The 2027 NFL Draft is still months away, but teams are already preparing for the draft. Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith is looking to be the first wide receiver drafted first overall in 30 years. Smith is the top player on ESPN's NFL Draft Analyst Mel Kiper Jr.'s big board. Meanwhile, Notre Dame also has a top-three-ranked player.
Further, Notre Dame is the only team with two players ranked on Kiper's big board.
Cornerback Leonard Moore is ranked third on the big board and is the top defensive player.
“Moore is exactly what NFL coaches look for in a lockdown cornerback. He has elite length and ball skills, with seven interceptions and 22 pass breakups over his three-year career. He's scheme versatile, too. Moore displays great awareness and instincts in coverage, and he's a silky smooth mover. His footwork is truly outstanding,” Kiper wrote.
Meanwhile, Moore is not the only player from Notre Dame listed in the 25-player big board. CJ Carr is ranked eighth on the big board.
Article Continues Below“There's a lot to like in Carr's game. He's smart and processes quickly before and after the snap, which is part of the reason he has taken just two sacks all season. He's accurate to all levels and throws with anticipation. And while his arm strength is good but not great, he can cause conflict for defenses with his mobility. Carr can throw on the move or pick up a first down on the ground. Nothing phases him, and he's always in control. In short, Carr is pretty advanced in the key areas of NFL-level quarterback play,” Kiper continued.
While Carr is eighth on the big board, he is the fourth quarterback. Drew Mestemaker from Oklahoma State ranks as the top quarterback and second overall. Darian Mensah from Miami and Trinidad Chambliss from Ole Miss also sit in front of Carr. Meanwhile, Austin Simmons from Missouri, Arch Manning from Texas, and Dante Moore from Oregon are all ranked in the top 25.