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Arch Manning Projected to Fall in Latest NFL Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendan Howe | Last updated May 20, 2025 11:38 PM ET

Arch Manning hasn't yet embarked on a full season as the Texas Longhorns' quarterback. However, he's an intriguing prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Alternating picks with another pair in a recent CBS Sports mock draft, former Tennessee Titans general manager and college football writer Chip Patterson assigned Manning to the New York Jets with the No. 4 overall pick.

"Arch Manning follows in the footsteps of his uncle (Eli Manning) by playing in the Big Apple," CBS Sports' Kyle Stackpole wrote earlier this month. "Manning replaces 2025 starter Justin Fields for the Jets, who hope Manning turns out much better than the last quarterback they took in the top five (Zach Wilson in 2021)."

The Jets signed Fields, formerly of the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, to a two-year, $40 million deal this offseason.

Arch Manning was taken after LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (New Orleans, No. 1 overall), Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (New York Giants, No. 2), and Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (Cleveland, No. 3).

Other passers taken in the first round were Penn State's Drew Allar ( Los Angeles Rams, No. 12) and Clemson's Cade Klubnik (Pittsburgh, No. 16).

Draft analyst Todd McShay thinks even more highly of Manning.

"Based on Arch Manning's 2024 tape — and assuming he continues developing at the pace he has to this point — I wouldn't hesitate to make him my early no. 1 prospect in the 2026 draft class," McShay wrote Monday. "He is that gifted and has shown immense potential in the limited playing time he's had through his first two seasons at Texas."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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