On Wednesday, ESPN front office insider and NFL analyst Mike Tannenbaum held his 2025 NFL Draft media day. He touched on several topics, including Cam Ward, the Chargers, the NFL Draft overall and the speculation linking Arch Manning to the New York Giants.
The Manning name has long been tied to New York’s NFL franchise, thanks to Eli Manning’s tenure. Eli led the Giants to two Super Bowl victories—both against Tom Brady, widely considered the greatest quarterback of all time. Now, his nephew, Arch Manning, has entered the spotlight with some wondering if he could follow in those footsteps.
NFL Insider Says Arch Manning To Giants Isn’t a Lock
Manning is coming off his first meaningful season with the Texas Longhorns. After appearing briefly in two games during the 2023 season, he started two games in 2024—winning both—and appeared in 10 overall.
He completed 61 of 90 pass attempts for 939 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Manning flashed both arm strength—reportedly throwing the ball 75 yards—and mobility, picking up notable gains on the ground.
Despite the hype, Tannenbaum dismissed speculation that the Giants are tanking the 2025 season to draft the young quarterback, a theory floated by former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Bart Scott.
“Bart Scott, one of my ESPN teammates, says for the last six or seven months spells the theory that the Giants are trying to tank this year so that they can get Arch Manning next year,” Tannenbaum said. “I’m just like, you know Bart, there’s just way too many variables that would have to happen.”
“Like, what happens if Arch Manning stays another year [at Texas]? What happens if you win two games at the end unexpectedly like we saw this year?… There’s just too many variables to target like we’re going to approach this year for this position. It’s way too hard and just too many variables.”
Tannenbaum’s point: It’s far from a guarantee that the Giants will be in position—or that Arch Manning will even be available—for the 2025 NFL Draft. A deeper quarterback class is expected next year, but the draft landscape remains fluid, and Manning’s plans are still uncertain.
As he enters his sophomore season, Manning could opt to remain in college for another year or two—a possibility the Giants and their fans should be prepared for.
While the idea of another Manning under center in New York is enticing, it’s important not to place unrealistic expectations on Arch. He may not be the quarterback his uncle was—and that’s OK.
MORE: Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft Doesn’t Have New York Drafting a QB
Comparing him to Eli out of the gate could do more harm than good for a young player still developing his identity.
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