‘Loaded’ QB Class of 2027 touted as best ever but Arch Manning’s NFL player comp hints at bust

The hype around the 2027 quarterback class is real.

Arch Manning and Dante Moore lead a pack brimming with potential, truly for the first time since 2024.

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Manning, the nephew of NFL greats Eli and Payton, starred with the Texas Longhorns in 2025 and opted to return for one more season as a starter.

Moore, who plays for the Oregon Ducks, followed the same path as Manning, wanting one more year of collegiate experience.

Manning has been touted to be the first overall pick by the time the 2027 draft rolls around.

However, one NFC scout has thrown doubt over Manning’s status, giving ESPN’s Jordan Reid his player comp for the 21-year-old.

“Everyone’s falling in love with the future vision of the player, and he simply hasn’t shown anything close to that right now,” an NFC scout said.

“I see Daniel Jones when I watch him — a good, not great, prospect.”

“He was simply trying to do too much early on, but I thought he relaxed around midseason and put some really good stuff on tape,” an AFC scout added.

It was a tale of two halves for Manning, who struggled and saw his NIL valuation drop in the first half of the season.

In the second half, Manning fired 20 touchdowns to two interceptions in the final seven games of the season.

He ended 2025 with 3,163 yards, 26 passing TDs, seven picks and 10 rushing scores. He won Citrus Bowl MVP against Michigan.

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Drafted sixth overall in 2019 out of Duke to succeed Eli Manning, Daniel Jones’ six-year tenure with the Giants was defined by dramatic highs, lingering injury setbacks, and persistent inconsistency.

For a player carrying the Manning pedigree, a Jones comparison could be seen as a red-flag for top-five teams.

Jones proved to be a serviceable starting quarterback, but never reached the elite ceiling required of a franchise-altering No. 1 pick with the Giants.

If Manning can’t elevate his game consistently in 2026, scouts worry he risks treading a similar middle-of-the-pack path.

Dante Moore favorite to go No.1 in 2027

“Based on who I have talked to inside the league, Moore is actually the QB1 favorite right now,” Reid added.

The Oregon Ducks product tossed 3,565 yards with 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in what many considered to be his breakout year.

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“An effortless passer that’s just so natural at everything,” an NFC scout who covers the Midwest said.

“If he can play better against high-quality opponents, he has a chance to be the top pick.

“His skill set is quite similar to C.J. Stroud’s when he was coming out.”

After all, it’s not guaranteed that either Manning or Moore get selected first overall.

Scouts are also keeping an eye on Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore as possibilities.

However comparisons to Jones already mark the start of what is likely to be a closely followed NFL career.

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