Charlie Campbell
2027 NFL Draft Stock Up
Colin Williams, OLB, Texas
Simmons is a potential first-round pick, and he had a legendary performance to help lead his team to a road win. In the first quarter, Simmons lined up as an off-ball inside linebacker behind the right nose tackle. After the snap, Simmons read the play well before using his speed to loop around the left tackle on the other side of the line to get a sack. Later in the second quarter, Simmons used a speed rush to dart past the right tackle and bounced off the left guard to grab at quarterback Faizon Brandon as he started to step up. While he avoided Simmons initially, other Texas defenders collapsed the pocket, and Simmons was able to adjust to Brandon’s scramble to take him down for a sack. However, after the play, Simmons mimicked taking a piss on the Volunteers, and that turned a fourth-and-29 for the Volunteers offense into a first down from an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. It was a stupid penalty that took away great field position for the Longhorns offense.
Midway through the third quarter, Simmons had sacks on back-to-back plays. The first one saw him get upfield, shed the left tackle, and chase down Brandon. The next play, he was off the ball at linebacker and looped around the line to get in the pocket and then adjusted to chase down and trip up the mobile quarterback for his fourth sack of the game. Early in the fourth quarter, three Longhorns defenders hit Brandon, but he escaped to the flat. Simmons used his speed to chase him down from behind with a strip-sack. The ball rolled out of bounds, but Simmons fifth sack forced a punt.
This was a record-setting game for Simmons as he tied Texas’ single-game sack record and approached NCAA history. Simmons was phenomenal, showing great speed, agility to break down in space and redirect, to go along with vision and instincts. This tape could help Simmons to be a pick in the top-10 next April and he looks like a top-20 pick at worst.
Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
Smith has been rewriting the Buckeyes ’ record books, and that continued with a game of pure domination over Illinois. Smith hauled in 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns. Smith got the day started with a 72-yard touchdown catch, showing his elite speed and athleticism, making defenders look silly trying to tackle him. That set the tone and Smith continued to destroy the Illini secondary. In 2026, Smith has 33 catches for 617 yards and seven touchdowns. Smith has been so impressive this year, he could be such an elite prospect that even quarterback-needy teams will deem him too good to pass on. It would be a shock if any non-quarterback gets drafted ahead of Smith, and Smith is the consensus top prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Greg Johnson, G, Minnesota
In speaking with multiple team sources, Johnson is the consensus top interior offensive line prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. “OG [Greg] Johnson, Minnesota. The end,” texted an AFC director of college scouting in response to whether there were any potential first-round interior offensive linemen. The 6-foot-6, 327-pounder has been an effective starter at left guard while also filling in at left tackle and right tackle in his career when injuries were a factor. If he stays healthy this season, Johnson will enter the draft with three straight seasons of starting experience. Johnson is a power run blocker who is adept in pass pro with the ability to stop power and speed rushers. Johnson has a shot at being a first-round pick next April.
Arion Carter, LB, Tennessee
Carter was excellent against Texas. He was a tackling machine and shut down the Longhorns' ground offense. Carter had some exceptional plays, including a tackle for a loss where he absorbed the pulling guard Brandon Baker, shoved Baker off, and then brought down the back. Carter also functioned well in zone coverage in the middle of the field, covering ground and picking up receivers in his area. Late in the fourth quarter, Carter made a great play on special teams, diving on a loose ball to successfully get an onside kick. Carter looks like a starting inside linebacker candidate for the NFL. The 6-foot-1, 240-pounder is a strong, physical run defender who is a good form tackler. Carter could end up being a second-day pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Yhonzae Pierre, OLB, Alabama
Pierre had a good game that helped himself against South Carolina. On the first drive of the game, Pierre faked like he was rushing before dropping back into coverage. He leapt to deflect a pass and almost had an interception for himself or a teammate on the deflection. Pierre was active with a good tackle in support and then, on a third down, pushed the left tackle into Sellers to get pressure on the quarterback. In the third quarter, Pierre bull-rushed the left tackle again to collapse the pocket, and he bear-hugged Sellers to take him to the ground as he stepped up in the pocket. This was a good tape from Pierre that will help his grade. He showed impressive strength to bull rush, speed to close, athleticism to drop in coverage, and instincts to read-and-react. This tape is going to help Pierre’s draft grade.
2027 NFL Draft Stock Down
John Mateer, QB, Oklahoma
The rough start to the 2026 season for Mateer continued against Georgia. He threw an interception and had two fumbles in his bid to mimic former Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mateer has not looked like the same player since his thumb injury from last season, and he is struggling as a passer. Mateer is showing an alarming lack of anticipation and running seems to be what he does best. The tape Mateer has produced this season makes him look like a day-three prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft.
Walt
