Dante Moore was generating serious buzz as a potential No. 1 or No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, even with a strong possibility of going first overall, or at least No. 2 to a Jets franchise desperate for consistent quarterback play. He made the mature decision to return to college, hoping to build on an exceptional 2025 season that truly showcased his pro-level skills. You’d think that would make him the far-and-away top passer for the 2027 class, right? Well, The Athletic’s 2027 quarterback draft rankings just dropped, and prepare for a shock.
Arch Manning Took the Top Spot: What Happened?
Instead of Moore, Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning snagged the top spot. Yeah, you read that right. This is the same Arch Manning who struggled mightily early in the year, despite improving as the season progressed. Honestly, he wasn’t nearly as polished as a passer as Moore, and you could argue he wasn’t even in the same stratosphere. But let’s be real, the Manning name carries some serious weight, and that might have played a huge factor in him getting that No. 1 ranking.
The Athletic’s draft analyst Dane Brugler did break down Moore’s game, and it’s clear what makes him special: his passing touch. Brugler highlighted Moore as a “loose passer with a quick setup and release,” noting his “high batting average in the screen game because the ball gets out fast with both velocity and placement.” Where Moore really shines, though, is on “intermediate and downfield throws because of his feathery touch.” Last season, he completed an impressive 54.5 percent of attempts beyond 20-plus yards, including 15 touchdowns. While his physical traits like size, mobility, and arm are more good than great , and those aren’t changing , his incredible feel for layering throws should absolutely translate well to the pro game.
Where Moore Needs to Level Up
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Moore. Brugler pinpointed the main trait Moore needs to polish: excelling under pressure. There were times when the Oregon passer premeditated where he was throwing the ball, which led to a pick-six for Indiana to open the College Football Playoff Semifinal. Plus, he’s known to drop his eyes too soon when pressure gets in his face. Brugler mentioned a moment against Penn State where Moore had Kenyon Sadiq wide open for a touchdown but checked the ball down at the first sign of heat.
So, yeah, Moore may have passed up on being a top-two pick in the 2026 draft. But he did it to be more ready for the pro game, to truly set himself up for a long and illustrious NFL career. From a long-term perspective, he definitely made the right call. The 2027 class is already looking wild, and while The Athletic might have Arch Manning at the top right now, Dante Moore’s dedication to refining his game under pressure could still make him the long-term steal for an NFL franchise looking for that next big arm. Get ready, 2027 is gonna be a crazy draft!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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