Arch Manning faces potential landing spots that could derail his NFL development, and the Cleveland Browns top that list.
Cleveland’s status as a rebuilding franchise means they’ll likely pick high in upcoming drafts. That puts Manning at risk of ending up with an organization known for quarterback struggles.
A 2026 NFL mock draft from NFL Trade Rumors projects exactly that scenario. Draft analyst Ethan Woodie has the Browns selecting Manning with the second overall pick.
“Manning has a big name to live up to. It’s impressive that in the few games we’ve seen him in action, he’s lived up to the billing and then some. His command of the offense is advanced for his age — he reads defenses well pre-snap, plays with impeccable timing and touch on his passes, and is a natural at manipulating the pocket.”
Manning enters 2025 as Texas’s starting quarterback after Quinn Ewers declared for the NFL.
The projection assumes Cleveland gives up quickly on their 2025 draft picks. Both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders would need to fail dramatically for the Browns to draft another quarterback just one year later.
Cleveland’s quarterback development issues run deep. The franchise hasn’t developed a Pro Bowl quarterback since the franchise returned in 1999.
The Deshaun Watson contract continues to handicap the organization’s flexibility.
Manning has shown advanced pocket presence and arm talent in limited action with the Longhorns. His pre-snap reads and timing impressed coaches during spot duty last season.
But the Browns scenario raises questions about Manning’s declaration timeline.
Manning family history suggests he’ll stay in college longer than most elite prospects. Both Peyton and Eli Manning completed multiple seasons as starters before entering the NFL.
Arch could follow that path, especially if Cleveland looks like his most likely destination.
The Manning family has precedent for avoiding problematic situations. Eli famously forced a draft-day trade to escape San Diego in 2004.
Manning has leverage that most prospects don’t. His family’s NFL connections and financial situation mean he doesn’t need to rush into the wrong situation.
Cleveland will likely picking pick high again in 2026 if current trends continue. That puts them in range for elite quarterback prospects whether Manning declares or not.
