Arch Manning’s Draft Prospects: A Critical Analysis

The Texas Longhorns, currently ranked number one, are making a strong case as College Football Playoff contenders with Arch Manning leading at quarterback. Despite this, Manning’s projected position in the 2027 NFL Draft appears to be falling, potentially slipping out of the first round. While Manning’s leadership has guided the team, his personal performance has not met expectations.

During key matchups against Ohio State and Tennessee, Manning’s skills as a passer have shown limitations. In these games, he threw interceptions and recorded modest passing yards of 195 and 201 respectively. This level of performance contrasts with expectations set at the season’s start, where Manning was seen as a potential top draft pick.

Due to his lackluster showings, CBS NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson has significantly lowered Manning’s ranking. Wilson expressed his stance during a discussion on Tuesday, explaining why he no longer views Manning as a first-round pick in his 2027 NFL mock draft.

“I’ve talked to people in the NFL who aren’t exactly frustrated, but there’s a feeling that Arch Manning hasn’t met expectations,” Wilson remarked. “He faces incredible pressure, perhaps more than his famous uncles due to today’s digital landscape. Yet, he hasn’t performed like a first-round prospect.”

Wilson then compared Manning to recent draft selections with impressive skills but who didn’t succeed as NFL starters.

“Before we went on air, we discussed this – Anthony Richardson and Will Levis are both high-upside players. Arch Manning is an incredible college athlete with a powerful arm and talent, but his play over the last two years hasn’t matched top 15 expectations,” Wilson noted.

He added that if other roster positions need filling, he wouldn’t choose a developmental quarterback in the first round. Wilson believes there are currently five quarterbacks he would prefer over Manning if the draft were imminent.

Despite the critiques, Manning has found success with his team. The Longhorns’ trajectory could offer Manning many opportunities to demonstrate his value in important matches as the season progresses. His next chance to boost his draft prospects comes with a prominent Week 6 game against the Oklahoma Sooners. This highly anticipated Red River Rivalry will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 3:30 pm EST and will be broadcast on ABC.