The 2027 NFL Draft is still a long way off, but the quarterback class is already generating plenty of discussion.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Oregon quarterback Dante Moore are expected to be among the top prospects in the class. However, NFL analyst Henry McKenna has raised an unusual possibility that could create a major problem for teams picking at the top.
If a dysfunctional franchise lands the No. 1 overall pick, could elite quarterback prospects simply decide they do not want to enter the draft?
Analyst Raises Arch Manning, Dante Moore Scenario
McKenna believes the modern college football landscape gives top prospects more leverage than previous generations had.
He specifically pointed to the possibility that Manning and Moore could avoid a franchise that they believe could hinder their development.
“Welp, the Browns are on to 2027,” McKenna wrote. “The question is… if Cleveland lands at No. 1 overall in that draft class, will the Browns be such a mess that Arch Manning, Dante Moore, and others decide not to come out? Why would they wanna go to Cleveland?”
Welp, the Browns are on to 2027.
The question is … if Cleveland lands at No. 1 overall in that draft class, will the Browns be such a mess that Arch Manning, Dante Moore and others decide not to come out?
Why would they wanna go to Cleveland?
— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) August 24, 2026
It is a hypothetical scenario, but the financial landscape of college football makes it more interesting than it would have been in the past.
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NIL Gives Top Prospects More Options
Players such as Manning and Moore can now earn significant money through NIL opportunities while remaining in college.
That means they may not face the same financial pressure to immediately enter the NFL if they are unhappy with their potential landing spot.
There is also a familiar Manning precedent.
In 2004, Eli Manning and his family made it clear that he did not want to play for the San Diego Chargers, who held the No. 1 pick. The Chargers selected Manning anyway, then traded him to the New York Giants.
McKenna believes a similar situation could theoretically emerge if a top quarterback prospect and his camp strongly oppose a particular landing spot.
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Why Cleveland Was Mentioned
McKenna specifically used the Browns as an example because of the uncertainty surrounding the franchise.
Cleveland, whose offense ranked last in 2025 on PFN’s Offense Impact Rankings, is already dealing with questions surrounding its quarterback situation. Despite the controversy surrounding Deshaun Watson’s recent comments about Browns fans, the team has given him the first opportunity to start, with Shedeur Sanders waiting behind him.
McKenna added, “At first, I thought it was crazy to think the Browns were doing Shedeur Sanders dirty. But now … idk man. Sometimes conspiracy theories have merit, I guess.”
If Cleveland or another struggling organization eventually lands the No. 1 pick, the possibility of a prospect pushing back could become a fascinating storyline.
A quarterback could return to college for another season or declare for the draft while refusing to sign with a specific team, potentially forcing a trade.
Of course, there is no indication Manning or Moore would take either route, but the scenario shows how much leverage elite quarterbacks now have. For QB-needy teams, building a stable organization could be just as important as landing the No. 1 pick.
