The 2027 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a quarterback-rich affair, with six players in the top tier, according to The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner. This draft class is so deep that it's projected to have five or more quarterbacks selected in the first round. But with the Pittsburgh Steelers already having drafted Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, they might still be in the market for a quarterback in 2027. Baumgardner's tiers provide an early look at the talent available, with Texas' Arch Manning, Oregon's Dante Moore, Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker, Notre Dame's CJ Carr, Ohio State's Julian Sayin, and USC's Jayden Maiava all in the top tier. However, it's important to remember that these rankings are not set in stone. Moore, for instance, surprised many by returning to Oregon this year despite being projected as the No. 2 pick in the draft.
One player who could fall further than expected is Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby, who was a projected first-round pick until an investigation into his gambling activities began. Despite receiving an injunction allowing him to play this season, Sorsby's off-the-field red flags could impact his draft stock. He'll need to have a strong season to stay in first-round consideration.
Baumgardner's Tier 3 includes LSU's Sam Leavitt, Miami's Darian Mensah, Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss, and South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers. Chambliss had first-round buzz if he returned to Ole Miss, and his placement in Tier 3 highlights the strength of this quarterback class. Sellers and Leavitt also had first-round potential before the 2025 season, but their uneven performances led them to return to school.
The Steelers' draft position is crucial, as they are unlikely to be drafting in the top half of the first round. This limits their ability to select a true game-changer at quarterback. However, with 11 players in the top three tiers and the third tier containing first-round talent, the Steelers still have potential options. In an ideal scenario, Allar and/or Will Howard develop enough for the Steelers to avoid drafting another quarterback. But in a talent-rich class, it's a possibility, and the team has a variety of potential choices.
This draft class is particularly intriguing due to its depth and the potential for multiple quarterbacks to be selected in the first round. The Steelers' strategy will be crucial, as they navigate the talent-rich landscape and make decisions that could shape their future at the quarterback position.
