Arch Manning became the quarterback everyone expected him to be in front of everybody's eyes last season, finding his footing and his arm as the season progressed.
Now, with another season just over the horizon, there are even bigger things expected from the Texas Longhorns' starting quarterback, and that includes in next year's NFL Draft.
In CBS Sports' way-too-early 2027 NFL Mock Draft, Manning is projected to go first overall, a massive achievement for any player. However, the team that is expected to have the No. 1 overall pick is a quarterback's worst nightmare: the New York Jets.
Not only did his uncle, Eli Manning, play for the Jets' in-town rival, the New York Giants, but the franchise has become notorious for killing the careers of even the most promising quarterbacks in the league.
The New York Jets could be Arch Manning's worst nightmare
From Zach Wilson to Sam Darnold to Mark Sanchez to Geno Smith and Christian Hackenberg to Rick Mirer to Brooks Bollinger, quarterback after quarterback has taken their talents to New York and seemingly lost every ounce of talent in their possession, failing to find any means of success.
A lack of player development and poor coaching have made the Jets synonymous with a quarterback graveyard, and while some QBs, like Darnold and Smith, have been able to re-find their footing with other franchises, this could spell an early doom for Manning's NFL career.
Now, don't get it twisted, getting the rookie contract that comes along with being a No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, much less a quarterback drafted first overall, could make Manning's tenure in New York well worth it, especially if he can get himself out of there after his initial contract ends.
When the Chicago Bears drafted former USC quarterback Caleb Williams first overall in 2024, he signed a $38.5-million deal. When the Tennessee Titans drafted former Miami quarterback Cam Ward first overall in 2025, he signed a $48.8-million contract.
Also read: Arch Manning has the perfect mindset heading into Texas's 2026 season
By the time Manning's name is expected to be called in the 2027 NFL Draft, he could easily see his rookie contract being worth upwards of $55 million, if not more.
However, even with all that money to his name, he'd still have to figure out how to play quarterback for the New York Jets, which has seemingly become an impossible task.
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