gshc2020.com

We're going to start these rankings with 50 players, with scouting reports on the top 25, but this list will expand as the draft gets closer and closer. And these rankings will evolve -- some players will shoot up boards, others will fall and still more will ultimately return to school for another year. But this is how I currently see things in the 2027 class.

Let's get to it, starting with arguably the best wide receiver prospect of the past 15-20 years. Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk, and the top names at every position are listed at the bottom.

Jump to:
Rankings by position

1. Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 222

Stats through Oct. 17: 52 receptions for 984 receiving yards (18.9 yards per catch) and 12 touchdowns

Smith could have All-Pro potential early in his NFL career as a true No. 1 receiver. He immediately changes the offensive outlook for the team that adds him. He is sure-handed and can glide past defenders with ease. And he's equally as capable of winning with strength at the catch point. Smith's change of direction in routes needs to become sharper, as he can take too many choppy steps when working back toward passers. But he is tough to stop when allowed to attack defenses vertically.

2. Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame*

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 197

Stats through Oct. 17: 13 tackles, five passes defensed, 40% completion percentage allowed

With excellent length, speed and technique, Moore is the prototypical cornerback prospect. His length and physicality allow him to excel when getting hands on receivers in press man coverage. He also has the awareness to identify and defend route concepts in zone coverage. Moore has the ball skills to match receivers, routinely tracking and attacking the ball out of the air. But he needs to improve his discipline and hand timing at the top of routes.

3. Dylan Stewart, Edge, South Carolina*

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 250

Stats through Oct. 17: five tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles

With a slender frame, Stewart has rare burst and closing speed as a pass rusher. That allows him to wreak havoc on twists and stunts, though the tools have yet to lead to high-end production at the college level. And he might not have many chances to add to his tape, as he's currently suspended from the team. Stewart must also become more consistent with using his length and shedding against the run.

4. Colin Simmons, Edge, Texas*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 246

Stats through Oct. 17: 25 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery

Simmons is an energetic and high-effort pass rusher, with a quick first step to explode past blockers. He has a nifty combination of hesitation moves and shoulder fakes. But he still needs to develop consistent counter moves, as he can get stuck if his initial move isn't effective. Simmons is a powerful run defender, using a strong base and powerful hands to keep his frame clean when setting the edge. Simmons could miss time with a high-ankle sprain suffered Oct. 17 against Florida.

5. Chris Cole, LB, Georgia*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 235

Stats through Oct. 17: 40 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries, three passes defensed

Cole is an easy moving, urgent defender from the second level. He has excellent lateral agility and pursuit speed to close on ball carriers in a hurry. But his ability to read and react to run concepts is still a work in progress, as his eyes can get fixated in the wrong spots. And he can be slow at recognizing concepts in zone coverage, leading to easy catches in his area. Cole is frequently used as a blitzer, which he does effectively.

6. Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 208

Stats through Oct. 17: 39 receptions for 684 receiving yards (17.8 yards per catch) and eight touchdowns

Becker is primarily used as a vertical threat, and there are few college players who can match his straight-ahead speed. But he is more than just a threat with his legs; he's similar to an NBA rebounder with the way he wins 50-50 passes. That ability comes from a combination of elite body control at the catch point and A-plus hand-eye coordination, which helps him see the ball in slow motion. Becker does need to round out his route tree, showing NFL teams that he has more branches on it than just vertical patterns.

7. Ashton Hampton, CB, Clemson*

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 205

Stats through Oct. 17: 19 tackles, one interception for 2 yards, nine passes defensed, 24% completion percentage allowed

Hampton is a physically imposing cornerback who strives to humiliate receivers at the line of scrimmage by getting his hands on them. Since most receivers struggle to untangle from his coverage, he would be ideal for press man coverage schemes at the next level. Hampton is also a forceful tackler on the perimeter, with lots of knockback strength when coming into contact with ball carriers. But he does need to be more disciplined with his timing in coverage.

8. Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma State*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 215

Stats through Oct. 17: 136-of-203 passing (67.0% completion percentage) for 1,940 passing yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions; 21 carries for 142 rushing yards (6.8 yards per carry) and two touchdowns

Mestemaker is my top quarterback prospect despite this being only his second season as a starter in high school and college. He has an unconventional style, holding the ball at his waistline before ripping a fiery, three-quarters release. Mestemaker has the confidence to test the tightest of windows from various platforms, but that can get the best of him and lead to turnovers. Plus, he can be oblivious to underneath defenders. Mestemaker is bit of a streaky passer, though his hot streaks feature plenty of "wow" moments. And he is capable of being a running threat.

9. Will Echoles, DT, Ole Miss*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 315

Stats through Oct. 17: 18 tackles, 1.5 sacks, four tackles for loss, three passes defensed,

An explosive 3-technique, Echoles is one of the most versatile and well-conditioned interior defenders in the country. He has energetic hands that help him accelerate past blockers, and reliable lower body strength helps him be a malleable run defender. Echoles still needs to make major improvements in his counter moves, as he can get stuck on blockers when his power and initial moves are matched. Plus, he can get caught not being firm on contact and get moved off his spot.

10. Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180

Stats through Oct. 17: 13 tackles, one interception for 0 yards, five passes defensed, 45.8% completion percentage allowed

Robinson is an ultra-athletic cornerback whose quick feet and sudden change of direction helps him stay connected in man coverage. But there are times when Robinson gives up big gains because his technique tends to be abandoned. His best reps come in zone coverage, where he has a great feel for concepts unfolding. Robinson has excellent awareness with attacking the ball in flight, and he has a linebacker-like appetite for contact in run support.

11. Xavier Gilliam, DT, Tennessee*

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 305

Stats through Oct. 17: 22 tackles, five sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two passes defensed

Gilliam is an explosive, up-field interior defender who can penetrate the first level with ease. His game centers around quickness, as his first step is difficult for blockers to match. Gilliam's active hands help him win with multiple plans of attack in pass-rush situations. He is equally as strong as a run defender, anchoring his feet in the ground to withstand at the point of attack. He also can stack and dislodge blocking attempts to knock run concepts off-schedule.

12. Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU*

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 307

Stats through Oct. 17: 452 snaps, 1.3% pressure rate allowed, 1.0% blown run block rate

Seaton combines a good blend of awareness, quick hands and lower-body suddenness to be a high-level pass protector. He's also an easy mover in space, which allows him to excel as a puller or on screen plays. Seaton can be trusted on an island, but his biggest area of improvement must come as a run blocker. His hands and feet are inconsistent when driving on blocks to the second level.

13. Greg Johnson, OG, Minnesota

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 325

Stats through Oct. 17: 343 snaps, 0.5% pressure rate allowed, 0% blown run block rate

Johnson is a hulking interior blocker whose strength helps him latch and sustain at the point of attack. He has a reliable anchor that helps him tether his feet and quickly stall pass-rush moves. In gap run schemes, Johnson has shown quickness when pulling. In zone run schemes, Johnson can be fluid enough to climb and cover up linebackers on the second level. A lot of Johnson's losses are a result of him relying solely on his upper body to generate torque and movement. His recovery athleticism is average, and he can face challenges when forced to readjust after being beaten quickly around either shoulder.

14. Zereoue Williams, OT, Utah

Height: 6-8 | Weight: 305

Stats through Oct. 17: 381 snaps, 0% pressure rate allowed, 0.5% blown run block rate

Williams' playing style is a bit unconventional and his lack of experience shows throughout games. However, he has plenty of skills that NFL teams covet. Williams' towering frame helps him shadow and shut down pass rushers around the arc of the pocket. His lower-body fluidity and drive strength at the point of attack allows him to gain momentum into blocks as a run blocker. His knee bend must become more consistent throughout reps, and he'll also have moments where he lacks depth in pass protection sets.

15. Trinidad Chambliss, QB, Ole Miss

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 205

Stats through Oct. 17: 142-of-210 passing (67.6%) for 1,676 passing yards and 14 touchdowns to four interceptions; 36 carries for 127 rushing yards (3.5 yards per carry) and six touchdowns

A headache for the opposition in multiple ways, Chambliss can break down defenses with both his throwing ability and mobility. His excellent field vision complements a compact and fiery release, helping him anticipate and attack over the middle. Despite his lack of size, he can consistently reach all areas of the field. Chambliss also isn't afraid to welcome high-leverage moments, which he showed throughout last year's College Football Playoff and so far this season. His frame and age (he'll be 25 years old before next season) could inhibit his draft profile.

16. Jadan Baugh, RB, Florida*

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 225

Stats through Oct. 17: 135 carries for 763 rushing yards (5.7 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns; nine receptions for 59 receiving yards (6.6 yards per catch)

Baugh is the top running back prospect in this class, a chiseled and powerful runner with timely short-area quickness. He activates his lower body to slither his way through creases, while also being able to simply plant his foot and accelerate through the line of scrimmage. Baugh doesn't have the home run speed to rattle off long touchdowns, but he has enough to generate explosive plays with the yardage that's available to him. He has a lot of work to do as a pass protector, showing inconsistency with his technique and in recognizing blitzing defenders.

Jadan Baugh finds the end zone for 11-yard TD

17. Darian Mensah, QB, Miami*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 205

Stats through Oct. 17: 135-of-167 passing (80.8%) for 1,764 passing yards and 18 touchdowns to one interception; 15 carries for 85 rushing yards (5.7 yards per carry) and two touchdowns

Mensah is a locate-and-loft thrower who has a great sense of true progressions and can string together long stretches of accurate completions. He has great touch on passes, as he can drop throws right into the outstretched arms of targets. Mensah is also unafraid to throw into the teeth of blitzes and make defenses pay for trying to rush his throw plans. He is sufficient enough with his legs to buy time and make throws outside of structure. But Mensah has average velocity when forced to throw into tight windows. And he needs to improve his ball security, as rushers have had success jarring the ball loose from him in the pocket.

18. Nick Marsh, WR, Indiana*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210

Stats through Oct. 17: 32 receptions for 585 receiving yards (18.3 yards per catch) and seven touchdowns

Built like a running back, Marsh's separators are his frame, competitiveness and power at the catch point. His strong releases at the line help him work through and steer clear of press coverage prior to making catches. And he's excellent after the catch, turning underneath catches into big gains as defenders bounce off his frame. Marsh is also an outstanding run blocker who isn't afraid of doing the dirty work inside of the box. The one issue with Marsh is that he has yet to develop other tactics to establish and maintain true separation.

19. Yhonzae Pierre, Edge, Alabama

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 251

Stats through Oct. 17: 23 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, three passes defensed, one interception for 27 yards and a touchdown

Pierre is an aggressive defender whose pursuit energy has very little drop-off throughout games. He is equally as effective from a stand-up outside linebacker position or with his hand in the ground. Pierre is a true havoc creator on stunts and twists, using overwhelming strength to get blockers. As a run defender, he can stand his ground and be a consistent edge setter. But he is more of a build-up rusher than true bender, which limits his amounts of clean wins against offensive tackles.

20. Lance Heard, OT, Kentucky

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 325

Stats through Oct. 17: 436 snaps, 2.3% pressure rate allowed, 1.5% blown run block rate

Heard is a physical, wide-framed blocker who uses his natural tools effectively. His physicality is always turned up to the max, as he seeks to destroy anything in his path as a true road grader. He has excellent knockback strength, and defenders jolt back when he's able to get proper hand placement. Heard has average range as a pass protector and quick up-field rushers have had success clearing his near hip to create pathways to pressure passers. He also could be a converted to guard to maximize his strength levels in confined areas.

21. CJ Carr, QB, Notre Dame*

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215

Stats through Oct. 17: 129-of-193 passing for 1,639 passing yards and 16 touchdowns to one interception; 23 carries for 82 rushing yards (3.6 yards per carry) and three touchdowns

Carr is a refined pocket passer whose eyes, feet and throwing motion are always in cohesion. With an easy throwing motion, he is a decisive passer who trusts his eyes to pick apart defenses. He has a great feel for the types of passes that are needed, putting enough touch or velocity on them. And he is routinely in control at the line of scrimmage with protections and when calling audibles. Carr's overall arm strength and velocity are average. And he sometimes creates chaotic negative losses trying to make a positive play instead of moving on to the next play.

CJ Carr dashes in for a Notre Dame TD

22. Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi State

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 205

Stats through Oct. 17: 21 tackles, six passes defensed, 29.4% completion percentage allowed

Jones is a slender corner who has shielding length on the perimeter. His angular build helps him excel in coverage, where he can utilize his frame on a vertical plane. Jones has good hips and vertical speed to stay hip-to-hip with receivers. His wingspan makes it challenging for receivers to clear his coverage and access throwing windows. Jones can play man coverage in spurts, but his traits are glorified in zone coverage. He still needs to add strength and mass, and his consistency as a wrap-up-and-finish tackler also must improve.

23. Jamari Johnson, TE, Oregon

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 255

Stats through Oct. 17: 17 receptions for 224 receiving yards (13.2 yards per catch) and two touchdowns

Johnson is a big playmaker in the passing game, especially over the middle of the field. He has natural hands and the catch radius to pluck balls outside his frame. As a route runner, Johnson wins with controlled tempos, decisiveness and spatial awareness. He can compete through contact when challenged, but he won't surprise defenders with his top-end speed or suddenness. Johnson also isn't a dynamic threat who can stack up extra yards after the catch that aren't created for him schematically. He isn't overly reliable on single blocks as a run blocker.

24. Austin Simmons, QB, Missouri*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 220

Stats through Oct. 17: 132-of-209 passing (63.2%) for 1,773 passing yards and 14 touchdowns to two interceptions; 20 carries for 18 yards (0.9 yards per carry)

Simmons has a slight build but is an extremely explosive thrower with A-level arm strength. His baseball pitching background shows, as he has a whippy and violent throwing motion that adds excellent velocity to his passes. There isn't a window on the field that isn't attainable thanks to his arm strength. Simmons is also an anticipatory thrower who is consistent in making "about to be open" throws to targets. He is also capable of executing touch throws and can layer the ball into receivers. Simmons can use his powerful arm as a crutch, as he can be late to some reads and with getting the ball out when pressured. Simmons' physical tools are tantalizing, but the sample size is still very small.

25. KJ Bolden, S, Georgia*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 195

Stats through Oct. 17: 22 tackles, 0.5 sacks, one interception for 29 yards, three passes defensed, 44.4% completion percentage allowed

Bolden plays a variety of spots in Georgia's secondary but projects best as a center field free safety. He is a mistake eraser in the back end, showcasing range and instinctiveness to quickly bring a halt to plays. Bolden is an aggressive tackler who comes downhill with urgency. His lack of strength can hurt him in man coverage, as bigger receivers can outmuscle him and make catches through his frame.

26. Devan Thompkins, Edge, Alabama

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 300

Stats through Oct. 17: 29 tackles, three sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble

27. Jaylen McClain, S, Ohio State*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 203

Stats through Oct. 17: 32 tackles, two interceptions for 7 yards, five passes defensed, one sack, one forced fumble, 36.4% completion percentage allowed

28. KJ Duff, WR, Rutgers*

Height: 6-6 | Weight: 225

Stats through Oct. 17: 42 receptions for 741 receiving yards (17.6 yards per catch) and nine touchdowns

29. Cam Coleman, WR, Texas*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 204

Stats through Oct. 17: 20 receptions for 336 receiving yards (16.8 yards per catch) and six touchdowns

30. Trevor Goosby, OT, Texas*

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 325

Stats through Oct. 17: 372 snaps, 0% pressure rate allowed, 3.6% blown run block rate

31. Brauntae Johnson, S, Notre Dame*

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 200

Stats through Oct. 17: one tackle, one pass defensed, 50.0% completion percentage allowed

32. David Stone, DT, Oklahoma*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 312

Stats through Oct. 17: 22 tackles, 0.5 sacks, two tackles for loss

33. Trey'Dez Green, TE, LSU*

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 237

Stats through Oct. 17: 14 receptions for 222 receiving yards (15.9 yards per catch) and one touchdown

34. Trevor Lauck, OT, Iowa

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 314

Stats through Oct. 17: 301 snaps, 1.9% pressure rate allowed, 0% blown run block rate

35. Kingston Lopa, S, California*

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 210

Stats through Oct. 17: 31 tackles, five interceptions for 104 yards and a touchdown, one pass defensed, 42.9% completion percentage allowed

36. Deuce Alexander, WR, Ole Miss*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180

Stats through Oct. 17: 35 receptions for 523 receiving yards (14.9 yards per catch) and five touchdowns

37. Dante Moore, QB, Oregon

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 220

Stats through Oct. 17: 69-of-99 passing (69.7%) for 926 passing yards and nine touchdowns to zero interceptions; 10 carries for minus-7 rushing yards (minus-0.7 yards per carry)

38. Kade Pieper, C, Iowa

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 298

Stats through Oct. 17: 301 snaps, 1.3% pressure rate allowed, 1.4% blown run block rate

39. Kewan Lacy, RB, Ole Miss*

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 205

Stats through Oct. 17: 62 carries for 352 rushing yards (5.7 yards per carry) and five touchdowns; nine receptions for 27 yards (3.0 yards per catch)

40. A'Mauri Washington, DT, Oregon

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 325

Stats through Oct. 17: 20 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, five passes defensed

41. Boubacar Traore, Edge, Notre Dame

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 253

Stats through Oct. 17: 18 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery

42. Jelani McDonald, S, Texas

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 201

Stats through Oct. 17: 42 tackles, two passes defensed, 71.4% completion percentage allowed

43. Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR, Alabama*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 184

Stats through Oct. 17: 23 receptions for 415 receiving yards (18.0 yards per catch) and four touchdowns

44. Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama*

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 194

Stats through Oct. 17: 19 tackles, four passes defensed, one fumble recovery, 47.1% completion percentage allowed

45. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame*

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 234

Stats through Oct. 17: 15 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one interception for 14 yards, one fumble recovery

46. Reed Harris, WR, Arizona State

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 220

Stats through Oct. 17: 41 receptions for 653 receiving yards (15.9 yards per catch) and eight touchdowns

47. Luke Reynolds, TE, Virginia Tech*

Height: 6-4 | Weight: 250

Stats through Oct. 17: 43 receptions for 449 receiving yards (10.4 yards per catch) and four touchdowns

48. Clev Lubin, Edge, Louisville

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 260

Stats through Oct. 17: 34 tackles, five sacks, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles

49. Ahmad Moten Sr., DT, Miami

Height: 6-3 | Weight: 300

Stats through Oct. 17: five tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble

50. Anthonie Knapp, G, Notre Dame*

Height: 6-5 | Weight: 305

Stats through Oct. 17: 430 snaps, 1.0% pressure rate allowed, 0.9% blown run block rate

Rankings at every position

Quarterbacks

1. Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
2. Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss
3. Darian Mensah, Miami
4. CJ Carr, Notre Dame
5. Austin Simmons, Missouri

Running backs

1. Jadan Baugh, Florida
2. Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss
3. Dylan Riley, Boise State
4. Jamal Roberts, Missouri
5. Wayshawn Parker, Utah

Fullbacks/H-backs

1. Jelani Thurman, North Carolina
2. Andrew Rappleyea, Penn State
3. Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech

Wide receivers

1. Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State
2. Charlie Becker, Indiana
3. Nick Marsh, Indiana
4. KJ Duff, Rutgers
5. Cam Coleman, Texas

Arch Manning finds Cam Coleman for deep Texas TD

Tight ends

1. Jamari Johnson, Oregon
2. Trey'Dez Green, LSU
3. Luke Reynolds, Virginia Tech
4. DJ Vonnahme, Iowa
5. Willie Rodriguez, Kentucky

Offensive tackles

1. Jordan Seaton, LSU
2. Zereoue Williams, Utah
3. Lance Heard, Kentucky
4. Trevor Goosby, Texas
5. Trevor Lauck, Iowa

Guards

1. Greg Johnson, Minnesota
2. Anthonie Knapp, Notre Dame
3. Carter Smith, Indiana
4. Austin Siereveld, Ohio State
5. Evan Tengesdahl, Cincinnati

Centers

1. Kade Pieper, Iowa
2. Coleton Price, Kentucky
3. Iapani Laloulu, Oregon
4. Ryan Rodriguez, Miami
5. Justin Evans, Nebraska

Edge rushers

1. Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
2. Colin Simmons, Texas
3. Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama
4. Devan Thompkins, Alabama
5. Boubacar Traore, Notre Dame
6. Clev Lubin, Louisville
7. Will Heldt, Clemson
8. Damon Wilson II, Miami

Defensive tackles

1. Will Echoles, Ole Miss
2. Xavier Gilliam, Tennessee
3. David Stone, Oklahoma
4. A'Mauri Washington, Oregon
5. Ahmad Moten Sr., Miami

Linebackers

1. Chris Cole, Georgia
2. Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, Notre Dame
3. Sammy Omosigho, UCLA
4. Tony Rojas, Penn State
5. Myles Graham, Florida

Cornerbacks

1. Leonard Moore, Notre Dame
2. Ashton Hampton, Clemson
3. Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia
4. Kelley Jones, Mississippi State
5. Zabien Brown, Alabama

LSU turns the ball over on second play of the game

Safeties

1. KJ Bolden, Georgia
2. Jaylen McClain, Ohio State
3. Brauntae Johnson, Notre Dame
4. Kingston Lopa, California
5. Jelani McDonald, Texas

Kickers

1. David Olano, Texas A&M
2. Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss
3. Peyton Woodring, Georgia

Punters

1. Daniel Sparks, Virginia
2. Evan Crenshaw, Troy
3. Palmer Williams, Baylor

Long-snappers

1. Ben Anderson, Oklahoma
2. Adam Booker, Miami
3. Salem Abdul-Wahab, UCLA