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

[ASFN Admin]

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."
• Charlie Becker, WR, 26th to the Dallas Cowboys: "If Dallas reaches a long-term agreement with George Pickens, it won’t have to worry about a first-round receiver. But the Cowboys’ offense is at its best with a big-bodied receiver opposite CeeDee Lamb, and the 6' 4", 204-pound Becker certainly satisfies the requirement. Becker may have been Indiana’s best receiver over the final seven games of the Hoosiers’ run to the national championship, showing elite ball skills, body control and athleticism to routinely finish through contact and hit explosiveness downfield."
• Nick Marsh, WR, 32nd to the Los Angeles Rams: "The Rams have a daunting list of free agents next spring, including Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, and they didn’t draft a receiver until the sixth round. Marsh, a Michigan State transfer, is big and explosive at 6' 3" and 213 pounds, and he pairs quality ball skills with impressive run-after-catch potential. He’s in line for a big debut season at Indiana."

Cooper Petagna, CBS Sports​

• Becker, 32nd to the Rams: "A key cog in Indiana's title run, Becker began to emerge in early November, including a seven-catch, 118-yard performance at Penn State. An interchangeable weapon, he pairs a 6-foot-4 frame with elite body control and strong 50/50 skills — traits that should help him continue climbing boards."

Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report​

• Marsh, 11th to the New York Giants: "Nick Marsh fits the mold of a prototypical boundary X-receiver. He has the frame and strength to flourish against physical coverage and short-area quickness to win early at the line of scrimmage."
• Becker, 18th to the New York Jets: "Becker ... has an opportunity this season to continue in his development as a big-time downfield target with new quarterback Josh Hoover, while playing opposite Nick Marsh. The 6'4" junior is extremely difficult for defensive backs to handle thanks to elite ball tracking skills and body control."

Tim Crean, Clutch Points​

• Marsh, 20th to the Denver Broncos: "The Michigan State transfer should have a big year with Indiana, and when he does, Nick Marsh will make himself a no-doubt Round 1 pick. At 6-foot-3, 203 pounds, Marsh's blend of speed and physicality is exactly what NFL teams are looking for. Sean Payton will have a field day with his new X receiver."
• Becker, 26th to the New England Patriots: "Charlie Becker was the unsung hero of the Indiana receiving corps last season, and in 2026, he will get his shine next to Marsh. Becker is a lot like Alec Pierce. He has good size at 6-foot-3 and can be a sneaky field stretcher with his speed and track background."
• Smith, 32nd to the Rams: "With Ty Simpson possibly getting ready to start for the first time, the Rams should focus on beefing up the offensive line ahead of him. Carter Smith can play four positions at the NFL level, so adding him in 2027 will improve the unit in front of Simpson in one way or another."

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY​

• Marsh, 23rd to the Cowboys: "George Pickens might soon be running an out route after Dallas informed the franchise-tagged receiver it wouldn't be offering him an extension before the season. Should a trade materialize or the Cowboys simply want to move on, they could use their second first-rounder from the Micah Parsons deal to find a replacement. Marsh presents a comparable skill set, highlighted by the 6-3, 203-pounder's penchant for pulling down contested catches and a clear comfort working deep. He could flourish in Indiana's offense after transferring from Michigan State."

Nicholas Rome, Saturday Blitz​

• Marsh, 32nd to the Rams: "The Rams stunned everyone by picking Ty Simpson, giving the team a long-term plan for life after Matthew Stafford. Next offseason, the Rams could also have to replace the aging Davante Adams at wide receiver. Nick Marsh has flashed his talent at Michigan State, and as he gets competent quarterback play at Indiana, he should be set to break out."

Want more Hoosiers coverage? Sign up for IndyStar's Hoosiers newsletter. Listen to Mind Your Banners, our IU Athletics-centric podcast, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch the latest on IndyStar TV: Hoosiers.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL Draft 2027: Way-too-early mocks have Indiana football receivers picked

Continue reading...