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Arch Manning comparison proves Josh Allen is still the gold standard for what NFL teams want in their next franchise QB

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 2:56 PM ET

You could theoretically say that Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson are better than Josh Allen. But it's hard to argue that the current NFL MVP is the gold standard of what teams in the league want to have under center. The Los Angeles Rams are already thinking about their future, and Arch Manning having a potentially similar skillset to Allen's is an enticing proposition.

This is what Charles Robinson from Yahoo Sports wrote about the long-term Rams quarterback situation.

"The Rams covet Manning’s prototypical size (6-foot-4, 219 pounds) and throwing acumen … but also believe it’s his level of athleticism that sets him apart from from every other college football quarterback. So much so, the comparison for Manning inside the franchise is that his ceiling after the 2025 college football season could be a Josh Allen-type of prospect who is actually stronger physically and a faster running athlete than Allen was when he entered the draft in 2018." — Charles Robinson.

Josh Allen wasn't exactly a clean prospect coming out of Wyoming, and he had some tough moments early on in the NFL. But the Buffalo Bills put a solid infrastructure around him, allowing the quarterback to become the best version he could be.

The biggest point here is that Allen has the perfect combination of physical traits to be a star. He has a strong arm, a big body, and the athletic ability to be a dangerous weapon in every phase of offensive football. And yes, Bills fans have known this for quite some time. However, it's interesting to perceive that teams around the league also want their own versions of Allen.

The Bills star quarterback has been to the Pro Bowl three times, he's been a Second-Team All-Pro twice, and was named the MVP in 2024—a rare case where the MVP isn't a First-Team All-Pro.

Meanwhile, Arch Manning is entering his third season at Texas. It will be his first as a full-time starter in college. Depending on how well he plays, and the style of play he shows, the NFL will have a better understanding of his capabilities—and how close to Josh Allen he can become— a year from now.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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