The 2026 NFL Draft may have just ended, but it's never too early to look ahead to the 2027 draft.
The Indiana Hoosiers put forth a record-breaking showing in this year's draft by having eight players selected. In addition, Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall to the Raiders and Omar Cooper Jr. going No. 30 overall to the Jets made them the first pair of Hoosier teammates to both be selected in the first round of the same draft.
Fernando Mendoza receives emotional message from his mom after going No. 1 overall
Looking ahead to next season, there are a handful of players from Indiana who could hear their names called in the 2027 NFL Draft. But who are the standouts that are early picks to be potential first round selections? Two players come to mind.
WR Charlie Becker
WR Charlie Becker is arguably Indiana's best player heading into the 2026-27 season, and has plenty of first round potential. Becker is Indiana's top returning receiver from last year's National Championship team, as he hauled in 34 catches for 679 yards and four touchdowns. The Nashville, TN native was at his best when it mattered most, as he constantly stepped up to make crucial catches in the biggest moments of Indiana's College Football Playoff run.
Owning a 6'4" 207-pound frame, Becker is already garnering first round attention. In the way-too-early 2027 mock draft from CBS Sports, Becker is slated to go No. 32 overall to the Los Angeles Rams. Becker thrives at making contested catches (especially back shoulder throws), and possesses a strong deep threat ability reminiscent of Alec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts.
OT Carter Smith
OT Carter Smith has been among the most reliable offensive linemen in all of college football throughout his career. He made 41 consecutive starts at left tackle dating back to the 2023 season, and played a major role in keeping Fernando Mendoza protected during his Heisman Trophy-winning season. Furthermore, Smith is a key anchor in a Hoosier offensive line that was named semifinalists for the Joe Moore Award in both 2024 and 2025.
Smith made history this past season, as he became the first Hoosier to win the Big Ten’s Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award. He owns a solid 6'5" 308-pound frame, and has allowed just four sacks over 2,516 snaps in his career in Bloomington. Don't be surprised if Smith's draft stock continues to rise over the next year.
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