ESPN's Field Yates has released his 2026 Early NFL Mock Draft, and the Texas quarterback is in the prime spot.

ESPN NFL draft guru has the Cleveland Browns taking Arch Manning next year as the Texas QB pushes back on grandfather's statement on his future.

The mock draft opens with Manning to the Browns. The 6-foot-4 sophomore will begin this season as the Texas Longhorns ’ starter. His bloodline includes Peyton and Eli Manning, but Yates noted Arch’s mobility as a key difference from his uncles.

Yes, Archie Manning recently stated that his grandson will stay at Texas for at least two seasons, a belief many in the scouting community share. But ultimately, Arch is eligible to declare in 2026, and if he performs up to his potential, he might just have to consider the NFL leap in this coming draft class. So I'm including him ... for now.

Could Arch Manning go No. 1? Will QBs dominate the first round? Which teams could land playmakers? Field Yates projects next year's opening 32 picks.