Summer Scouting: Early look at 2027 NFL Draft Class – Defense

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Leonard Moore (15) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images Welcome to Summer Scouting, a personal favorite time of the year for me. Over the course of the next 1-2 months, I will be breaking down the draft classes, prospects to watch, breakout candidates, and much more on a week to week basis to better help prepare for the actual 2027 draft cycle.

The 2027 NFL draft is under a year away, and summer time is, for many, including myself the best part to scout. Previewing the potential future picks, and watching those will rise and fall over the next season into the draft process is always intriguing. The 2027 class has the ability to be a draft class that is talked about for the next decade with the potential talent that is slated to declare, and it’s not talent that is banking on a big year, but talent that has shown their abilities to play at a high level since they were true freshman.

The 2027 class is likely to be one of the deepest classes in NFL history, and for the Las Vegas Raiders, they only hold six selections, something I imagine will change this season and off-season with the potential trades of Kolton Miller, Maxx Crosby, and Kirk Cousins along with in draft trades. Regardless, a look at the 2027 class and where the strengths/weaknesses are at the beginning of summer scouting. EDGE Rushers: LET THEM RUN, ALSO MULTI GENERATIONAL POTENTIALTop Names: Colin Simmons (Texas), Dylan Stewart (South Carolina), Quincy Rhodes (Arkansas), Matayo Uiagalelei (Oregon), Anthony Smith (Minnesota), Anto Saka (Texas A&M), Damon Wilson (Miami), Will Heldt (Clemson), Yhonzae Pierre (Alabama), Princely Umanmielen (LSU), John Henry Daley (Michigan), Kenyatta Jackson (Ohio State), Jordan Ross (LSU), Teitum Tuioti (Oregon), Elijah Rushing (Oregon), Watch