Arch Manning might be the first overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Yes, it’s sort of weird to talk about 2027, seeing that the 2026 draft was just last month. However, it’s never too early to think about next year.
Mike Renner of CBS Sports released a 2027 NFL Mock Draft. He has the Arizona Cardinals selected Manning with the first overall pick:
“1. Arizona Cardinals: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
It’s inevitable. The next-generation Manning is going high in the draft. No one wants to be the GM who passes on a Arch Manning, especially when the alternative is Carson Beck. Manning came on strong down the stretch in 2025 after a rocky start. If he maintains that level of play for a full season, you can put his name down in ink at No. 1 overall.”
The 2027 draft is a long way away. Perhaps Arch Manning could wind up with a team like the New York Jets or Cleveland Browns, who continuously have question marks at the quarterback position. But don’t rule out the Cardinals.
Early 2027 NFL Mock Draft Has Arch Manning Headed to the Arizona Cardinals
His Career Thus Far
Arch Manning played high school football at Isidore Neman School, located in New Orleans. During his career, he passed for 8,539 yards and 115 touchdowns. He also rushed for 748 yards and 19 scores.
Manning visited colleges such as Clemson, LSU, Alabama, Texas, Georgia, and Ole Miss, where his grandfather (Archie), father (Cooper), and uncle (Eli) played. He ultimately chose to play at the University of Texas.
Appearing in just two games, Manning redshirted the 2023 season as he sat behind starter Quinn Ewers, who’s now with the Miami Dolphins.
Manning made his 2024 season debut against Colorado State. He entered the contest in relief of Ewers with Texas leading 38-0 in the third quarter. Manning ended up passing for 95 yards and a touchdown while adding a rushing touchdown.
Then against UTSA, Manning filled in for Ewers, who left the game early due to injury. Manning threw a 19-yard touchdown pass and later rushed for an amazing 67-yard score. Later on, he threw two more touchdown passes, including a 75-yarder to wide receiver Ryan Wingo. Manning finished the 2024 season with 939 passing yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for 108 yards and four scores.
Should the Cardinals Draft Him?
The Cardinals were one of the NFL’s worst teams last season. They finished with a 3-14 record and obviously missed the playoffs. There were several reasons the Cardinals had a terrible season.
A lack of a franchise quarterback was one of those reasons. Jacoby Brissett was the starter for most of the year, as Kyler Murray only played five games due to injury. Brissett is expected to be the starter in 2026 as well, especially since Murray is now with the Minnesota Vikings.
While Brissett is a solid veteran quarterback, he’s not the long-term answer for the Cardinals. Arch Manning could certainly be the answer, though. The six-foot-four, 226-pounder is athletic, can run, and possesses arm talent. Plus, he has the potential to be an NFL superstar.
It would be interesting to see Manning team up with Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Manning’s uncle, Peyton, of course, formed a legendary duo with Harrison’s father, Marvin Harrison, during their time with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Cardinals drafted quarterback Carson Beck in the third round this year. The fomer Miami Hurricane could become an impact player as a rookie next season. But if that’s not the case and the Cardinals have a horrible 2026 campaign, and find themselves in a position to draft Arch Manning, they should go ahead and take him.
Main Image: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
