Even with the 2027 NFL Draft still roughly eight months away, the debate for the No. 1 overall pick is already getting intense, with CBS Sports analysts Ryan Wilson and Josh Edwards locking in on two absolute studs at quarterback who could redefine the top of the draft board.
The QB Battle for No. 1 Overall is Already Brewing
Okay, so Ryan Wilson is all-in on Oregon’s Dante Moore as his QB1 heading into the 2026 season. Wilson says the tape already screams No. 1 pick and that Moore would have been the No. 2 pick in last spring’s draft if he hadn’t stayed at Oregon. The guy is composed, navigates the pocket like a seasoned vet, and can absolutely make those deep throws that scream NFL starter material. Yeah, he needs to clean up consistency when his first read vanishes or the pocket collapses, but Wilson thinks the best version of Moore is hands down the best QB in this class.
But hold up, Josh Edwards throws a curveball, going with Texas’ Arch Manning for the top spot. Edwards admits Manning does a good job in the pocket, and let’s be real, that last name carries some serious weight. Edwards even thinks if the decision between Moore, Manning, or anyone else is even remotely close, an owner might just push for Manning. He could theoretically return for the 2027 season, but the odds are probably against it. We’ve already seen Mike Renner’s mock draft even has the Dolphins tanking for Manning, which just shows how much buzz this kid has. It’s going to be wild watching these two battle it out all season for that top spot!
Keep an Eye on These Under-the-Radar Signal-Callers
Beyond the big names, there are always those sleepers who blow up, right? Ryan Wilson’s got his eye on Drew Mestemaker from Oklahoma State. Talk about a glow-up: the dude went from a zero-star high school backup and North Texas walk-on to leading the entire country with 4,379 passing yards last season. Wilson says Mestemaker processes quickly, works through his reads, and throws with serious touch. His arm strength is solid, not special, but if that production translates to the tougher competition at Oklahoma State, the first-round hype is gonna get loud, fast.
Josh Edwards is looking at Kenny Minchey out of Kentucky. It’s tough to find a true under-the-radar QB with all the transfers, but Minchey fits the bill. He lost the Notre Dame job to C.J. Carr last year, but now he’s playing for Will Stein, who has a track record developing guys like Dillon Gabriel and Dante Moore. Edwards thinks Minchey could be that first-year starter in a system that totally clicks for him.
More Blue-Chip Talent Beyond the QBs
And don’t forget, this isn’t just a QB class! The experts are saying the EDGE and WR groups are also looking strong for 2027. We’re talking serious talent across the board. Plus, Ryan Wilson picked an offensive tackle, Jordan Seaton from LSU, as the college football transfer who will be drafted highest, outside of a quarterback. That’s a huge endorsement for an O-lineman to get that kind of early attention.
It’s still early September 2026 (for these predictions, anyway!), and the 2027 NFL Draft is a long way off, but the talent already being talked about is unreal. Every game, every snap for these guys in the college season is gonna be under a microscope. So keep those eyes peeled, folks, because the race for the next class of NFL superstars has officially begun!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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