Updated 2027 MD/DC/DE Rankings Top 10 Breakdown: New Top Prospect

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I break down the top 10 from the recent 2027 MD rankings and showcase why each prospect earned their ranking. With a new #1 prospect and a group dominated by the trenches with 7 of the 10 being OL/DL players. While 4 of the top 10, are EDGE defenders with the top 2 overall being Edge prospects out of the WCAC. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["505244"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69761c4b63c6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pace takes the #1 spot in the recent rankings, moving up from the #5 position in the pre-season rankings. James put together a dominant 2025 season for the undefeated WCAC Champion DeMatha Stags. James is a premier complete 5 tool edge rusher. Capable of winning with speed, power, bend, technique, and a relentless motor. James has the size and frame to translate to the next level right away...can see him being a yoked up 265 DE in college. That's why hit top 8 consist of National Powers like Oregon, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio St, and Alabama. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've seen James multiple times over the last few years and DeMatha coaches raved about him to me since he was a freshman. I was impressed with him from day 1 of seeing him in practice as a sophomore. In DeMatha's first game of the 2025 season I watched him in person almost single handedly shut down highly ranked St. Joseph's (PA). James put on a show with excellent hand work, as well as just overpowering OL running over them on his way to the QB. Pace made plays like that all year long and is a primed to be be an impact player at the next level with his ability to when multiple ways. That whole package ability is why he claimed the #1 spot and will continue to terror OL into his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Down to 10, All glory to God!<a href="https://twitter.com/TheUCReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheUCReport</a> @On3sports <a href="https://t.co/5Ky1HTI3yV">pic.twitter.com/5Ky1HTI3yV</a></p>&mdash; James “Jroc” Pace (@luljroc_) <a href="https://twitter.com/luljroc_/status/1957805886837026908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1291840"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69761c4b63d06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Anthony makes it back-to-back WCAC Edge rushers topping the rankings as he maintains his #2 pre-season spot once again. Sweeney is a player with elite length with 35" arms and an excellent long lean frame that continues to fill out with good bulk. I've watched Ant since his freshman year and he has developed &amp; improved every season. He has that rare blend of length, athleticism and bend. Anthony plays with natural twitch and excellent hip work to get around the OTs side and bend down the line to get toe the QB quickly. He also plays with a high motor and able to pursue plays from the backside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sweeney is a prospect coveted by colleges right now with over 30+ P4 Offers from top teams all over the country. His positional versatility from the edge, as a stand up or hand in dirt DE, to go with his unlimited potential is why he is so coveted and a top prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The power displayed by [player_tooltip player_id='1291840' first='Anthony' last='Sweeney'] on this rep was wild 😳 <a href="https://twitter.com/TankManBeast?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TankManBeast</a> <br><br>The No. 3 DE in the 2027 class showing us exactly what he's capable of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UANext?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UANext</a> <a href="https://t.co/kEEKn92Zkx">pic.twitter.com/kEEKn92Zkx</a></p>&mdash; Billy Tucker (@TheUCReport) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUCReport/status/2006942044825206841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["909896"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69761c4b63d93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Layton stays the # 1 OL MD/DC/DE Prospect and the #1 DE prospect as he has been since his freshman year. With ideal size at 6'6+" 270lbs with 34" arms, Layton is what colleges look for in OTs. The former Penn State commit has some of the top colleges in that nation courting him right now. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A pure LT, Layton has agile feet and good overall athleticism for the position. He can get out in space and get upfield taking on and blowing up defenders. He has the power and strength to dominate in run blocking. As well as the hand work, flexibility and feet to be a wall in pass pro. I like how Layton plays attitude and violence, throwing opponents out the club and burying them in the dirt. With his size and ability and positional value Layton is always in contention for the #1 spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blessed to be ranked a 4 ⭐️ top 100 player regardless of position &amp; a top OT on every service. Currently 6&#039;6.5,275lbs ,82&#039; wingspan,UA All American ,on pace to graduate early (Dec 2026) my recruitment is now 100% open. Coaches my DMs are open let&#039;s build <a href="https://twitter.com/AppoFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AppoFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/sKyCFSQgnN">pic.twitter.com/sKyCFSQgnN</a></p>&mdash; Layton von Brandt🚂 (@LaytonvonBrandt) <a href="https://twitter.com/LaytonvonBrandt/status/1977560724600946955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734784"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69761c4b63e00"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Texas A&amp;M commit has ideal size and length for today's CB. Raylaun is a lock down player who can take a teams top WR out of the game. Most QBs don't even throw his way which is he was only targeted 33 times all season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With smooth fluid hips and sound technique, Raylaun is able to play shutdown press coverage. He is physical enough to engage at the LOS and get receivers off their timing. As well as using his length, ball skills, and great timing to get PBUs consistently. A complete CB who is primed to contribute at the next level lead to Raylaun making a small jump from preseason rankings into the top 5 and the #1 overall DB.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["717345"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69761c4b63e79"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Joseph makes his name as a top 5 player in the rankings and the #1 overall DL as he can wreck havoc against offenses from any spot along the D-line. Able to play inside as a 3 tech or a multi-front DE, he will make offenses pay from anywhere on the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A player I have gotten to see live multiple times over the years, one thing about Joseph that stands out the most is relentless motor and energy he brings every down. Joseph plays with intensity and physicality and sets the tone for the defense. Buchanan has excellent pop and first step off the snap for his size. To go along with top level power and strength. He over powers blockers and is constantly in the backfield making impact tackles. With offers &amp; interest from some of the top colleges in the nation, Joseph will be a force for years to come. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out my Junior Season film! 5 minutes of violence and disruption! <a href="https://t.co/t8BAFJ4ODy">https://t.co/t8BAFJ4ODy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/McDCoachSule?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@McDCoachSule</a> <a href="https://t.co/SmL1GjBwXC">pic.twitter.com/SmL1GjBwXC</a></p>&mdash; Joseph &quot;Buc&quot; Buchanan III 4⭐️ (@sackchasin_buc) <a href="https://twitter.com/sackchasin_buc/status/1991983872473698810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1628248"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69761c4b63ef0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An edge rusher prospect on the rise, Rion continues to impress after blowing up on the scene last year. With elite size at 6'5", an 82" wingspan, and a lean frame that will fill out with rocked up muscle when he gets to a college weight room...Rion checks the boxes. More and more colleges are starting to take notice as well, as he has racked double digit P4 offers from some of the top schools in the nation. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rion is a multi-sport kid, playing basketball and lacrosse as well. That athleticism shows on the football field as he is able to play out in space, and hold the edge as a rusher. He's got excellent burst and speed with a recorded 4.65 40. When he fires of the snap it is hard for OTs to keep him in-front as he is by them in just a few steps. With another strong spring/summer Rion could be challenging the top 2 edge rushers for their ranking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/n9bY6nb64E">https://t.co/n9bY6nb64E</a><br>Coming for it all next year!😤 <a href="https://t.co/vDlZWc5JWJ">pic.twitter.com/vDlZWc5JWJ</a></p>&mdash; Rion Jackson15 (@RionJackson15) <a href="https://twitter.com/RionJackson15/status/1991330366507086170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["934280"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69761c4b63f61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jamar stays in the top 10 from pre-season, moving up two spots to #7 and is the #1 rated ATH and second highest prospect out of Delaware. He has a handful of offers from the likes of Duke, Michigan, NC State and more. However I feel he is still an under recruited prospect and should blow up this spring/summer as more teams get eyes on him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Possessing excellent size, build, and length, Jamar plays WR but I have him as an ATH because he develops he could morph into an athlete capable of playing multiple roles for a team. Jamar has excellent ball skills and body control when attacking the pass in the air. His hands are constantly improving and he is high level athlete, recently breaking the Sallie school record with a 6'7" High Jump. Jamar is a player I have been high for a while now and he is a gem prospect on the rise. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ALL HANDS 👐🏽<br>6'4” | 205 lbs WR still putting the work in and showing reliable hands at <a href="https://twitter.com/Pylon7on7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pylon7on7</a> this past weekend in Jersey.<br>Progress every rep. The grind continues.<a href="https://twitter.com/RFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CuseFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CuseFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DukeFOOTBALL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DukeFOOTBALL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NCState?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NCState</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PennStateFball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PennStateFball</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WRU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WRU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/7v7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#7v7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ClassOf2027?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ClassOf2027</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StudentAthlete?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StudentAthlete</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Mvsj21_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mvsj21_</a> <a href="https://t.co/j4WcZwZFml">pic.twitter.com/j4WcZwZFml</a></p>&mdash; [player_tooltip player_id='934280' first='Jamar' last='Taylor'] (@iamjamartaylor1) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamjamartaylor1/status/2013747917748576568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1348739"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69761c4b63fdb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jaiden is an OL prospect capable of playing anywhere along the line, but makes his home at OG. He stays in the top 10 once again and is the #1 IOL prospect in the rankings. He holds double digit offers and I expect that number to grow significantly before his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As an IOL, Jaiden has a great built and impressive arm length for the position. He plays with strength and power. Brings an attitude to his blocking, playing with some nasty and violence. Jaiden is also an excellent athlete for the position. Able to get out of his stance with pop and burst. A very proficient puller as well, Jaiden can skip pull, turn and go up field while running in his toes and coming with bad intentions. Jaiden is another player I have seen since his freshman year and he continues to dominate competition and impress on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who wants a dawg, 1st team All-WCAC, 1st team All-Met as a junior, 6'3 276lbs, athletic, dominant, nasty. With a 3.3gpa <br>DMS open <a href="https://t.co/bGGmn5Xh6v">pic.twitter.com/bGGmn5Xh6v</a></p>&mdash; jaiden lindsay (@_jaidenlindsay) <a href="https://twitter.com/_jaidenlindsay/status/2001066828840272128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734850"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69761c4b6404e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Myles stays in the top 10 and is the #1 overall WR recruit in the rankings. He did take a slight drop due to missing the season with an injury. Looking to be back at full strength already however, he should be out all spring and summer showing off his skill set once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A premier route runner, Myles stems his routes strongly while making crisp cuts and using body movement to throw off defenders and create separation. Capable of playing out wide or in the slot he offers great versatility and ability to make plays in any scheme. He's sure handed and no stranger to making the difficult catch. Don't be surprised to see Myles jump back up in the rankings once I am able to see him action post injury. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I Will Be At Battle Miami This Weekend!!<br>AGTFG <br>IPMFIGF<br>Psalms 37:5<a href="https://twitter.com/EdOBrienCFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EdOBrienCFB</a><a href="https://twitter.com/BrianDohn247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianDohn247</a> @RivalsFriedman @On3sports<a href="https://twitter.com/Spotlight39_Pod?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Spotlight39_Pod</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUCReport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheUCReport</a><a href="https://twitter.com/adamgorney?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@adamgorney</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/247Sports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@247sports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TorreySmithWR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TorreySmithWR</a><a href="https://twitter.com/TomLoy247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TomLoy247</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/kschmittASHS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kschmittASHS</a><a href="https://twitter.com/ChadSimmons_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChadSimmons_</a> <a href="https://t.co/Vb3RyMXqR4">pic.twitter.com/Vb3RyMXqR4</a></p>&mdash; Myles “Scrap” McAfee (@MylesScrap) <a href="https://twitter.com/MylesScrap/status/2012271665196003524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1348723"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69761c4b640c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One more top edge defender to round of the top 10, Alexander shines as a pass rush specialist. He is a rocket off the snap, with a quick first step / burst to blow past OTs. Able to play out of a 3point stance or as a stand up, he is a true versatile edge playmaker. One of his top traits is that he is a high motor player. Alexander gets up to full speed in an instant and will scrape/chase down the ball. With fluid/ twitchy hips, he is able to set the edge &amp; has the ability to re-direct quickly. Taylor also will lay a hit on the ball carrier or QB as he comes downhill at a 100mph looking to cause damage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That intense play style to go along with great size/strength is why Alexander's top 6 is filled with the likes of Georgia, Michigan, Texas A&amp;M and UMD. Taylor is a consistent top 10 performer in these rankings and I expect him to continue that level of play going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:html --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Junior season film <a href="https://twitter.com/lbcoachchris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lbcoachchris</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachJdubSFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoachJdubSFA</a> <a href="https://t.co/JqLnPLyKaT">https://t.co/JqLnPLyKaT</a> <a href="https://t.co/y8SJftwKZI">pic.twitter.com/y8SJftwKZI</a></p>&mdash; Alexander taylor (@AlexanderT15470) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexanderT15470/status/1988763753069056048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <!-- /wp:html --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->