Arch Manning — 2027 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Given that nearly every pass (or run) he's made in three years at Texas has been put under the microscope, one might guess that Manning's career numbers (62.3% competition rate with a 35:9 touchdown-to-interception ratio) were much less impressive than they are. Boasting a tall, strong frame, a whip of an arm, excellent straight-line speed and the mental toughness that comes with all the expectations growing up as a Manning, he is the easy favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick next spring.

If Manning plays up to his full potential in 2026, 2027 could go down as one of the biggest quarterback drafts in NFL history. If not, well, there's still a bunch of other talented players out there like...

Manning got off to a sluggish start in 2025 but finished strong. If he picks up where he left off late last fall, he'll be in the No. 1-overall-pick conversation. Again.

Pairing Manning with Jeremiyah Love would give the Cardinals two elite building blocks. Manning, at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, is a sturdy dual-threat quarterback. He finished with 3,163 passing yards, 26 touchdown throws and seven interceptions in his first year as a starter while adding 10 rushing touchdowns. Manning's throwing motion, footwork and progressions are still inconsistent, leading to scattershot ball placement and holding on to the ball too long, but he continued developing as the season went on. He has all the traits of a No. 1 pick -- he just needs to unlock the next stage of his development.

Even after they drafted Carson Beck in the third round last week, QB is absolutely in play for the Cardinals if they have a high pick.

Had Manning been in the 2026 draft class, the Fernando Mendoza-vs.-Manning debates would have commanded all the pre-draft attention. If the Texas star continues to build off his improvements from the second half of last season, he will be the clear favorite to be 2027's top pick.

After a turbulent start to his first full season as a starter, Manning helped guide Texas to a 4-1 finish, including three wins over ranked opponents, while flashing athleticism as a runner that adds another layer to his profile. Despite the last name and pedigree as 247Sports' No. 1 recruit in 2023, Manning needs to sustain that late-season momentum to separate from a crowded field and ultimately come off the board at the top of next year's NFL Draft.

Manning may be the most discussed prospect in next year's class, regardless of where his draft stock ends up. He has all the resources to deliver an impressive 2026 season at Texas, but even if he falls slightly short of expectations, he possesses an athletic profile — 6-foot-4, 219 pounds with legitimate speed — that most other top quarterback prospects cannot match.

Inconsistencies aside, with a prototypical frame, athleticism far beyond the capabilities of his uncles Peyton and Eli and a storybook NFL pedigree, I would be shocked if a QB-needy team passed on the tools of Arch. He's currently the favorite at +225 to be the 1st overall selection on Draft Kings.