Talk about digging your own grave. As this Georgia’s ex-QB just fell flat on his face trying to bring down Arch Manning’s NFL No. 1 pick buzz. Arch Manning sat behind Quinn Ewers for two seasons, but now the kid’s running the show for Steve Sarkisian‘s team. Despite limited playing time, he earned spots on the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award and Davey O’Brien Award watch lists and wrapped last season with 939 yards and 9 touchdowns—not too shabby for a young player who’s just getting started. If he keeps moving at this pace, why wouldn’t he be the top draft pick? Still, this former Bulldog is dismissing the hype, and it’s backfiring.
Analysts like Todd McShay didn’t hold back before predicting Arch Manning to go as the No. 1 overall pick for the 2026 season. And this guy’s small timeline shows precision too. Manning showed up in 10 games last season and had a completion rate of 68% with just 2 interceptions. So, this shows he has potential, but ex-Georgia QB Aaron Murray isn’t sold on it yet. Why? “So all in all, Quinn Ewers had a disappointing season, and it was reflected in his draft stock,” Murray said. “If you are so good and everyone has you projected number one pick in the NFL Draft come 2026, why in the hell are you not playing above a seventh-round quarterback?” But in which world does a rookie get more preference than an experienced QB?
Sure, Arch Manning still has to prove his caliber, making plays as a starting QB and needs to gain a lot of experience, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be projected as the No. 1 draftee. And the reason Quinn Ewers fell off to the 7th round and went off in the 231st pick is because of his inconsistent pocket presence. And let’s not forget his 12 interceptions last season. But despite all that, Steve Sarkisian trusted his caliber, and that’s exactly what he is doing with Manning this season. But Murray highly doubts Coach Sark’s approach.
“If Steve Sarkisian knows what he’s doing and he knows how good their roster is, which I’ve talked to a lot of coaches and a lot of different teams, and I asked them, like, ‘what are the top rosters?’ Ohio State, Texas, and probably Georgia. What was holding them back? Queen Ewers. Why was Arch not playing? It’s like that rubs me the wrong way a little bit,” Murray said. Coaches almost always give an edge to players who know their system well and have expertise. But that doesn’t mean a young QB can’t thrive when their time comes.
Drake Maye, for instance, sat behind fifth-round pick Sam Howell in his first year at UNC before shining as a starter for two seasons and skyrocketing to the number three pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. So, who knows? Sitting behind a 7th-round pick might land Arch Manning as a first overall pick in the NFL next season. Look, Murray isn’t trying to sabotage Arch’s chances, but he is cryptic about this early hype. “And I’m never going to talk bad about a quarterback, because I know how difficult it is, I’m cheering for him like I cheer for every quarterback,” Murray said. “I want them all to have success, but I need to see it first. I’m not going to crown you this All-American superstar.”
But it looks like fans aren’t letting his harsh take on Arch Manning’s draft odds go that easily.
Fans back up Arch Manning’s draft stock
It looks like Aaron Murray’s opinion on Arch Manning has come back to bite him. His doubts on Arch Manning’s NFL future brought to light how inconsistent his pro run was. And this fan didn’t hesitate for a minute before stating, “Right, ‘cause we all remember Aaron Murray and how legendary he is in the league… oh wait, he’s NOT in the league ,” one fan posted. The irony? Murray was released from four different NFL teams (Chiefs, Cardinals, Eagles, and Rams) before he could find some stability in Atlanta and the Tampa Bay Vipers.
Meanwhile, Manning’s impressive college stats speak louder than Murray’s podcast mic ever will. And fans made sure he knew it, as one fan went out of line, taking a sarcastic shot at Murray. “Bruh, selling insurance, talking about Archie ,” highlighting the contrast between Murray’s post-football career and Manning’s accomplishments.
Coaches don’t always start the best player; loyalty, experience, and even politics play a role. As one fan astutely noted, “A lot of these guys need to get some sort of co-sign before doing a podcast. WTF Stop questioning his upside. Some coaches like to honor their seniors and allow their young guys to wait their turn. SMDH…” This perfectly captures the situation. Coach Sark chose Ewers, not because Arch wasn’t ready, but because programs often stick with veteran players until they go off to the NFL.
Let’s not forget Texas, a major NFL talent pipeline, had much to gain by featuring Ewers, aiming for an early draft spot. “Because the program is trying to get players drafted. Arch may have been better than Quinn, but Quinn had seniority and also had the potential to be an early-round draft pick. It’s not rocket science,” a fan noted. It’s not about pure talent; timing, draft perception, and even politics matter for NFL hopefuls.
So while Murray creates controversy, Arch Manning quietly develops. “The things we say for clicks,” explains Murray’s random criticism of Manning, a point many fans agree with. Well, whatever might be the case, the reality is this season all eyes are on Manning, and if he stumbles entire Longhorns will go down with him.
The post Bringing Up Arch Manning Lands Ex-Georgia QB in Hot Seat as His Own Résumé Comes Into Question appeared first on EssentiallySports.
