Mike Elko's 2027 NFL Draft goal remains the same
· Yahoo Sports
Texas A&M coach Mike Elko's 2025 premonition that the Aggies would see "10-12" players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft came true late last month, and with the 2026 offseason in full gear, Elko is back on the road during the annual coaches night circuit, stopping by the San Antonio A&M Club on Tuesday night.
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Entering his third season, Elko's priorities have not changed in the slightest, and when it comes to recruiting talent, the Aggies' No. 1-ranked 2027 cycle is just one example of his ability to connect with players, while six of A&M's ten players drafted were transfers, including star wide receiver KC Concepcion.
If the Aggies have any shot at making it back to the College Football Playoff, NFL-level talent, paired with Elko continuing to progress as a head coach and defensive playcaller, is the only realistic formula.
Among the 17 transfer portal additions this offseason, former Northwestern edge Anto Saka is already a favorite among NFL scouts, while senior cornerback Dezz Ricks, defensive tackle DJ Hicks, and senior safeties Marcus Ratcliffe and Dalton Brooks look like the leaders to be drafted in the first four rounds of the 2027 NFL Draft.
On Tuesday, Elko briefly discussed the 2026 roster's combination of returning and new talent at every position, while several former blue-chip prospects from the 2026 signing class could earn a spot in the rotation, especially cornerback Brandon Arrington and defensive lineman Bryce Perry-Wright.
"We've done a really good job creating this roster for next year with a combo of young players who are hungry to earn roles, and with veteran starters who have experience."
"Competition elevates the level. W still have a goal to get 10 or 12 guys to get drafted next year. That's our marker."
Competition, especially in the trenches, will determine how Texas A&M's newly formed offensive and defensive lines look this fall, installing four new O-line starters, while DJ Hicks leads a defensive line that now features North Carolina transfer CJ Mims, who is slated to start at nose tackle.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Mike Elko expects 10-12 Texas A&M players to be drafted in 2027