Arch Manning Compared to Trevor Lawrence By Todd McShay Despite Texas QB's NFL Draft Stock Slide

The Ringer's Todd McShay feels Texas quarterback Arch Manning could follow a similar trajectory to the Jacksonville Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence on his way to finding eventual success in the NFL.

"Trevor Lawrence left Clemson, similar skillset, physical tools... five years later, three different systems, it finally started to click last year and this year," McShay said around the 8:10 mark of Thursday's episode of The Rich Eisen Show.

McShay added, "Just because Arch isn't ready right now doesn't mean he can't get there."

Manning has struggled with inconsistency during his second year as a full-time starter for Texas, which came in at No. 7 on the first CFP selection committee rankings after a 6-2 start to the season.

McShay said Lawrence played in a "simple" Clemson offense that leaned heavily on big receivers making plays before finding his fit in the NFL.

"I'd like to see, if Arch doesn't go back to Texas... maybe getting with the right person and the right system to help his development could help," McShay said. "I also watch [head coach Steve Sarkisian]'s offense and I say the play-calling is where I have the issue."

McShay continued, "I don't think Arch has a lot of power pre-snap. I don't see him in control of this offense. He is a joystick, at times, for Sark's brilliance... I think sometimes we forget these guys need to develop."

By the time Lawrence entered the 2021 NFL draft, he was a lock as the top overall pick. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Lawrence at the time as one of his top 10 quarterback prospects of all time.

In his most recent 2027 NFL draft big board, Kiper ranked Manning as the sixth-best quarterback in the upcoming class behind Oklahoma State's Drew Mestemaker, Miami's Darian Mensah, Notre Dame's CJ Carr, Ole MIss' Trinidad Chambliss and Missouri's Austin Simmons.

Kiper noted Manning has "the size, mobility and arm strength that NFL teams look for in a franchise quarterback," but added the 22-year-old is "too inconsistent, especially when it comes to accuracy and decision-making."

Manning will get his next chance to prove he has continued developing his ability to read opposing defenses when the Longhorns head north for a Saturday matchup at No. 19 Missouri.