The 2027 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a quarterback-rich affair, with six players in the top tier alone. This is a significant development, as it suggests that the Steelers could be in the market for a quarterback once again, despite their recent draft of Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The talent pool is so deep that it's possible for five or more quarterbacks to be selected in the first round. This is a notable shift from the previous year, where the draft was less quarterback-rich.
The top tier includes some of the most highly touted prospects, such as Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Drew Mestemaker, CJ Carr, Julian Sayin, and Jayden Maiava. However, it's important to remember that these players are not guaranteed to declare for the draft. For instance, Dante Moore surprised many by returning to Oregon this year, despite being projected as the No. 2 pick in the draft.
One player who has fallen from grace is Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby. He was a projected first-round pick until an investigation into his gambling activities commenced. Despite receiving an injunction allowing him to play this season, Sorsby's off-the-field red flags could cause him to fall further than expected. He'll need to have a strong season on the field to maintain his first-round status.
The third tier includes players like Sam Leavitt, Darian Mensah, Trinidad Chambliss, and LaNorris Sellers. These players had first-round buzz prior to the 2025 season but struggled with uneven performances, leading them to return to school. However, the fact that they are in the third tier still indicates their potential as first-round picks.
The Steelers' position in the draft is limited by their current standing. With a top-half first-round pick, they may not have the opportunity to select a true game-changer at quarterback. However, the talent-rich nature of the class means that the Steelers could still draft a first-round quarterback. In an ideal scenario, Allar and/or Will Howard would develop enough to fill the team's needs, but the depth of the class makes it a real possibility.
In conclusion, the 2027 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a quarterback-rich affair, with a deep talent pool that could benefit the Steelers. While the team's current position may limit their options, the draft's depth means that they could still select a first-round quarterback. The development of Allar and Howard will be crucial in determining the team's future at the quarterback position.
