Anonymous NFL scouts shared their thoughts on the draft stock of Arch Manning going into 2026. There’s only one snag, Manning might not even come out after this coming season. After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons at Texas, Manning gets his first chance to start a full season. But it seems like it’s […]
Anonymous NFL scouts shared their thoughts on the draft stock of Arch Manning going into 2026. There’s only one snag, Manning might not even come out after this coming season.
After sitting behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons at Texas, Manning gets his first chance to start a full season. But it seems like it’s always been the plan for the youngest Manning quarterback to fully develop before turning pro.
NFL scouts have their eyes on him, but Manning is still considered raw, despite the talent, due to only two collegiate starts in his career. Still, that doesn’t mean Manning isn’t tantalizing to some.
“We’re evaluating him, while at the same time knowing he probably goes back to school [for the 2026 season],” an AFC scouting director said, via ESPN. Manning could very well be unreal this year but still return to the Longhorns.
His last name obviously carries a lot of weight, but the hype is real. At least, in terms of fans wanting to see him on Saturdays and eventually Sundays ASAP.
“People in the league want him to come out. Fans want him to come out. But I really feel like he’s in no rush, given his support system,” an NFC West scout said. “The family is going to care where he goes and who has the first pick when he does enter the draft.”
Eli Manning notably went from the San Diego Chargers to the New York Giants despite the Chargers selecting him No. 1 overall in 2004. He refused to play for the organization and ended up being the Giants’ quarterback for 16 seasons.
“The situation is going to matter,” one NFL general manager said. “With NIL money and his family situation, there is no rush to get to the league. So, they’ll wait and see what the environment is before making a decision.”
If Arch Manning is as good as advertised, the No. 1 overall pick could be in play. But wouldn’t it be nuts to see him return to school despite having that type of buzz?
“They’ll want to see which team has the No. 1 pick and if they’ve fired their coach — which is pretty common — [and] who the replacement is before jumping into the draft,” the scouting director said. Yes, Manning could be good but going to a disastrous situation could ruin him from the start.
And again, despite the arm talent and his ability to run like a gazelle, Manning only has two career starts. The talent is there, but it is a wait and see approach.
“We’re still talking about a guy who has two starts, right?” an AFC South area scout said when asked to break down Manning’s game. “He’s big, he has a strong arm and I love the flexibility in his throwing motion. And he can move much better than his uncles ever did. But he’s very raw, and last year, the game was way too fast for him when he got in against Georgia and looked overwhelmed.”
Category: Football
