Arch Manning will be viewed as a consensus future No. 1 overall draft pick if he fulfills his potential at Texas this season, and at least one NFL playoff team is reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation.
The Los Angeles Rams are high on Manning and may even view him as a succession plan for Matthew Stafford, according to a story from Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports that was published on Thursday. Rams general manager Les Snead’s stepson Tate is close friends with Arch, and there may be a realistic path to the quarterback winding up in L.A.
People familiar with the Rams’ thinking told Robinson that the team’s front office views Manning as the only Tier 1 quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, should Manning decide to turn pro after next season. Some within the organization have compared Manning to Josh Allen.
The Rams still believe in Matthew Stafford, which is why they signed him to a new contract earlier this offseason. Stafford is 37 and has dealt with numerous injuries, however, and he is already banged up in training camp. The belief is that he will only play two more seasons, if not one.
While the Rams made the playoffs last season and are expected to be competitive again in 2025, they have two first-round picks in next year’s draft. They traded the No. 26 and No. 101 picks to Atlanta this year for No. 46 and No. 242 this year and a 2026 first-round pick. If the Falcons struggle this season, that first-round pick could be extremely valuable.
According to Robinson, the Rams would consider pursuing Manning even if Stafford were to return in 2026. The belief is that Stafford would be open to having Manning play behind him, as the veteran is unlikely to play beyond 2026, anyway.
Manning passed for 939 yards, 9 touchdowns and 2 interceptions last season. He also rushed for 108 yards and 4 touchdowns. This will be his first season as a full-time starter, and there have already been some bold predictions made about how he will perform.
If Manning lives up to the hype, the Rams will be one of several teams that are willing to mortgage their future for him.
