New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey will eventually take a swing at quarterback. While the Jets are resetting the culture and roster, they’ve signed Justin Fields to a two-year contract to be their bridge QB. At some point, Mougey will attempt to draft a face-of-the-franchise signal caller.
That’s exactly what happens in Pro Football Network’s latest three-round 2026 NFL mock draft. Equipped with the No. 2 overall selection, the Jets take Texas quarterback Arch Manning. In a shocking twist, QB Cade Klubnik went no. 1 overall.
“There’s a very real possibility that Arch Manning will not declare for the 2026 NFL Draft and instead return to Texas for his senior season,” PFN wrote. “However, if that doesn’t happen, he has all the tools to be a top selection this year.
“Manning has only started two college football games, but will officially take the helm for the Longhorns in 2025. From the small sample size he put on tape in 2024, it’s already clear he has the arm, athleticism, size, and overall skill set to be as good as any quarterback in the country. Manning could be considered the best player in this class with a good season at Texas this year.”
If Manning enters the draft, he’d be considered the current favorite for the top overall selection. Manning is draft-eligible, but the general expectation is he’ll remain in college beyond 2026. That was the route his uncles Peyton and Eli took.
The Jets would be thrilled to land a QB of Manning’s caliber, though if they’re picking No. 2 overall, something went horribly wrong during the 2025 campaign.