New NFL Rumors Reveal Dante Moore's 2027 Draft Stock Amid Arch Manning Debate

While Texas' Arch Manning seems to have the inside track on the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NFL draft, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore might actually be earning higher marks right now.

"It seems pretty clear as it stands now among teams that he's the top guy going into the 2026 college season," Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reported Monday. "He actually may not have the ceiling Manning does, but at this point, he's much more consistent as a passer. We'll see if he holds the lead through next April."

Miami quarterback Darian Mensah was the No. 1 choice in Bleacher Report's way-too-early 2027 mock, with Manning and Moore going second and third, respectively. CBS Sports' Cooper Petagna, The Athletic's Dane Brugler and ESPN's Jordan Reid, meanwhile, all led with Manning in the top spot.

The last few years have shown how projections this far out don't mean a whole lot. Neither Cam Ward nor Fernando Mendoza was seriously in the No. 1 pick conversation, and that's where each of them went.

Still, nobody would be shocked if Moore beats out Manning to claim the title next spring.

The Ducks star showed promise in his first year as a starter, throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns with a 163.7 passer rating. He did have 10 interceptions, though, and had a particularly rough showing in a blowout loss to Indiana in the College Football Playoff.

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ESPN's Pete Thamel canvassed 10 NFL scouts for their assessments of the 2027 QB class. Moore received more points than his peers.

The pro potential is clearly there with the 20-year-old, and he might've been a top-five pick if he had declared for this past draft. He possesses a strong arm and enough mobility to buy time in the pocket.

The competition in the 2027 figures to be more fierce. Should Moore fail to show clear improvement in his game, he could cede valuable ground to Manning and others.