Aug. 29, 2026, 9:59 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
How early is too early to release mock drafts? For some, it is never too early. That’s kind of the beauty of the mock draft: projecting potential trades, surprise picks, and predicting where players might land. Some may think it is far too early to be looking ahead to the 2027 NFL Draft, but for one ESPN writer, the time is always right to be doing mock drafts.<\/p>\n
Jordan Reid of ESPN<\/a> went through and made predictions for the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft and has the Cleveland Browns<\/a> making a blockbuster trade, moving up to the first overall pick.<\/p>\n The package? Picks 4, 32, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick to move up and select Oregon QB Dante Moore:<\/p>\n I had the Dolphins<\/a> trade out because they\u00a0recently invested<\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0Malik Willis<\/a>. While a lot depends on Willis’ performance this season, Miami does already have a promising young quarterback. Unless\u00a0Shedeur Sanders<\/a>\u00a0makes a massive leap in Year 2 (which seems unlikely<\/a>), the Browns do not.\u00a0Deshaun Watson<\/a>‘s contract ends after this season, as well, making this a perfect time for Cleveland to take another swing at that elusive franchise QB to join the young talent it has accumulated in the past couple drafts.<\/p>\n Moore has squeaky-clean mechanics, and his accuracy shined in his first year as a starter. This would be a good situation for him, with young players he can grow alongside. If he brings his stellar college play to the NFL, the Browns could turn things around quickly.<\/p>\n Dante Moore is a quietly polarizing draft prospect. Some believe he plays things too safe, not really pushing the ball into tight windows or showing off his deep ball. Others believe his polished mechanics and plus accuracy make his floor higher than others. Had Moore declared for this draft, he likely would have been the second overall pick. In this mock, Cleveland finally invests in a franchise quarterback.<\/p>\n