2027 NFL mock draft: Brendan Sorsby slides after gambling revelations

Brendan Sorsby's immediate future was clarified considerably with his legal victory over the NCAA. His long-term outlook, however, remains murky.

>The Texas Tech quarterback was granted a temporary injunction on June 8, which - barring further developments - will allow him to play for the Red Raiders this season. Sorsby had previously been declared ineligible by the NCAA for betting on college sports, including wagers on Indiana football while he was on the team.

>The decision is a seismic one for the world of college athletics. Yet the fallout could be considerable for the NFL as well.

>Prior to the revelation of Sorsby's bets, the quarterback had widely been considered one of the most promising prospects for the 2027 NFL Draft. In a class expected to be rife with future stars, the transfer from Cincinnati still stood out for having immense pro potential, thanks to his excellent arm strength, mobility and off-script playmaking ability.

>Still, Sorsby remains a passer in need of significant development. His erratic ball placement, rhythm and decision-making often undermine his strongest traits and can derail drives. And how teams react to the gambling scandal figures to be one of the great X-factors in next year's class.

>But with Sorsby once again eligible – at least for now – and several moves having reshaped the league in the last month-plus, it seemed appropriate to roll out a .1 version of our first projection for 2027. Here's our (still) way-too-early mock draft – with Sorsby going later than many might anticipate:

2027 NFL mock draft1. New York Jets – Arch Manning, QB, TexasA year ago, Manning was a staple of these exercises despite having only a minimal body of work. Those projections proved premature, but they weren't off base. After a tumultuous start to taking over the reins for the Longhorns, Manning settled down and showcased the tantalizing skill set that puts him at the head of the class for next year. There's still work to be done, particularly in becoming much more precise when throwing on the move, but Manning would provide an unparalleled level of hope and excitement to a franchise that doesn't look equipped to end the lengthiest active postseason drought in North American men's team sports anytime soon.

2. Miami Dolphins – Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio StateTaking a wide receiver this early certainly isn't part of the roster-building playbook to which Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan adhered when he was with the Packers. Smith, however, is no ordinary pass catcher. The Buckeyes star has looked pro-ready since he arrived in Columbus, setting himself apart from his peers with his 6-3, 223-pound frame and elite track record for coming down with contested catches. This would make Smith the highest-drafted pure receiver since Calvin Johnson went No. 2 overall in 2007, but he looks fully worthy of such a lofty investment.

3. Arizona Cardinals – Dante Moore, QB, OregonEven with Jeremiyah Love in the fold, Arizona's offense likely won't take off until it can find a true catalyst behind center – and it sure seems like a stretch to think that Carson Beck can ever fulfill that role. Outside of his College Football Playoff meltdown, Moore exhibited remarkable poise in piloting the Ducks' attack. If he cuts down on his lapses under pressure, the 6-3, 206-pound signal-caller could help make the Cardinals relevant in the hypercompetitive NFC West.

4. Cleveland Browns – CJ Carr, QB, Notre DameThis might seem like a reach for Carr, who has yet to establish himself as an elite prospect and is much closer to the second tier of this class' passers than the first. Still, if the 6-3, 210-pounder keeps progressing at the rate he did as a redshirt freshman, it might not be long before he's widely considered a legitimate threat for the top 5-10 picks. New coach Todd Monken said this offseason that the Browns have two "starting-level" signal-callers, but he might feel differently after trudging through his first season at the helm with Deshaun Watson and/or Shedeur Sanders.

5. Atlanta Falcons – Leonard Moore, CB, Notre DameArthur Blank ran out of patience and blew up the Falcons' leadership team, choosing to bring president of football Matt Ryan, general manager Ian Cunningham and coach Kevin Stefanski aboard to oversee a new day for the franchise. The roster could be next up on the demolition list. While Atlanta already added cornerback Avieon Terrell alongside brother A.J., it probably would stand to benefit greatly by adding Moore, a coverage maven who recorded five interceptions last year and is the only consensus All-American on defense set to return to college football in 2026. Moore and the elder Terrell could form a lockdown tandem on the inside while Avieon mans the slot.

6. Tennessee Titans – Trevor Goosby, OT, TexasThe Carnell Tate pick revealed how much of a premium Tennessee is placing on equipping Cam Ward with the help that was absent throughout his rookie campaign. The next step might be revisiting his protection plan after big-ticket left tackle Dan Moore Jr. flopped in his first season with the Titans. Had he declared, Goosby would have had a solid case to be the top offensive lineman selected in 2026. Instead, he's the clear front-runner for that honor in 2027.

7. Las Vegas Raiders – Jordan Seaton, OT, LSUSeems safe to say that all of the Raiders' plans will be colored by a desire to safeguard and support Fernando Mendoza. Picking up Seaton would certainly serve that end, as the Colorado transfer has carved out a deserved reputation as one of college football's premier pass protectors. He still has work to do to become a more consistent force in the run game, but he could team with Kolton Miller to prevent edge rushers from throwing Mendoza off his rhythm.

8. New York Giants – Cam Coleman, WR, TexasMaybe Malik Nabers would be satisfied with the Giants' draft plan in John Harbaugh's second go-around if it included a major weapon to take pressure off him. Coleman would further enhance Jaxson Dart's ability to attack deep, with few cornerbacks proving themselves capable of matching his speed and jump-ball prowess. He's not likely to catch up to Smith's draft stock, but he's far from a consolation prize. And he'd certainly clear things up for a receiving corps forced to take fliers on the likes of Odell Beckham Jr. and JuJu Smith-Schuster.

9. New Orleans Saints – Colin Simmons, DE/OLB, TexasAn underrated Saints defense has to undergo its own youthful transformation after the offense was revitalized by Tyler Shough. Simmons has quickly established himself as one of college football's premier pass rushers by compiling 21 sacks in his first two years. He could be a cornerstone for a unit that was long propped up by Cameron Jordan.

10. Washington Commanders – Dylan Stewart, DE/OLB, South CarolinaWhat a homecoming this would be for the Washington D.C. native. As a true freshman, he looked the part of a potential No. 1 pick, with a truly rare burst off the line of scrimmage. If the 6-5, 245-pounder rediscovers his form after something of a letdown campaign last year, he'll no doubt be in the mix to be off the board very early. The Commanders could team him with Odafe Oweh to give themselves the supreme athleticism off the edge that they lacked in Dan Quinn's first two seasons at the helm.

11. Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – KJ Bolden, S, GeorgiaTaking a safety this early might seem like a luxury for a Jets roster with so many unsettled spots. Bolden, however, can be a load-bearing asset for a secondary that lacks much in the way of dependability. Despite being listed at 6-0 and 185 pounds, he makes his presence felt in the run game and can handle a variety of coverage assignments.

12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jamari Johnson, TE, OregonThe post-Mike Evans life might quickly reveal how badly the Buccaneers miss having a supersized option in the passing game. At 6-5 and 257 pounds, Johnson can handle in-line work and win contested catches while also stretching defenses vertically and doing damage after whenever he turns upfield with the ball in his hands. He could be in for a star turn with Kenyon Sadiq off to the Jets.

13. Pittsburgh Steelers – Drew Mestemaker, QB, Oklahoma StateSorsby might have been a candidate for this slot had it not been for the gambling scandal. Omar Khan unquestionably has a type when it comes to quarterbacks: Sturdy and strong-armed passers built to weather the elements in the AFC North. Pittsburgh went for that prototype in third-round pick Drew Allar, but the Steelers might have to look outside again for a more viable successor to Aaron Rodgers next year. At 6-4 and 211 pounds with no trouble pushing the ball downfield, Mestemaker more than clears the bar when it comes to the Steelers' desired traits. The North Texas transfer still has to prove himself against a heightened quality of competition, and the redshirt sophomore might not declare so early in his career. But if the former walk-on again takes college football by storm after his stunning debut, Pittsburgh could have its quarterback of the future.

14. Jets (from Dallas Cowboys) – Ellis Robinson IV, CB, GeorgiaLet's double-dip on talented Bulldog defensive backs to remake the Jets secondary. Robinson recorded four interceptions last season, and his playmaking streak would surely stand out on a defense that didn't manage to pull down a single pick in 2025.

15. Carolina Panthers – Quincy Rhodes, DE/OLB, ArkansasAfter following up two Day 2 picks at edge in 2025 with the massive Jaelan Phillips contract this spring, this might seem like a lot for Carolina to throw at one spot. Yet if their young alternatives hit a snag in their development opposite Phillips, it will be mighty tempting to look to Rhodes, who surprised many by returning to school. An imposing matchup at 6-6 and 276 pounds, he's already got a nifty spin move at his disposal and could add more tricks to his arsenal.

16. Cincinnati Bengals – Zabien Brown, CB, AlabamaDJ Turner II and Dax Hill are entering the final year of their respective contracts. Bringing back both seems like a stretch for an organization that already has made significant top-of-market commitments elsewhere. At 6-0 and 194 pounds with the physical mentality and make-up speed to handle press coverage, Brown clears the bar on plenty of traits the Bengals covet from their defensive backs.

17. Minnesota Vikings – Kewan Lacy, RB, MississippiIf the Kyler Murray trial run proves fruitful, it seems likely that both sides would want to re-up with one another next offseason. Minnesota could continue to transform its backfield, however, by bringing on a replacement for Aaron Jones, who will turn 32 in December and took a significant pay cut to stick around for 2026. Adept at sidestepping would-be tacklers as well as bouncing off of them, Lacy could return a much-needed element of explosiveness to the ground game.

18. Detroit Lions – Will Heldt, DE, ClemsonThe Lions traded up in the second round to take Derrick Moore as Aidan Hutchinson's running mate, but it might be hard to resist first-round options next year. One promising possibility could be Heldt, who was talented enough to sway noted transfer portal holdout Dabo Swinney from his typical ways. If the 6-6, 260-pound edge rusher continues to develop after posting 7 1/2 sacks last season, he could enjoy the draft surge that many of his former teammates missed out on in this cycle.

19. Baltimore Ravens – Kelley Jones, CB, Mississippi StateChange could soon be afoot in Baltimore's secondary, which is scheduled to have Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie hit free agency after next year. A towering presence on the back end at 6-4 and 195 pounds, Jones fits the bill of the rangy playmaker whom new coach Jesse Minter might gravitate toward as he flips the Ravens' coverage approach to being much more reliant on zone looks.

20. Houston Texans – Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre DameThere's not much missing from DeMeco Ryans' defense, which routinely overwhelms opponents with the sheer dominance of its starters. But the linebacker position could be a point of interest next offseason, when Henry To'oTo'o might head elsewhere in free agency. Viliamu-Asa can patrol the second level as a trusted run stopper.

21. Kansas City Chiefs – Trey'Dez Green, TE, LSUHere's a fun vision for a Travis Kelce successor. At 6-7 and 240 pounds, Green would give Patrick Mahomes an easy button in the red zone and on jump balls. Plying his trade under Kelce and learning how to threaten defenses as a detached option would set the mismatch creator up for long-term success.

22. Philadelphia Eagles – Will Echoles, DT, MississippiWith Jordan Davis cashing in with a colossal extension and Jalen Carter next in line for a huge payout, retaining Moro Ojomo might be a difficult task for Philadelphia. The Eagles can keep their defensive front in top form by adding Echoles, who could become one of college football's most disruptive forces in 2026.

23. Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Nick Marsh, WR, IndianaGeorge Pickens might be running an out route after Dallas informed the franchise-tagged receiver it wouldn't be offering him an extension before the season. Should both sides move on, the Cowboys could use their second first-rounder from the Micah Parsons deal to find a replacement for the receiver. Marsh presents a comparable skill set, highlighted by the 6-3, 203-pounder's penchant for pulling down contested catches and clear comfort working deep. He could flourish in Indiana's offense after transferring from Michigan State.

24. San Francisco 49ers – Koi Perich, S, OregonThe back end of the 49ers' defense hasn't generated many splash plays in recent years. Perich, who dabbled at receiver at Minnesota and was also a standout returner, could change the dynamic of the secondary. At 6-1 and 200 pounds, he could be on the Dillon Thieneman trajectory as a supreme athlete looking to rediscover his top form with the Ducks after moving over from a Big Ten school.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars – David Stone, DT, OklahomaAt the center of the Jaguars' defensive turnaround was a heavy emphasis on creating chaos. The interior defensive line, however, didn't live up to the standard set by the rest of the unit. Coordinator Anthony Campanile would surely find a way to take advantage of Stone's rapid initial burst and imposing length – qualities that could make him a top-15 pick if he continues along his current trajectory.

26. Buffalo Bills – Damon Wilson II, DE, Miami (Fla.)For the Bills to truly thrive in new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's system, the franchise might need to break from some of its past proclivities. That could mean trying to jolt a stubborn edge rush with Wilson, who isn't yet a reliable presence against the run but could be in line to follow ex-Hurricanes Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor as an early pick after transferring from Missouri.

27. Los Angeles Chargers – A'Mauri Washington, DT, OregonJim Harbaugh's quest to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball seems bound to extend to next offseason. Washington moves astonishingly well for a 330-pounder, but his real value to the Chargers would be the double teams he draws and run plays he routinely blows up.

28. Chicago Bears – Ahmad Moten, DT, Miami (Fla.)Dennis Allen's defense might require more meaningful disruption from the interior than Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett can provide. Moten's quick-twitch movements that leave plodding blockers playing catch-up could yield the level of penetration that Allen relishes.

29. New England Patriots – Cayden Green, G/T, MissouriThree straight years of first-round offensive linemen? Maybe it's a stretch for New England, but don't rule it out with right guard Mike Onwenu approaching free agency. Green would be the latest collegiate left tackle to join the effort to safeguard Drake Maye, but the 6-5, 324-pounder's best fit at the next level is likely on the interior.

30. Browns (from Los Angeles Rams) – Matayo Uigalelei, DE, OregonFor as highly as the Browns have spoken of Jared Verse, it's clear that the pass rush will require something extra to compensate for Myles Garrett's absence. At 6-5 and 270 pounds, Uigalelei offers an ideal frame for holding up on the edge. Even if he's not the focal point of a defensive line, he can play a vital role as part of a diverse and well-rounded group.

31. Denver Broncos – A.J. Holmes Jr., DT, Texas TechAfter the Jaylen Waddle trade, the Broncos might be poised to boast the AFC's most well-balanced roster for some time. Holmes would help Denver's stacked defense ramp up the pressure on opponents even further while demanding attention and creating opportunities for others.

32. Seattle Seahawks – Princewill Umanmielen, DE/OLB, LSUWith Uchenna Nwosu unsigned past this year and DeMarcus Lawrence turning 35 next April, Mike Macdonald's deep and varied pass rush could stand to add more pieces. Umanmielen – the brother of Panthers outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen – is one of the class' more electric entities on the edge and could see his stock surge after joining the Tigers.

Where does Brendan Sorsby get selected in 2027 NFL mock draft?Our projection: Dallas Cowboys, second round

>If Sorsby translates his top-tier tools into consistently upper-echelon production this fall, a spot in the first round could be well within reach. If not, however, he might end up in the no-man's land that has led to tumbles for so many other quarterbacks.

>Sorsby has enough lingering questions merely as a signal-caller. Concerns about his gambling past will only further complicate his case. For him to find his proper landing spot in the NFL, a renegade decision-maker might need to emerge.

>Enter Jerry Jones.

>Quarterback is certainly not a pressing need for the Cowboys, who have Dak Prescott signed through 2028. But an owner with an acknowledged affinity for seeking out high-upside developmental projects behind center might find it impossible to resist a passer of Sorsby's caliber by Day 2. Any succession plan might seem far off, but it could be a point of interest for Jones with Prescott set to turn 34 in 2027.

>This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2027 NFL mock draft: Where does Brendan Sorsby land after betting, injunction?