While the 2026 NFL Draft class only featured two quarterbacks selected in the first round, the 2027 draft class is projected to be much stronger. It includes the likes of Arch Manning, Julian Sayin, Dante Moore, and Brendan Sorsby. Of course, as we’ve seen time and time again, the names mentioned above may not have great seasons, which could push them out of the first-round conversation. Then, there’s always a chance a surprise QB has an excellent season and emerges as a potential top pick too.
Yet, as of now, some would suggest that Manning (Son of Cooper, nephew of Peyton/Eli, grandson of Archie) is the early favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. While it’s too early to know who will be picking in that slot, taking a look around the league, it’s not difficult to take a few guesses.
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Could Arch Pull an Eli-Style Power Play?
Arch Manning
Dec 31, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) rushes with the ball for a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
One popular pick to be among the NFL’s worst teams this season is the Arizona Cardinals, who are led by a first-year head coach in Mike LaFleur. Inexperienced coaches can struggle early on in their careers, and the 39-year-old LaFleur is one of the NFL’s youngest. Of course, he could also bring new concepts that help take advantage of one of the NFL’s best tight ends in Trey McBride, helping unlock the true potential of Marvin Harrison Jr.
Still, roster-wise, not having a proven franchise QB and coming off a three-win season, the Cardinals aren’t projected to compete in a top-heavy NFC West featuring the reigning Super Bowl champions and the current favorites. Some, like Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, believe that even if the Cardinals did land the No. 1 overall pick and would likely be looking to take a QB, Manning could refuse to play for Arizona, just like his uncle Eli once did to spurn the San Diego Chargers.
“Stuck in a division with a trio of Super Bowl contenders, the Cardinals face a steep uphill climb to a playoff berth. It will be far easier to accept their fate for 2026 and sink in the standings — while rising in the draft order for 2027. Which sets the Cardinals up for the ability to draft one of the best quarterbacks in next year’s crop. (Unless and until Arch Manning makes it clear he’s not interested in playing there.)”
PFT’s Mike Florio on Arch Manning Refusing to Join Cardinals
Now, there’s been no indication that Manning would follow in his uncle’s footsteps by almost hand-picking his NFL landing spot. Plus, while uncle Eli can try his best to persuade Arch, what if uncle Peyton gets involved?
After all, Peyton is the one who helped Harrison Jr.’s dad build a Hall of Fame career, having thrown to him for 13 seasons on the Indianapolis Colts. Maybe Peyton now feels like Arch could do the same with Harrison Jr., and he’ll also have one of the NFL’s best tight ends in Trey McBride to provide additional support.
In other words, folks shouldn’t be so quick to suggest or rush to judgment, thinking Manning would try to avoid a destination like Arizona, because it could end up being a perfect landing spot for him in the NFL.
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Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on Sportsnaut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports ... More about Andrew Buller-Russ