The South Carolina Gamecocks saw just three players get drafted in last weekend's NFL Draft. But as the page turns to 2027, next year's draft appears to be much more exciting for former Gamecocks hoping to hear their names called.Â
On Thursday, one week after the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft concluded, ESPN's Jordan Reid released his first mock draft for 2027. In it, he has Gamecocks star EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart going inside the top 10. Reid has the New Orleans Saints selecting Stewart No. 9 overall in the first round.Â
"The Saints haven't been able to figure out edge rusher since Trey Hendrickson departed after the 2020 season and need a dynamic rusher opposite Chase Young," Reid writes of the pick. "Stewart is an electric player with high-end lower-body flexibility, which helps him consistently race past blockers.Â
Despite a slender frame, he has good initial pop in his hands, but he must get stronger to anchor and sustain as an edge setter. Stewart also needs to turn more of his pass rushes into sacks, as he had only 4.5 last season. Being more consistent with counter moves would lessen the amount of "almost" plays. If that happens, Stewart could be the first non-QB off the board."
Stewart has combined for 56 total tackles with three passes defended and six forced fumbles over his two seasons. He had a career-high 6.5 sacks as a true freshman, but finished last season with only 4.5 on the year. He will be a junior in 2026, which will make him eligible for the 2027 NFL Draft.Â
His regression is likely due to a back injury that Stewart suffered and played through for most of the 2025 season. The injury was so significant that it kept Stewart out of most of spring football for South Carolina over the last couple of months.Â
But earlier this week, Beamer told reporters that Stewart is progressing well, and that he is ahead of schedule as far as his rehab goes.Â
Having Stewart full-go this season will be critical for South Carolina's defense this season. The unit has to replace key players like defensive tackle Nick Barrett, safety Jalon Kilgore and cornerback Brandon Cisse. Last year, the Gamecocks finished ranked 52nd nationally in total defense, and tied for 44th in scoring defense, allowing 22.1 points per game.
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