In the old days (of, like, five years ago), some of the NFL Draft’s brightest diamonds could be mined by scouting underclassmen.Times have changed. Plenty of underclassmen still declare for the draft with eligibility remaining, but the existence of NIL — and the freedom of the transfer portal — continues to shrink that number. More talented players are extending their college careers.And while this makes projecting a draft class for the immediate future more difficult, the long-term payoff could be worth it for the NFL overall. As we know, this is not a developmental league. If colleges can keep players in an educational football environment a bit longer, it should help the pro product.With that in mind, here’s a look at the most intriguing offensive underclassmen who will be eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft.Notre Dame doesn't need to join a conference, for nowPete SampsonQuarterbacksDrew Mestemaker, Oklahoma State
CJ Carr, Notre DameWith apologies to Ohio State’s Julian Sayin, I’ll give Mestemaker and Carr the nod by the thinnest of margins. All three are exciting prospects who’ve already flashed first-round ability, though, even if they all have much left to prove.The 6-foot-4, 211-pound Mestemaker was a fearless, decisive thrower last year in North Texas’ Air Raid system. After the season, he followed coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State for 2026. Mestemaker plays with impressively calm feet in the pocket for a player his age. He’s aggressive and accurate downfield, and a plus athlete at his size. I’m eager to see how his processing develops this year, as he’ll face stiffer competition in the Big 12, but he threw for 4,379 yards, 34 touchdowns and nine picks with a 68.9 percent completion rate last year.Drew Mestemaker downfield throwsNick BaumgardnerCarr (6-2, 210) flashed a wonderful blend of athleticism and arm talent last season as a redshirt freshman starter. His ability to feel the rush, escape the pocket and extend plays is terrific. A tough competitor who is never out of a play, the 21-year-old Carr (whose grandfathers, Lloyd Carr and Tom Curtis, are both in the College Football Hall of Fame) is still young, experience-wise, and has to show more consistency from the pocket. Like Mestemaker, he has plenty of time to grow.It’s hard to call this a potentially great quarterback class right now, simply because we don’t know who’ll be available. Mestemaker and Sayin are true juniors who don’t need to rush anything; Carr is a redshirt sophomore in the same boat. Several of the other big names — Arch Manning, Dante Moore, LaNorris Sellers, Sam Leavitt and Darian Mensah — have at least one more year of eligibility, should they want it.Running backsKewan Lacy, Ole Miss
