There is no doubt that Arch Manning has made some strides this season. However he just is not quite "that dude." He is a dude, for sure, but not that dude.
At least not yet. Texas is most certainly not "back," and part of that is Manning's fault. The Longhorns quarterback has put up some good numbers, but he's way too turnover prone in the fourth quarter, and that is costly to his NFL Draft stock.
Right now, it is difficult to see why a team would want to take him first overall. Beyond that, I'm not sure he's even the best quarterback in this class. The 2027 NFL QB draft class is turning out to be as disappointing as the class of top 2024 high school QBs (of which Manning topped the rankings).
It's like a hot potato, no one seems to be able to take and hold the position as top signal caller in the next draft class. Right now, it doesn't look like Manning is it.
He probably won't win the Heisman either, as Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith really is just that transcendent a player. Again, it's all about perspective. Manning is still a very good player, but right now, he just doesn't look like he's going to be the next Peyton. Or even the next Eli.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: NFL Draft stock report- sell: Arch Manning, QB, Texas