Cowboys Pass on Arch Manning, Opt For George Pickens Replacement in NFL Mock Draft

The Dallas Cowboys’ 2027 draft planning is being framed around a decision point: whether to take Texas quarterback Arch Manning or instead address other needs. In a mock draft by Athlon Sports’ Luke Easterling, Dallas lands at No. 8 and Manning is available, but the Cowboys go with Indiana wide receiver Charlie Becker. Manning is then projected to Cleveland at No. 15. Easterling’s rationale centers on George Pickens—Dallas is unlikely to extend him as their WR2 opposite CeeDee Lamb. The piece cites comments from co-owner Stephen Jones about the difficulty of paying top-of-market deals for two elite receivers. Becker’s profile includes 6-4, 208 size, contested-catch ability, and production that he’s set to build on in 2026.