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Former NFL QB dumps cold water on Texas star Arch Manning’s draft stock with ‘not generational’ take appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
All eyes are on Arch Manning as the 2026 season nears. The Texas quarterback has generated a lot of buzz heading into his second season as the starter in Austin as scouts eye him as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.
While Manning is a near-consensus pick as a top five pick in most mocks coming into next season, not everyone is sold on Manning as an elite quarterback prospect.
Count former NFL quarterback Jordan Rodgers, the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers signal-caller and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers, among the camp that is still doubting Manning coming into 2026.
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In fact, Rodgers doesn’t even think Manning is a first-round pick, via On3 Sports.
“I think it’s a little premature right now,” Rodgers said of the buzz around Manning being the No. 1 overall pick. “As we sit today, I don’t think Arch is a first-round draft pick. Now, when the season’s ending, I think he will get there.
“A No. 1 overall pick has to have a couple things. You have to have elite traits, generational traits. I don’t think Arch has a generational arm or generational athleticism. I think he’s got a really good arm, and I think he’s a really good athlete.”
Despite the criticism around Manning’s game, he showed some traits that clearly has scouts intrigued near the end of last season. Even after a rough start to 2025, Manning’s athleticism was on full display during the back half of the season. He also took multiple leaps forward as a passer, especially after Texas’ offensive line improved near the end of the year.
Now, Manning will have to hit the ground running this season, as the Longhorns have a highly-anticipated battle with Ohio State in Week 2. The Buckeyes got the better of Texas in Week 1 of the 2025 campaign, so Steve Sarkisian and company will be out for a bit of revenge.
If Manning can get off on the right foot in that game and keep it up throughout the season, he will prove Rodgers and all of his other doubters wrong and be off to the NFL.
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