ESPN’s Field Yates’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft sends shockwaves around CFB, NFL
ESPN’s Field Yates released a way-too-early 2026 NFL Mock Draft Wednesday. The No. 1 overall pick might shock you. Or it might not. Nevertheless, the timing of this player being drafted is interesting.Yates has Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning going first to the Cleveland Browns.Here’s what he had to say about Manning and the fit […]
ESPN’s Field Yates released a way-too-early 2026 NFL Mock Draft Wednesday. The No. 1 overall pick might shock you. Or it might not. Nevertheless, the timing of this player being drafted is interesting.
Yates has Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning going first to the Cleveland Browns.
Here’s what he had to say about Manning and the fit in Cleveland.
No. 1 overall pick, Arch Manning. Could this be something we see in Pittsburgh April 23?
“Yes, Archie Manning recently stated that his grandson will stay at Texas for at least two seasons, a belief many in the scouting community share,” Yates said. “But ultimately, Arch is eligible to declare in 2026, and if he performs up to his potential, he might just have to consider the NFL leap in this coming draft class. So I’m including him … for now.
“Manning has a very good build, throws with accuracy to all levels of the field and shows solid movement traits. He’s a different QB than his uncles Peyton and Eli were in that he is a threat with his legs,” Yates said. “He is inexperienced and needs to add more weight to his 6-foot-4 frame, but it’s easy to see his immense ceiling. I know the Browns just drafted two passers this year, but if they are picking first overall next year, then yes, they’ll be taking a quarterback.”
Arch Manning isn’t paying attention to the outside noise.
“I think that’s just who I am, I’m not a guy who seeks out the media,” Manning said. “It’s really about the team, 11 guys on the field. We’re excited right now, I’m just having fun. I dreamed about being in this position so I’m not going to take it for granted.”
Manning mentioned when he first arrived at Texas, he sought out the leaders in the locker room.
“The guys who had the most respect were the guys who worked hard and took it seriously.”
He singled out Jordan Whittington, Jonathan Brooks, and Kelvin Banks – pointing out where those players are now and how things are “full circle”.
Arch Manning is easily the most-hyped recruit of all-time. And it’s for good reason.
I’ve talked to several people around the college football world all offseason about Arch Manning. Most expect him to meet expectations. But, can he exceed them? And how quickly?
247Sports’ national director of scouting, Andrew Ivins gave his thoughts on Manning and how he fits in Steve Sarkisian’s offense earlier this summer.
“I fully anticipate there to be some lumps and growing pains, but he’s the most popular recruit of our lifetime for a reason,” Ivins said. “Everyone knows who he is and he’s under the microscope every second of every single day.
“He’s got everything you want in the position but it would be wise to tamper expectations a little bit,” Ivins said. “Last year I wrote a story about the five-star quarterbacks and imploring them to ‘please stand up’. Drew Allar, Cade Klubnik, Connor Weigman., all a bit underwhelmed. Now you see No. 1 pick buzz, Heisman buzz.
“Sometimes we fail to realize they’re not day one superheroes,” Ivins said. “There’s a reason it is the most difficult position to play and scout.”
