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Texas offensive lineman Trevor Goosby picks up Texas quarterback Arch Manning after Texas scored a touchdown during the second half an NCAA college football game against San Jose State, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo\/Michael Thomas)<\/p>\n
Michael Thomas\/AP<\/p>\n
The 2026 NFL draft was just last week, but it’s never too early to start looking toward the 2027 draft.<\/p>\n
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ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid released his early first-round predictions<\/a> for next year’s draft this week and it had plenty of local ties. If Texas Longhorns<\/a> fans had high expectations for the 2026 season, those expectations may rise after seeing Reid’s mock draft. The draft order, which is set based on reverse order of NFL teams’ upcoming Super Bowl odds, has four Texas players taken in the top 11 of the mock draft.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Read below to see\u00a0what Reid wrote\u00a0about every local player taken in his mock draft, plus see who he has the Cowboys<\/a> eyeing.<\/p>\n 1. Cardinals: QB Arch Manning, Texas<\/p>\n Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) carries the ball during the second half of the Red River Rivalry against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, October 11, 2025.<\/p>\n Tom Fox\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n “Pairing Manning with Jeremiyah Love would give the Cardinals two elite building blocks. Manning, at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, is a sturdy dual-threat quarterback<\/a>. He finished with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdown throws and seven interceptions in his first year as a starter while adding 10 rushing touchdowns. Manning’s throwing motion, footwork and progressions are still inconsistent, leading to scattershot ball placement and holding on to the ball too long, but he continued developing as the season went on. He has all the traits of a No. 1 pick \u2014 he just needs to unlock the next stage of his development.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n “Even after they drafted Carson Beck in the third round last week, QB is absolutely in play for the Cardinals if they have a high pick.”<\/p>\n 5. Raiders:\u00a0WR Cam Coleman, Texas<\/p>\n FILE – Auburn wide receiver Cam Coleman reacts after a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo\/Butch Dill, File)<\/p>\n Butch Dill\/AP<\/p>\n “There haven’t been two receivers drafted in the top five since 2003 (Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson), but that could happen in 2027 with Coleman and Smith. Coleman excelled in two seasons at Auburn despite inconsistent QB play, finishing last season with 56 catches for 708 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Transferring to Texas and pairing up with Manning<\/a> could unlock even more production, as he’s a sure-handed target with good hands. That would be ideal for the Raiders, who need a No. 1 wide receiver to help the development of this year’s top pick, Fernando Mendoza.”<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 6. Falcons: OT Trevor\u00a0Goosby, Texas (former Melissa standout)<\/p>\n Texas running back Quintrevion Wisner (5) turns upfield against Oklahoma defensive back Peyton Bowen (22) as Texas offensive lineman Trevor Goosby (74) pursues the play during the second half of an NCAA college football game at the Cotton Bowl, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Dallas. Texas won 23-6. (AP Photo\/Jeffrey McWhorter)<\/p>\n Jeffrey McWhorter\/AP<\/p>\n “With the unexpected retirement of Kaleb McGary and Jawaan Taylor on a one-year deal, the Falcons will be searching for a long-term answer at right tackle. At 6-foot-7 and 326 pounds, Goosby is a long-limbed prospect who still has plenty of room on his frame to add mass but has all the traits to be high-level starter at either tackle spot. His above-average length makes it challenging for rushers to bypass him off the edge, as he allowed only one sack last season. He is an upper-tier athlete with plenty of lower-body quickness to gain depth on his pass sets and make blocks outside of his island.”<\/p>\n 11. Commanders: EDGE Colin Simmons, Texas (former\u00a0Duncanville standout)<\/p>\n Texas Longhorns defensive end Colin Simmons (1) closes in on Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer (10) who tried to roll out and throw a second quarter pass during the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, October 11, 2025.<\/p>\n Tom Fox\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n “The Commanders just drafted a dynamic linebacker in Sonny Styles, and Simmons could be their next defensive playmaker. He operated mainly from a two-point stance last season and had an SEC-leading 12 sacks. Simmons can accelerate in a hurry and uses sudden movements to get free of blockers. He’s a high-effort, energetic rusher who showcases strong hand swipes to clear the hands of linemen. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound edge rusher reminds me of the Falcons’ Jalon Walker. Establishing counter moves is the next step in Simmons’ development, as is increasing his lower-body strength to stand up better against the run.”<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n 12. Jets (from Colts): DT David Stone, Oklahoma<\/p>\n Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson (15) is tackled by Oklahoma defensive lineman David Stone (0) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo\/Vasha Hunt)<\/p>\n Vasha Hunt\/AP<\/p>\n “The 6-foot-3, 310-pound Stone can play any spot up front. He’s difficult to displace with his excellent play power and is capable of latching and disengaging from blockers with ease. Stone wins as a pass rusher with overwhelming strength, but right now he’s more of a pocket collapser than true finisher (1.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss last season). He needs to develop a true go-to move, but with further development, he could join T’Vondre Sweat and help fill the hole in the Jets’ defensive front left by Quinnen Williams’ departure.”<\/p>\n 14. Steelers:\u00a0QB Drew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State (North Texas transfer)<\/p>\n North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker (17) slips a tackle attempt from South Florida defensive lineman Josh Celiscar (63) during the first half of an NCAA football game at DATCU Stadium, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Denton.<\/p>\n El\u00edas Valverde II\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n “The Steelers have been in the QB wilderness since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. With Aaron Rodgers expected to do the same shortly, is this Pittsburgh’s best opportunity to swing for a franchise QB?<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Make Dallas News a preferred source so your search results prioritize writing by actual people, not AI.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Add Preferred Source<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n “Mestemaker is an incredible story, going from a zero-star walk-on at North Texas to throwing for 4,379 passing yards and 34 touchdowns with nine interceptions last season. He uses a fiery, three-quarters release, and his passes rarely lack velocity. He excelled in a spread-and-shred scheme and followed coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State<\/a>. His overconfidence is a gift and a curse, as he can get fixated on first reads and make head-scratching decisions. Cleaning that up on the Big 12 stage could make him a first-rounder next spring.”<\/p>\n 22. Texans:\u00a0RB Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss (former Lancaster standout)<\/p>\n Mississippi running back Kewan Lacy (5) runs past Florida safety Jordan Castell (14) for a second half touchdown during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo\/Rogelio V. Solis)<\/p>\n Rogelio V. Solis\/AP<\/p>\n “Lacy is one of my favorite players to watch on tape in the 2027 class regardless of position. He’s a long-striding, slashing runner whose sudden movements give him the A-level short-area quickness to create explosive plays. His 24 rushing touchdowns last season were the third most in SEC history. His outstanding vision and awareness keeps runs on track and creates positive yardage. He’s also a competitive pass protector. The Texans need all of this, as they’ve struggled to find a long-term solution at running back to help take pressure off the passing game.”<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n By signing up, you agree to our Terms Of Use<\/a> and acknowledge that your information will be used as described in our Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n 23. Cowboys:\u00a0WR Charlie Becker, Indiana<\/p>\n Indiana’s Charlie Becker reacts after a catch for a first down during the second half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game against Ohio State in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (AP Photo\/Michael Conroy)<\/p>\n Michael Conroy\/AP<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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