Three Things Texas QB Arch Manning Must Prove Before The 2027 NFL Draft

Texas quarterback Arch Manning enters his redshirt junior season as the most celebrated and scrutinized quarterback in the country and thus is the most intriguing NFL prospect.

But he's not a shoo-in to be the No.

1 overall pick of the 2027 NFL Draft.

There is no denying Manning’s appeal.

He’s supremely talented, boasting an ideal blend of size, arm talent and mobility with the Hall of Fame bloodlines every QB-needy NFL franchise would seemingly love to build its team around.

But is it as simple as Manning, whose 2026 season kicks off Saturday against Texas State, "just staying healthy" before earning the distinction of being the top pick next spring? To put it bluntly, no.

In a class this gifted , no one can afford to simply rest on their résumé.

Not Manning nor Ohio State phenom receiver Jeremiah Smith nor any of the top QBs .

But, if Manning can improve in three particular areas, I believe he will follow in his famous uncles’ footsteps and hear his name called first on draft day.

Like most quarterbacks drawing attention from NFL scouts, Manning will ultimately get drafted because of his ability to accurately throw the football long distances.

It is easy to assume that if a quarterback is accurate on longer passes, he’ll also be precise on shorter throws.

That was not the case with Manning last year, however.

In fact, he was arguably at his worst on the shortest throws — a flaw that simply must be corrected if he is to earn an early first-round selection next spring.

The so-called quick game — i.e. slants, bubble screens, pop passes — is as fundamental to the modern era of football as shooting 3-pointers is to modern basketball.