The 2027 NFL Draft is still a distant prospect, but for some players, the upcoming season is their last chance to prove themselves. With a full year of preparation and a fresh start, these 10 prospects have the opportunity to boost their draft stock and secure a spot among the top picks. Here's a closer look at each player and why they have something to prove this fall.
WR Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama
As a freshman, Coleman-Williams showed immense potential, but his sophomore season was marred by injuries and a lack of reliability. With a concussion and leg injury to navigate, he also struggled with the basics of his position, dropping 14 passes, which is a Football Bowl Subdivision record. However, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer believes Coleman-Williams has put in the work to rectify these issues. If he can prove more reliable and re-establish his explosiveness after the catch, he could return to the first-round conversation. Personally, I think Coleman-Williams has the talent to succeed, but he needs to show consistency and mental toughness to overcome his struggles.
WR Nyck Harbor, South Carolina
Even as a high schooler, Harbor was an athletic marvel, but his college career has been a disappointment. Despite leading the Gamecocks with 618 yards and six touchdown catches as a junior, he still needs to prove he can be a reliable asset for an offense. The arrival of new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles could create more favorable looks for Harbor and quarterback LaNorris Sellers, but it's up to Harbor to take advantage of this opportunity. In my opinion, Harbor has the physical tools to succeed, but he needs to show more consistency and reliability on the field.
OT Xavier Chaplin, Florida State
Chaplin transferred from Virginia Tech to Auburn with high hopes, but a turbulent transition to the Southeastern Conference halted any notion of a lofty draft spot. His penalty problems were so pervasive that his former coach, Hugh Freeze, later acknowledged a hearing problem was contributing to his woes. With a fresh start at Florida State, Chaplin has one last chance to demonstrate his abilities. He could be an enticing project in the pros as a mauling presence, but he still needs considerable refinement. Personally, I think Chaplin has the potential to be a solid offensive tackle, but he needs to show more consistency and discipline to reach his full potential.
DE Keon Keeley, Notre Dame
Keeley was the marquee signing of Nick Saban's recruiting class at Alabama, but he never quite found his way. Things seemed to be coming together toward the end of last season, but he opted to transfer to Notre Dame. A force off the edge at 6-5 and 275 pounds, Keeley should benefit from working on a Fighting Irish defensive line that features established disruptors. From my perspective, Keeley has the talent to succeed, but he needs to show more consistency and leadership to become a key player on the team.
DE Jordan Ross, LSU
Ross is another former five-star recruit who has hit the transfer portal. Despite showing promise at Tennessee, he has yet to see his talents translate into consistent production. Working opposite a more prolific arrival from the SEC, Ross has the opportunity to weaponize his combination of speed and power. What many people don't realize is that Ross has the potential to be a dominant edge rusher, but he needs to show more consistency and leadership to reach his full potential.
DE Dylan Stewart, South Carolina
Stewart had a stunning introduction to college football as a freshman, but his follow-up effort was a significant letdown due to a nagging back injury. The 6-5, 245-pound edge rusher will seek a return to form in the fall as the cornerstone of a defense. Stewart can be overly reliant on his speed and quickness, but rounding out his game with more force could make him a strong candidate to be the first defensive player taken in 2027. Personally, I think Stewart has the talent to succeed, but he needs to show more consistency and discipline to overcome his injuries.
OLBs Trey White and Adam Trick, Texas Tech
White and Trick are trying to capitalize on strong showings from the previous year, each dominating against lower-level competition. White's build might pose a problem for his pro projection, but he doesn't shy away from working inside or getting physical with opposing blockers. Trick led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 73 pressures, and both will benefit greatly if they can maintain their impressive production against Big 12 foes. In my opinion, White and Trick have the talent to succeed, but they need to show more consistency and leadership to become key players on the team.
CB AJ Harris, Indiana
Harris' preseason first-round buzz dissipated amid uneven outings, and a change of scenery within the Big Ten might do him some good. Harris is set to be a key figure for a Hoosiers secondary in transition, teaming up with fellow promising cornerback Jamari Sharpe. With just one interception and six passes defensed in three collegiate seasons, Harris might never be more than a marginal threat to make a play on the ball. However, few cornerbacks can stick with bigger receivers downfield as well as shiftier targets underneath the way Harris can. Personally, I think Harris has the potential to succeed, but he needs to show more consistency and discipline to become a key player on the team.
CB DJ McKinney, Notre Dame
McKinney looked poised for a breakout season as the new focal point of Colorado's secondary, but a turbulent year in coverage prompted him to transfer to Notre Dame. Working opposite unanimous All-American and potential top-10 pick Leonard Moore, McKinney will return to a role in which he's afforded more favorable matchups. One likely point of emphasis for McKinney: Filling out his frame to better hold up in man coverage against more physical receivers. In my opinion, McKinney has the talent to succeed, but he needs to show more consistency and leadership to become a key player on the team.
The Takeaway
These 10 prospects have the opportunity to boost their draft stock and secure a spot among the top picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. With a full year of preparation and a fresh start, they can prove themselves and show the world what they're made of. However, it's up to them to take advantage of this opportunity and show consistency, discipline, and leadership to reach their full potential.
