An all-new, updated NFL Draft board from ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. makes the idea of Arch Manning being the heir apparent to Dak Prescott a realistic option for the Dallas Cowboys in next year’s event.
Prescott is off to another strong start in the 2026 season. Through five games, he has 1,381 passing yards with 9 touchdowns to 3 interceptions, and is hitting on just over 67% of his passes. Yet, despite the Cowboys’ offense being one of the better units in the league, Dallas heads into Week 6 with a 2-3 record.
Yes, the Cowboys’ defense is a major reason why the team has a losing record. However, a case could be made that the roster might be better if they weren’t paying Prescott an average of $60 million a year. If Dallas can’t take a big step forward and reach the Super Bowl this winter, the team needs to consider that it just won’t happen with the man who’s been the QB1 for the last 11 seasons.
The opportunity to begin a succession plan in 2027 — if they don’t reach the Super Bowl — would make sense. Especially with next year’s QB draft class as strong as it’s been in a long time. Interestingly enough, an opportunity that owner and general manager Jerry Jones will have a hard time passing up could be on the table in April.
Could Arch Manning be available when the Dallas Cowboys are on the clock in Round 1?
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) looks to throw the ball during the game between the Sooners and the Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
On Thursday, long-time ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. released his updated rankings of the best players expected to be available in April. For much of the last year, the Texas QB is often mentioned as a likely top five pick. However, the draft legend seems to be souring on the young signal caller.
In his new draft board, Kiper Jr. has five different QBs ranked ahead of Manning, including Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker and Notre Dame’s CJ Carr. Furthermore, he has Manning as the 24th-best player overall.
The way things are going for Dallas this season, they should end up with a pick in the teens next year. Meaning Manning will probably still be on the board when the Cowboys are on the clock in Round 1.
Should the Cowboys consider taking Manning in the 2027 NFL Draft?
Oct 10, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) runs with the ball during the game between the Sooners and the Longhorns at Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
If the Cowboys disappoint again in 2026, for as good as Prescott is, the team must consider finding his replacement if they can get a top-notch QB prospect in the draft. Especially since recent history continues to show that having top players — especially at QB — on rookie or affordable deals offers the best title window.
The four-time Pro Bowler has two years left on his contract, and there is an out before the 2028 season. Selecting Manning, a player many NFL evaluators believe has huge potential in the pros, and letting him learn under the veteran QB for a season or two would be a smart approach. Especially since Prescott could perform at a Pro Bowl level the next couple of years.
Beyond that, the idea of a star QB from the University of Texas who has the legendary Manning name wearing a Cowboys helmet is a storyline Jones would love for his brand.
After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka … More about Jason Burgos