Overview
- Three college scouts and two NFL executives told reporters Manning would be a first-round pick if he declares, with three saying he could be the first quarterback taken.
- Evaluators describe him as a high-upside project who would benefit from sitting behind a veteran, citing Patrick Mahomes and Jordan Love as development models.
- Manning’s first season as a starter was uneven but improved, finishing at 61.4% passing for 2,942 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, plus 244 rushing yards and eight scores.
- Assessments of a softer 2026 quarterback class, with Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza the lone consensus top-10 QB, bolster Manning’s relative standing.
- Most indications point to him returning to Texas, with several sources anticipating a 2027 draft entry if he waits, though some team scenarios—such as the Rams grooming him behind Matthew Stafford—were floated if he turns pro.