The SEC Could Make NFL Draft History In 2027

The 2027 NFL Draft will be here before you know it.

The 2026 NFL Draft is already in the books, as Fernando Mendoza went No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Mendoza, who starred collegiately at Cal and Indiana, will look to turn around the Raiders, who have been one of the league's worst franchises for a long time. They surely hope to not be picking atop the NFL Draft in 2027.

Some teams probably do wish for that, though, considering how loaded the 2027 NFL Draft class could be.

Arch Manning, the star quarterback at Texas, is projected to go No. 1 overall. However, a bevy of players from the SEC could go in the first round.

In total, the SEC could make history.

SEC could make first round history in 2027

The SEC could have more than 15 first round picks in 2027, according to CBS Sports expert Brad Crawford.

"The SEC isn't just trending toward another big first round in the 2027 NFL Draft -- it's barreling toward history with a class defined by former five-stars and developmental home runs second to none nationally. After producing the second-most Day 1 picks last week and a new record 87 total selections, college football's most competitive conference will challenge its own individual record (15 selections in 2021) with the expectation of dominating the opening round," he wrote.

"SEC edge rushers, offensive linemen and defensive backs have been first-round staples for years, and the transfer portal has only increased the consolidation of talent at the top. Volume is enhanced with body types and athletic profiles becoming more uniform across the league, and when evaluators see consistent production against top-tier competition, it carries weight."

Manning is projected to lead the way, but he could be joined by a ton of his fellow SEC competitors in Round 1 in 2027.

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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 8:00 PM.