With the 2026 NFL Draft now in the rear-view mirror, it’s worth taking a glance at potential 2027 NFL Draft prospects. As we know, players from teams in conferences like the Mountain West and Pac-12 aren’t getting drafted at the same frequency they used to before the transfer portal era. However, there are still a number of talented players who have a chance to hear their name called next year in the 2027 draft. Here are five potential players:
DB Jaden Mickey (Boise State)
The Notre Dame transfer thrived at Boise State last season.
Playing the nickel position, he did a bit of everything, blitzing, stopping the run, and dropping back into coverage. Mickey tallied seven tackles for loss and forced two fumbles while defending five passes. He was elite in pass defense and is moving back to cornerback for his last season in 2026. At 6’0”, he should get an NFL look if he can shut down wide receivers and continue to be active in run defense for Boise State next season.
EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan (Boise State)
NFL teams value quarterbacks, left tackles (who protect quarterbacks), and edge-rushers (who try to stop quarterbacks). Teams will take chances on players who project well at these positions, meaning Edge players will usually have a better-than-average chance to hear their name called during the NFL Draft. The Broncos have a productive one in Virgin-Morgan, who has had two very productive seasons and is gearing up for a third one. From 2024-2025, Jayden has collected 96 tackles, 28.5 TFLs, 16 sacks, and 3 FFs. At 6’3”, he doesn’t have the ideal length of a top-tier rusher, but teams are likely to take a flier on him with a late-round pick.
WR Pofele Ashlock (Hawaii)
Speaking of fliers, teams could be keeping their eye on Hawaii wide receiver Pofele Ashlock as well. He has thrived in the Run-and-Shoot offense, with three straight solid seasons. During his college career, Ashlock has averaged a season of 73 receptions, 762 yards, and 7.67 touchdowns. While some of his production is due to the pass-heavy college offense, Pofele still has the size and skills to compete at the next level. It would not be a surprise if he gets a long like next season leading up to the 2027 draft.
RB Lucky Sutton (San Diego State)
Sutton had the breakout year everyone had been hoping for in 2025. After amassing a mere 200 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns over his first three seasons combined, Lucky exploded for 1297 rushing yards and 10 scores in 2025 alone. He is returning in 2026 and figures to be the lead running back once again. If Sutton can come close to replicating, or even exceeding, his previous season, he will be getting some draft buzz next offseason.
RB Jai’Den Thomas (UNLV)
Another running back who has had a solid college career to date is Jai’Den Thomas out of UNLV. He has seen his production go up every season, with his rushing yards increasing from 503 to 918 to 1036. That’s not even counting his receiving yards, putting up 237 of those in 2025. He’s also scored a total of 33 touchdowns over those three seasons, becoming a well-rounded and dynamic running back for the Rebels. Add in his ability to play on special teams, and he has a lot of skills that NFL teams will value. If he keeps improving, he may be on draft radars in 2027.
Admittedly, it’s hard to keep everyone in mind, and undoubtedly, some players will emerge as draft prospects over the course of the 2026 season. Also, some players like Hawaii QB Micah Alejado project to have a productive season, but may not enter the NFL draft. Others, like BSU TE Matt Wagner, could have a strong 2026 season, but it’s too early to project them to be on draft radars. So consider this post a discussion starter, rather than a definitive list of players.
