In the final weeks of February, in perhaps the only quiet month on the college football calendar, the 2027 high school recruiting cycle is gaining steam. With the 2026 class and transfer portal window closed, programs across the country are now casting their attention firmly on the Class of 2027 this spring as elite prospects lock in visits, cut down lists of finalists and settle on commitment dates.
It's only natural to have your own personal favorite players you hope the Dallas Cowboys draft. We all have our own vision of who we believe can help the organization improve. It's one of the reasons why all of these mock draft exercises are fun and entertaining. And, it's a great way to learn about certain players you may have overlooked or had ranked differently than someone else.
The Super Bowl is set, which also means picks 1-30 are locked in, with only the Seahawks' and Patriots' selection spots yet to be decided. In my latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Fernando Mendoza is locked in at number one, but how many QBs will go in Round 1? Plus, the Bears will look to add to their defensive line. Will they get that help at 25th overall?
Next year's group of pro prospects has the opportunity to be special. It already had headliners in Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and Texas quarterback Arch Manning. But it got even better on Wednesday, when Oregon quarterback Dante Moore -- thought to be a top-five pick in 2026 -- announced his return to the Ducks for next season. And we're still not sure if Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss will be part of the class, too, which we'll dive into below.
Now the question is where the Raiders head next under the direction of owner Mark Davis, minority owner Tom Brady and general manager John Spytek. Davis said in a statement that Spytek would work with Brady to find the next coach. Together, they will guide football decisions with a shared focus on leadership, culture, and alignment with the organization's long-term vision and goals, Davis said.
Manning has immense potential, but his starts came against 2-10 Mississippi State and 5-7 Louisiana Monroe. At 6-foot-4, 222 pounds, Manning has prototypical size and a well-built frame.