No college quarterback carries the expectations borne by Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning, but one top NFL draft analyst thinks Manning is overrated. Appearing on "The Ryen Russillo Show," Todd McShay agreed with Russillo's supposition that it would be "fair" to pick Manning as the safest choice to be top QB in this 2027 draft class. That said, it seems McShay isn't a fan of playing it safe.
"I've got him as the fifth-ranked quarterback right now," he said, much to Russillo's shock. So who does McShay have over the pedigreed passer? He starts with the QB for the Oregon Ducks.
"I think Dante Moore is the odds-on favorite right now. I think Arch could so easily get there but I've got him below a few other guys," McShay explained. Those "other guys" run the gamut from a talented signal-caller playing for his home state school to the leaders of national title contenders.
McShay started his breakdown with South Carolina Gamecock LaNorris Sellers. "I think LaNorris Sellers, if it comes together, should be considered neck and neck [with Moore], more so honestly based on what they are right now," he said. "More so 1A, 1B with Dante Moore in my mind than Arch Manning, even though that's the narrative." After Moore and Sellers as McShay's two top options, there are two other passers who are not atop the pyramid yet but who could emerge as the best QB in the class if the season goes well for them.
"CJ Carr could absolutely push to be the No. 1 overall pick if he elevates his game," McShay said. "Sam Leavitt, I'm not saying he will be, but I'm telling you he could wind up being the best quarterback from this class." The Notre Dame and LSU quarterbacks, respectively, have certainly been hyped this preseason. And given that they're both on teams expected to contend for a title, they're likely to get more help from their receivers than some other contenders for the top QB prospect spot, though, to be fair, Sellers is throwing to an absolute physical freak in Nyck Harbor.
If Manning can develop the same type of relationship with his own elite wideout in transfer Cam Coleman, perhaps he will top the list of QB draft prospects. As McShay detailed, though, he has some stiff competition.
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