Indiana football may have receivers picked in 2027 NFL Draft: What way-too-early mock drafts say

The 2026 NFL Draft just finished. Indiana football produced two first-round picks: Quarterback Fernando Mendoza went first to the Las Vegas Raiders, while wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. went 30th to the New York Jets.

Now, of course, it's time to project a year ahead. The first round of way-too-early mock drafts for 2027 are out, and they are quarterback-heavy at the top, as in most years. Some have four QBs going in the first five picks.

While IU's Josh Hoover isn't projected in the first round, a couple of his targets are: Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh . One of Hoover's protectors, tackle Carter Smith , gets some mentions, too. Is Indiana on its way to becoming Wide Receiver U?

Way-too-early mock drafts: How many Indiana football players will be picked in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft? Daniel Flick, Sports Illustrated Carter Smith, T, 25th to the San Francisco 49ers : "The 49ers gave Trent Williams a two-year contract extension three days before the draft, but they’ll have an opportunity next spring to draft and groom his replacement. Smith, the reigning Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year, doesn’t inherently need much time to sit and wait — he’s entering his fourth season as Indiana’s starting left tackle — but his movement skills would fit well in San Francisco.