Although the 2026 season is just around the corner, it’s not too early for a 2027 NFL mock draft. Sorry, but mock drafts are always fun.
Who will the Las Vegas Raiders draft next year? Ryan Moran of Yahoo Sports released a 2027 NFL mock draft recently and has the Raiders taking wide receiver Jeremiah Smith fifth overall:
“Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State | WR
The Las Vegas Raiders will have to invest in their offense to support (quarterback) Fernando Mendoza. Particularly, their wide receiver group will need some reinforcements. Jeremiah Smith out of Ohio State has the potential to be generational. Over his first two seasons in Columbus, Smith has posted a whopping 163 catches, 2,558 yards (15.7 per catch), and 27 touchdowns. Smith is a prototypical X-receiver with his 6-foot-3, 223-pound frame, while also having great speed. Smith can make big plays downfield and after the catch, and he would give the Raiders’ offense the presence they need on the perimeter.”
Sure, some fans may think it isn’t time for a 2027 NFL mock draft yet. But the rebuilding Raiders could certainly use an exciting playmaker like Smith. That’s for sure.
Raiders Land Jeremiah Smith in 2027 NFL Mock Draft
Smith’s Career Thus Far
Smith attended Miami Central Senior High School in Miami, Florida, before transferring to Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, located in Hollywood, Florida. As a senior, he was named an All-American and won the All-American Bowl Player of the Year Award.
Smith was then the top-ranked prospect of the incoming 2024 college football class. He received offers from schools such as Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, and USC. Yet, he ultimately committed to play for Ohio State.
It didn’t take long at all for Smith to make an impact for the Buckeyes. He caught six passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns during his college debut against Akron. Later on, Smith was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after recording six receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns against Michigan State.
Then he was named the Rose Bowl Offensive MVP, as he had seven catches for 187 yards and a pair of receiving touchdowns. Ohio State defeated Oregon 41-21 in that game.
Smith enjoyed an amazing first year at Ohio State. He was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Big Ten Receiver of the Year, and was a First-Team All-American. In addition, Smith broke the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision freshman receiving record. And oh yeah, he also helped the Buckeyes win the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship as they beat Notre Dame 34-23.
Smith recorded 87 catches, 1,243 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore last season. He was also a unanimous All-American and was named First-Team All-Big Ten for the second year in a row.
Should the Raiders Draft Him?
The Raiders had a forgettable 2025 season, finishing with a 3-14 record. As a result, they received the top pick in the 2026 draft, which they used to select Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza is coming off a stellar campaign with the Indiana Hoosiers, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading the school to a National Championship. He’s obviously expected to be a franchise quarterback for Las Vegas. But, of course, it’s unclear if that will happen, seeing that he hasn’t played in an NFL game yet.
Like any quarterback, Mendoza needs a go-to receiver. The Raiders should absolutely take Smith if they get the opportunity to do so in next year’s draft.
Smith could team with tight end Brock Bowers and second-year running back Ashton Jeanty to give Mendoza a dynamic supporting cast in Vegas.
Ohio State has produced a bunch of talented receivers over the years, like the Seattle Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Emeka Egbuka. The list goes on and on. Perhaps Smith will become the school’s greatest NFL wideout when it’s all said and done.
Smith would bring a blend of height, weight, and speed, and knows how to create separation from defenders. That’s the perfect weapon for Mendoza.
Main Image: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
