NFL Insiders Explain Where Arch Mannning, Dante Moore Need to Improve Most Ahead of 2027 Draft

Texas quarterback Arch Manning and Oregon quarterback Dante Moore will have to show improvement in a few key areas before the 2027 NFL draft.

For Manning, he'll need to display improved mechanics and become more efficient on shorter throws.

"He has a lot to prove to me this year, but he finished the year strong," an NFC evaluator told ESPN's Jordan Reid. "If he can clean up the lower-body mechanics and underneath accuracy, he has a chance to be the first one picked."

Meanwhile, Moore will have to step up during matchups with top teams.

"He's really good when he's in-rhythm and not under constant duress, but outside of Iowa and Penn State, we just didn't see that enough from him in those big matchups," an NFC director of scouting told Reid. "I'm glad he went back because we'll get another season of tape on him and see him in those high-leverage moments again."

Manning is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he threw for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. Still, he could help the Longhorns' offense sustain drives by connecting on short throws more often.

Among the top 15 passers in the SEC last season, Manning's 61.4 completion percentage represented the third-lowest mark.

Moore helped Oregon finish with a 13-2 record and advance to the College Football Playoff semifinal round during its 2025 campaign, although both of the team's losses came against Indiana.

The 21-year-old struggled when facing the eventual national champions, throwing for 471 yards and three touchdowns while getting picked off three times across two clashes with the Hoosiers.

Expectations are still high for both players, as Manning was projected to be off the board with the No. 3 overall pick in the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department. Moore was also selected at No. 4.

If they're able to take another step forward during their respective 2026 seasons, they could challenge for the No. 1 spot on the draft board.