As the 2026 NFL draft approaches, front offices are already looking ahead. Scouting cycles never stop, and with the transfer portal and NIL reshaping college football, the talent pool is deeper and more experienced than ever.
That makes projecting future draft classes increasingly important. Here are 10 SEC players you’ll be hearing about as the 2027 draft cycle takes shape.
Quarterback
Arch Manning – Texas
Manning enters the 2026 season looking to reestablish himself in the early 2027 NFL Draft conversation. Despite an up-and-down 2025, he improved late, flashing touch as a passer and the athleticism to create in the run game.
He struggled at times to keep his eyes downfield, often breaking the pocket early and limiting opportunities in the intermediate passing game.
If he speeds up processing and grows more comfortable working through progressions, he has the tools to become a polished NFL prospect.
Trinidad Chambliss – Ole Miss
Chambliss returns for his final season at Ole Miss as a Heisman favorite. With quick feet and the ability to avoid pressure, he consistently extends plays and creates off-script. He has the arm strength to hit hole shots against two-high looks and a quick release in the RPO game.
The concern is size. At 6-foot, Chambliss had issues with passes being batted down at the line last season, raising the question of whether his game translates against longer, more disruptive defensive linemen.
If he can mitigate those limitations and continue to develop as a passer, Chambliss could generate real momentum as a 2027 prospect.
Running Back
Kewan Lacy – Ole Miss
After rushing for 1,567 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2025, Lacy returns as one of the SEC’s most complete backs. He runs with a long stride and breakaway speed to separate at the second level. Lacy pairs that explosiveness with physicality in pass protection and is reliable as a receiving option.
Durability will be the key question. Lacy had shoulder issues after the first round of the College Football Playoff last season and also aggravated a hamstring in the Fiesta Bowl.
If Lacy can stay healthy in 2026, he has the skill set to be a mid to late first-rounder.
Wide Receiver
Ryan Williams – Alabama
Williams has the home run speed of a first-round draft pick, showcasing his ability to separate from defensive backs. He’s shown that he can play in the slot or on the outside, and has the body control to make difficult catches and create YAC.
The deeper analysis for Williams is his size and his drop rate. Despite being Alabama’s no. 1 target, he had 13 drops in 2025.
For a high-volume receiver, he needs to clean the drops and add to his frame to solidify himself as a day-1 draft selection.
Cam Coleman – Texas
Coleman boasts prototypical size and sub-4.4 speed, giving him the tools to develop into a premier vertical threat at the NFL Level. He arrived in Texas after leading the Auburn Tigers in receiving with 708 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.
With his length and leaping ability, Coleman is a natural contested jump-ball receiver. However, he needs to refine change-of-direction routes, such as comebacks, to round out his route tree.
Regardless, Coleman’s ability to high-point the football makes him a matchup nightmare in the red zone, solidifying his draft stock.
Tight End
Trey’Dez Green – LSU
Green has been described as a “freak athlete”. Standing 6-foot-7, he has the catch radius to be an elite red-zone target. He recorded 33 receptions and seven touchdowns in 2025 at LSU and is projected to play both receiver and tight end in 2026, showcasing his versatility.
The only concern is his physicality as a blocker. He will likely look to add weight to improve in that area, but he is already capable of playing the hybrid style of the position right away.
If he adds strength as a blocker, Green has the tools to develop into a day-one selection and be a dangerous mismatch at the next level.
OL/DL
Jordan Seaton – LSU
Seaton was one of the most coveted players in the 2026 transfer portal. He arrives at LSU with two years of starting experience and elite pass protection skills, having allowed only one sack and five pressures on 541 snaps in 2025.
The next step in his development is run blocking. At 6-foot-5, 330 pounds, he struggled at times blocking second-level defenders in the running game.
If he continues to improve as a run blocker, Seaton has the tools to become one of the most complete offensive linemen in next year’s draft
Brandon Baker – Texas
Baker is one of the smartest offensive tackles in college football, with a strong grasp of the position’s technical demands. He is a physical run blocker who is versatile enough to move down to guard.
To elevate his draft stock, he’ll need to continue improving in pass protection, specifically his base and footwork.
He is a safe choice with a high floor for a team to take early in 2027.
Dylan Stewart – South Carolina
Stewart overwhelms offensive tackles with his long arms and burst, turning the corner quickly to punish quarterbacks as a pass rusher. Over the last two seasons, he has racked up 11 sacks and six forced fumbles. South Carolina has used him in different areas of the defensive line, giving him the versatility to play in a two and three-point stance.
He’ll need to continue developing as a run defender to take the next step in his overall game. His pad level can cause him to struggle to gain ground against the run, but he remains one of the most promising pass rushers projected for the 2027 NFL draft.
Defensive Back
Ellis Robinson IV – Georgia
Robinson has been a standout corner for Georgia, recording four interceptions in 2025. With long arms and a closing burst, he can bait quarterbacks into mistakes.
He still needs to grow in run support, but the benefit of developing in a Kirby Smart secondary should only accelerate his progress. If he can round his game out, he will solidify his 2027 draft stock as one of the SEC’s top corners.