With the growing popularity of the 24-hour news cycle, the NFL became a year-round sport. As a result, attention to all aspects of the sport, on and off the field, finds itself becoming more newsworthy. For example, despite the college and professional seasons still at least a month away, projections that veer far beyond next year have already begun.
The draft, as much a piece of the NFL as any other part, continues to spark discussion. Schools like Texas and Alabama send a myriad of prospects to the next level. With next year’s draft three-quarters of a year away, speculation regarding draft statuses has already started. One highly touted prospect received an intriguing take from an analyst.
Texas QB Arch Manning Shouldn’t Be Considered Top Prospect, Asserts Analyst
With the last name of Manning, many expect the Texas signal-caller to live up to the standard set by his uncles and grandfather. Moreover, playing for an SEC power dictates that nothing less than winning must happen. ESPN CFB analyst Jordan Rodgers stopped by “Get Up” to deliver his opinion regarding the Texas quarterback’s future.
“I don’t think Arch has a generational arm, or generational athleticism.”
—@JRodgers11 on what could hold Arch Manning back from being a top pick in the NFL draft 🏉 pic.twitter.com/ZxWq1FUSTT
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 22, 2026
“As we sit today, I don’t think Arch is a first-round draft pick. Now, when the season is ending, I think he will get there.”
Part of Rodgers’ skepticism centers on consistency rather than a lack of big wins. Under Manning, Texas actually beat three top-10 teams in 2025: No. 6 Oklahoma, No. 10 Vanderbilt and No. 3 Texas A&M, with Manning sweeping the Longhorns’ three biggest rivals (Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Arkansas) in a single season.
The regular-season finale against A&M was the signature moment, a 27-17 comeback that ended the Aggies’ undefeated season. But Texas also faltered in its biggest spots, opening the year with a loss to Ohio State and getting routed 35-10 at Georgia, finishing 9-3 and missing the College Football Playoff. Additionally, Rodgers provided his definition of what a No.1 pick should possess.
“The No.1 overall pick has to have a couple of things, like elite traits, generational traits. I don’t think Arch has a generational arm, or generational athleticism.” From a physical standpoint, Manning, from many indications, possesses an above-average throwing arm and mobility. According to Rodgers, that is not enough. At the same time, he provided a blueprint for improvement.
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“Here’s where I look at his game and this is where I want to see him improve. It’s the short passing game. He was the most inaccurate quarterback in the SEC zero to 10 yards and 122nd in the country.” Granted, while defenses fear the deep ball, it is the shorter passing game that allows the quarterback to slide into a rhythm, moving the team down the field, perhaps tiring out a defense.
Manning will have at least 12 chances to solidify his first-round status. The Longhorns start their season on September 5 when they welcome Texas State to Austin.
