According to Daily Mail - Sport, Mike Francesa described the Manning family's likely interference, saying they will never allow Arch Manning to be drafted by the Jets. The Jets' potential to land Manning is complicated by their current draft assets and conflicting signals from team officials. The Jets hold the No.
2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to major media reports. However, Jets senior football adviser Rick Spielman, as reported by Daily Mirror - Main, described the team's strategy of accumulating three first-round picks for 2027, which could allow them to target both Manning and Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith. The Jets acquired additional first-round picks from the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys through trades.
I'm telling you right now, they will manipulate the draft. They will never let him get drafted by the Jets. You can take that to the bank.
The disagreement between Francesa's prediction and the Jets' front-office optimism highlights uncertainty about whether the Jets can actually draft Manning, given the Manning family's historical influence. It remains unknown whether the Manning family will attempt to manipulate the draft, what the Jets' draft position will be in 2027, or if Arch Manning will declare for that draft.
We have two first-round picks this year and three next year. There was an opportunity, as we were going through the process, to have three first-round picks this year compared to next year, but anticipating what that quarterback class may be next year, it was more advantageous to load up in 2027. It's a very, very strong quarterback class, but there are others too - the receiver from Ohio State, Jeremiah Smith, is coming out. He is one of the best prospects in a long time. Next year's class looks extremely strong. We'll see how things turn out, another year of development could change things. But with three first-round picks, you can really control the draft.