The 2027 NFL Draft could be the best ever from a Texas Longhorns perspective. A new Mock Draft from USA TODAY Sports not only projects UT quarterback Arch Manning as the No. 1 pick, but it forecasts four Longhorns players getting selected in the first nine picks of the draft.
Of course, that prediction depends a lot on how the 2026 season plays out for the Longhorns. It also assumes Manning will go pro after the season is over, which is not a sure thing. But for NFL draft prediction purposes, let's assume this is Manning's final season on the Forty Acres.
The list projects Manning as the No. 1 pick in the draft after getting selected by the Arizona Cardinals. The Mock Draft not only predicts the order of the players taken, but also how the NFL
season will play out.
But Manning isn't the only UT player projected to be picked high in 2027. Texas left tackle Trevor Goosby is projected to get taken with the No. 4 pick by the Titans, wide receiver Cam Coleman is tabbed to go to the Raiders at No. 7 and EDGE Colin Simmons is forecast to get picked No. 9 by the Washington Commanders.
Here is what USA TODAY Sports had to say about each Longhorns player:
1. Arizona Cardinals – Arch Manning, QB, Texas
Unlike the Dolphins and Browns, the Cardinals haven't publicly signaled that they're fixing their gaze further down the road than this season. But given the competitive layout of the NFC West and its own myriad roster shortcomings, Arizona still seems like the odds-on favorite to be granted the coveted No. 1 pick. Though the hype for Manning was unquestionably premature at this point a year ago, it was clear by season's end that it wasn't without merit. With a preternatural feel for the position and the tools to create opportunities by evading the rush, Manning is the kind of ascendant talent any coaching staff would sign up for, even if he's not a finished product. In Arizona, he'd instantly provide relevance to a franchise that can't make up considerable ground in the NFC West if it continues to coast behind center.
4. Tennessee Titans – Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas
After investing key resources to upgrade Cam Ward's pass-catching arsenal this offseason, Tennessee might need to reconfigure its front next year to truly put the 2025 No. 1 pick at ease. Left tackle would be a natural starting point if big-ticket signing Dan Moore Jr. doesn't find his way after an alarming debut season for the Titans. At 6-7 and 325 pounds with the fluid movements necessary to flourish in pass protection, Goosby might be a more promising blocker than any offensive tackle selected in last year's draft.
7. Las Vegas Raiders – Cam Coleman, WR, Texas
Fernando Mendoza's repeated rocky showings during the preseason only affirmed the need for a patient approach for the No. 1 pick – and more weapons for him to utilize downfield. Big (6-3, 204 pounds), strong and fast, Coleman is the kind of pick that would have earned Al Davis' seal of approval. The Auburn transfer hasn't had the opportunity to properly showcase his full skill set given the subpar quarterback play he's been saddled with in his first two years, but he could position himself not too far behind Smith as one of the elite playmakers of this draft class.
9. Washington Commanders – Colin Simmons, DE/OLB, Texas
A desire to make an expedited return to the NFC's contender class pointed Washington toward Sonny Styles, an accomplished and astute playmaker who grew his game remarkably over the course of his collegiate career. If the Commanders are looking for another similar asset for their defense next April, they could be drawn to Simmons. With 21 sacks to his name through two years, he's already a proven entity as a blur off the edge. He could give Washington's pass rush the reliability it's lacked since Dan Quinn's arrival.
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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Arch No. 1 to Arizona? 2027 Mock Draft has 4 Longhorns in top 9 picks
