I broke down the 2027 scouting classes in my early summer scouting series, and the room has a ton of potential with a long list of potential standout players. I broke down the offense and defense in articles and I suggest reading those for a broad aspect of the room. The Raiders do have some talent on the interior OL, and I'd expect Las Vegas to add more in 2027 as John Spytek does. The Raiders will see Jeremy Chinn possibly hit free agency, and they did add rookies Treydan Stuke & Dalton Johnson this last year, though Stukes likely will play a diverse bandit safety role leaving some holes in the FS and SS positions. The 2027 draft class is exceptional at safety, and Las Vegas could really use a rangy over the top free safety that they have lacked for a long time.
These rankings are extremely early, and they will evolve over not only the summer but the next 8-10 months throughout the season, and into draft season. Some lists will feature 10, 15, 20, or more ranked prospects but I'll include others on the list below to note.
Tae Johnson, Notre Dame – 6'3/195, R-So
Elite. Johnson is coming off a 2025 where in his first year as a starter he logged 51 tackles, 4 INT, and 7 PBU with another 2 TD and a FF. Johnson allowed a 51.7 QBR, is an elite tackler, and he's an uber athlete. He has a phenomenal first step and continues to show sideline to sideline ability. Johnson plays physical, has elite hip flexibility, and he uses his full body in most reps with an ability to consistently turn and run and take away passing lanes. Johnson is smart, he has an ability to read and react well, and with his first step quickness Johnson can close passing lanes quickly to jump routes. As a run defender, Johnson is able to drive downfield, he's shown good great tackling angles, and is just a strong tackler overall. There's a lot of potential for Johnson to be even better than Xavier Watts, Alohi Gilman, and Kyle Hamilton.
KJ Bolden, Georgia – 6'0/190, Jr
#elite
These rankings are extremely early, and they will evolve over not only the summer but the next 8-10 months throughout the season, and into draft season. Some lists will feature 10, 15, 20, or more ranked prospects but I'll include others on the list below to note.
Tae Johnson, Notre Dame – 6'3/195, R-So
Elite. Johnson is coming off a 2025 where in his first year as a starter he logged 51 tackles, 4 INT, and 7 PBU with another 2 TD and a FF. Johnson allowed a 51.7 QBR, is an elite tackler, and he's an uber athlete. He has a phenomenal first step and continues to show sideline to sideline ability. Johnson plays physical, has elite hip flexibility, and he uses his full body in most reps with an ability to consistently turn and run and take away passing lanes. Johnson is smart, he has an ability to read and react well, and with his first step quickness Johnson can close passing lanes quickly to jump routes. As a run defender, Johnson is able to drive downfield, he's shown good great tackling angles, and is just a strong tackler overall. There's a lot of potential for Johnson to be even better than Xavier Watts, Alohi Gilman, and Kyle Hamilton.
KJ Bolden, Georgia – 6'0/190, Jr
#elite
3 months ago
