It isn't clear if Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning will actually declare for the 2026 NFL draft, but if he does, one outlet believes Manning is going to land in one of the worst situations imaginable.
The Bleacher Report Scouting Department recently put out another mock draft, and in it the New York Jets come away with Manning with the No. 3 overall pick in the mock.
Manning is not the first quarterback off the board in the projection. That title goes to South Carolina signal-caller LaNorris Sellers, who is also not guaranteed to declare next year.
"The expectation is that Arch Manning will improve as the Texas Longhorns' season progresses. It couldn't get much worse after Week 1 against the Ohio State Buckeyes," Bleacher Report wrote. "One game will not define an entire evaluation, though."
"The biggest issue moving forward with Manning is a concentration on cleaning up his footwork and throwing mechanics. He'll become more consistent throughout the season if he's mindful of the little things that matter," B/R added.
Manning still has a long way to go before he can be considered one of the top signal-callers in next year's draft. Manning is in his first season as a starter, which is why there is no shortage of people who believe he won't leave Texas after 2025.
His grandfather and NFL great, Archie Manning, is among them.
"Arch isn’t going to do that. He’ll be at Texas," Manning said of Arch's future in college football.
Manning's starting tenure got off to a rough start last week after he completed 17-of-30 passes for 170 yards and one touchdown to one interceptions, while also adding 10 carries for 38 yards. Texas dropped the game to Ohio State, 14-7.
There is no question that Manning has all the tools he needs to be successful in the NFL thanks to his arm talent and athleticism. And it also helps to have the Manning name, although that can also bring unfair expectations.
One of the worst places Manning could land is with the Jets, a team with a rich history of failure at quarterback. Not even Aaron Rodgers could overcome the apparent curse Gang Green has hanging over its head.
Better days should be ahead for Manning, who showed plenty of flashes in limited opportunities last season. But the more he struggles, the less likely Manning is to enter next year's draft, so that's something to keep an eye on.
Even if he thrives, Manning is clearly no lock to leave Texas next year.
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