re principally primed for a rebuild. If Willis isn’t in a position to elevate the group above the sum of its shaky components, the Dolphins might be a main candidate for the primary general decide within the 2027 draft. The query turns into if they offer up on Willis instantly or take one of many blue-chip edge rushers or receivers this class has available.
Arizona Cardinals
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing with quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos The Cardinals are presently rolling out both a third-round rookie, Gardner Minshew, or Jacoby Brissett to start out on week one, none of whom are significantly inspiring choices. Ossenfort has been questioned about his means to place foundational items collectively within the later rounds, and his big-time choice, Marvin Harrison Jr., has up to now been a little bit of a disappointment. It will not shock me if the Cardinals went into full tank mode beneath Mike LaFleur, cleaned home within the entrance workplace, and went into the following season with a brand new quarterback taken with the primary decide.
Cleveland Browns
Quarterbacks Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel apply collectively on the Browns mini camp in Berea on April 21, 2026. You possibly can blow smoke all you need that Deshaun Watson is again in pre-suspension type, however it’s arduous to consider that the Browns will likely be a reliable group with him on the helm, each from a morale and a pure play standpoint. The group doesn’t appear dedicated to both of their sophomore gamers, and even in case you wished to strive giving Taylen Inexperienced the reins, that looks like a long-term play and never a day-one possibility. Greater than possible, there will likely be too many cooks within the kitchen and the Browns will simply lose out as a lot as potential. Right here’s hoping the longer term is brighter for them.
Atlanta Falcons
Whereas Michael Penix Jr. and Tua Tagovailoa are competent sufficient quarterbacks, their checklist of accidents mixed is longer than a CVS receipt. If each of them chunk the damage bug, their protection isn’t going to have the ability to drag them to various wins, which may end in them acquiring the primary decide. Their entire offense may use a revamp, so this may not be the worst for them, however it might be a gentle shock contemplating the perceived weak spot of the NFC South for the final a number of seasons.
