Leonard Moore — 2027 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

A Thorpe Award finalist and All-American as a true sophomore, Moore has the size, easy movement skills and instincts NFL teams are looking for at cornerback. Had he been eligible for the 2026 draft, he would have heard his name called in the first round.

With solid length and elite production, the All-American cornerback is a premier prospect who can be trusted on an island against the NFL's top wideouts from an early age.

Moore is a fluid athlete who stays in phase and uses his length to be consistently disruptive downfield. His smooth change of direction allows him to play both outside and in the slot, which will make his transition to the next level even smoother.

Like in 2024, it could be a while before the first defensive player is selected. Moore is a long, fluid prospect who is a high-quality press-man corner. He finished with five interceptions last season and allowed only 12 receptions. Moore's length, speed and recognition of passing concepts also allow him to clog windows in zone coverage. He needs to improve as a tackler and can be overly handsy, but Moore reminds me of Christian Gonzalez and can be a true shutdown corner in the NFL. With Mike Jackson entering a contract year, Moore could be a great pairing with Jaycee Horn in Carolina -- if he makes it this far.

Scouts think the only thing that could keep Moore out of the top five is the potential for so many quarterbacks to go early. A tall, athletic cover man, Moore blankets wide receivers — he's combined for seven interceptions over his first two seasons in South Bend.

Arguably the most complete prospect in the country, Moore projects as one of the safest bets in next year's class. At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he offers excellent size and length, and his combination of instincts and experience puts him firmly in the mix to be the first defensive player off the board in 2027.

Moore could have been a top-10 selection this year following his FBS-best campaign last fall, highlighted by a 91.8 overall PFF grade. He recorded five interceptions, emerging as an established star for the Notre Dame defense.