Could the 2027 NFL Draft Produce a Record 7 First-Round Quarterbacks?

The 2027 NFL Draft class is shaping up to be one of the deepest groups of quarterback talent in recent memory. With the 2026 college football season about to kick off, scouts and analysts are already wondering whether this class could break the record for most quarterbacks selected in the first round. The current mark of six was matched in 2025, and some believe seven is not out of the question.

For Iowa football fans, this is more than just a national storyline. The Big Ten features several of these top prospects, including Ohio State's Julian Sayin and Minnesota's Drake Lindsey, both of whom will be on display in the conference this fall. The Iowa Hawkeyes will face both quarterbacks this season, giving local fans a firsthand look at potential future NFL starters.

What would it take for seven quarterbacks to go in Round 1?

History says it is possible, but unlikely. The 1983 draft class set the standard with six first-round quarterbacks, a record that stood for 41 years until the 2025 draft matched it. Now, some talent evaluators believe the 2027 class could push the mark even higher.

An AFC scouting director told Yahoo Sports that a lot would have to break right for seven quarterbacks to land in the first round. He pointed to the need for several prospects to truly break out this season, plus enough teams with quarterback needs at the top of the draft.

Gut feeling, no. There's a lot that has to happen for it to all work out like that. You need six or seven who are close to first-round value. You probably have to have one or two really break out this season.

Another veteran talent evaluator was more optimistic, noting he has believed since 2018 that seven or eight first-round quarterbacks was possible. The key, he said, is matching talent with team needs.

Which teams could be in the market for a quarterback in 2027?

The Cleveland Browns and New York Jets currently top the list of teams expected to need a quarterback in the 2027 draft. The Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers could also be in the mix. Teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings, who drafted quarterbacks in 2024, cannot be ruled out either.

Longer-shot possibilities include the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders if their current starters continue to deal with injuries. As history shows, unexpected teams often enter the quarterback market. The Colts never expected to draft Andrew Luck before 2012, and the Bears selected three first-round quarterbacks in a seven-year span.

Who are the top quarterback prospects for the 2027 draft?

Several names stand out as potential first-round picks. Here is a look at the top prospects heading into the 2026 college football season.

Arch Manning, Texas

Arch Manning is the odds-on favorite to be the top overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 219-pound quarterback has better raw athletic traits than his uncles, Peyton and Eli Manning. He showed significant improvement in the second half of the 2025 season, cleaning up his mechanics and making better decisions under pressure.

Manning now has a dream offensive supporting cast, including wide receiver Cam Coleman, a potential top-10 pick. With 15 career starts under his belt, he remains the clear favorite for the top spot if he continues on his current trajectory.

Dante Moore, Oregon

Dante Moore might have been a second overall pick had he entered the 2026 draft. He has more experience than Manning with 20 starts and is considered the better touch passer with natural accuracy. His intermediate and deep throws grade out well above average.

However, Moore has shown a tendency to struggle under pressure. Shaky performances against Penn State, Indiana, and Texas Tech revealed concerns about his ability to handle pass-rush heat. Oregon's offensive line also lost three starters to the NFL, which could be a factor this season.

Julian Sayin, Ohio State

Julian Sayin is a name Iowa fans will see up close this season. The Ohio State quarterback finished fourth in Heisman Trophy balloting as a redshirt freshman and led the Buckeyes to the Big Ten title game and College Football Playoff.

At 6-foot-1 and 214 pounds, Sayin is average-sized with a good, not special, arm. He offers little as a scrambler, but his poise and processing ability are rare for a player his age. With elite offensive talent around him, another huge statistical season could push him firmly into the first-round conversation.

Drake Lindsey, Minnesota

Drake Lindsey is another Big Ten quarterback Iowa fans will face this season. At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, he has the ideal frame for an NFL quarterback. His arm is strong enough to push the ball vertically, and he displays nice touch on his throws.

Lindsey showed comfort operating from both shotgun and under-center snaps and displayed toughness standing in the pocket. However, games against Iowa and New Mexico revealed a propensity for risky throws. A big season in his second year as a starter could earn him significant NFL attention.

LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina

LaNorris Sellers was being touted as a possible first overall pick just a year ago. The 6-foot-4, 245-pound dual-threat quarterback remains physically blessed with NFL skills, but a sideways 2025 season tempered expectations.

Sellers struggled with accuracy on short throws and took bad sacks. Some of those issues can be blamed on a chaotic offensive situation, which the Gamecocks hope to fix with new coordinator Kendal Briles. If Sellers can return to his 2024 form while reducing mistakes, he has a clear path back to the first round.

CJ Carr, Notre Dame

CJ Carr had a terrific redshirt freshman season, showing rare poise and the ability to push the ball downfield. Some evaluators see a high-floor prospect with NFL-caliber processing, while others wonder about his upside and lack of a special athletic trait.

Carr lost several key offensive weapons, including first-round running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. The Irish offensive line appears strong, but the lack of clear difference-makers at skill positions will reveal how much Carr can elevate an offense on his own.

Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss

Trinidad Chambliss became one of college football's best stories last season, leading the Rebels to 11 wins in his first 12 starts after arriving from Division II Ferris State. He threw only three interceptions in 445 pass attempts and was a menace with his legs.

Working against Chambliss are his size and age. At just about 6 feet and 208 pounds, he would be undersized by NFL standards. He will be 25 at draft time, which held Tyler Shough back in the 2025 draft. Chambliss also benefited from Ole Miss's talent and scheme, so how he fares without Lane Kiffin will be revealing.

Who are the wild-card candidates?

Several other quarterbacks could emerge as first-round prospects with a strong 2026 season.

CJ Bailey, NC State

CJ Bailey reminds some scouts of Jayden Daniels, who went from an intriguing prospect to a top-tier NFL pick in his final year at LSU. At nearly 6-foot-6 and 218 pounds, Bailey is a tall, athletic quarterback still filling out his body. He faced heavy pressure last season but appeared to navigate it much better as the year went on.

Sam Leavitt, LSU

Sam Leavitt is an adventurous player who delivers plenty of head-turning plays but also some head-scratching ones. Landing with Lane Kiffin at LSU could help harness his creativity. Bo Nix and Jaxson Dart are examples of recent first-round quarterbacks who fine-tuned their games under Kiffin's guidance.

Nico Iamaleava, UCLA

Nico Iamaleava possesses elite athleticism and a high-velocity arm. He ripped off 10 runs of 20-plus yards last season and kept defenses off-balance. However, he has a tendency to take bad sacks and make ill-fated throws. He is a first-round athlete with too much fifth-round tape, but one big season could change his career arc.

Could the 2027 draft class break the record?

While seven first-round quarterbacks remains a long shot, the depth of talent in this class is undeniable. The AFC scouting director acknowledged that six might not be crazy by the time April rolls around, and maybe even seven.

For Iowa football fans, the 2026 season offers a chance to see several of these prospects in person. Matchups against Ohio State and Minnesota will feature two potential first-round quarterbacks, giving local audiences a preview of the NFL's next generation of signal-callers.

As the college football season unfolds, the quarterback picture will become clearer. One thing is certain: the 2027 NFL Draft class has the potential to be one of the most quarterback-rich groups in history.

Frequently asked questions about the 2027 NFL Draft quarterbacks

Who is the favorite to be the first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft?

Arch Manning of Texas is the clear favorite to be the first overall pick. He has the pedigree, athletic traits, and supporting cast to justify that status.

Which Big Ten quarterbacks could be first-round picks in 2027?

Julian Sayin of Ohio State and Drake Lindsey of Minnesota are the top Big Ten quarterback prospects for the 2027 draft. Both will face the Iowa Hawkeyes this season.

Has any draft class ever produced seven first-round quarterbacks?

No. The record is six, set in 1983 and matched in 2025. The 2027 class could potentially break that record, though most scouts consider it a long shot.

What factors could lead to a record number of quarterbacks in Round 1?

Several prospects need to break out this season, and enough teams with quarterback needs must be picking early in the draft. The talent must also match the needs of those teams.