Overview of The Athletic Football Show — Building the Beast
This episode centers on the evolving 2027 quarterback class, starting with a deep dive on Arch Manning’s struggles in Texas’ loss to Florida and then broadening into a wide-ranging draft discussion with Max Brown and Dane Brugler. The group also hands out two new “green room” invites — Texas edge rusher Colin Simmons and Indiana receiver Charlie Becker — while spotlighting a few other risers, including Tennessee’s disruptive defensive front and BYU linebacker Cade Uluave.
Arch Manning: Concern Is Real, But the Book Isn’t Closed
The opening segment is a frank evaluation of Arch Manning after another uneven performance against Florida.
What went wrong
- Manning’s processing speed and decisiveness were the biggest issues.
- The panel repeatedly noted that he looked hesitant, late, and overly methodical in the pocket.
- He passed up multiple easy throws, including:
- a shallow/out route on the final key sequence,
- a seam shot early in the game,
- and a late checkdown that became a disastrous sack/fumble sequence.
Bigger-picture concerns
- Texas has more than a quarterback problem:
- the offensive line has been poor,
- the interior is viewed as poorly coached,
- and the play calling hasn’t helped.
- Still, the group agreed that Manning’s mental development has not matched his physical tools.
- The consensus: the talent is obvious, but the current production does not look like a first-round quarterback.
Can it be fixed?
- Yes, but it likely requires simplifying the offense and reducing his mental burden.
- The staff may need to “dumb it down” short term to rebuild confidence.
- Even then, there’s concern that if Manning can’t thrive in this environment, it raises bigger questions about his NFL projection.
The 2027 Quarterback Class: Unsettled, Not Empty
The crew pushed back on the idea that the class is suddenly bad just because the top names have had inconsistent moments.
Main takeaway
- There is no clear QB1 right now.
- But there still appears to be a broad group of prospects who could become top-10 picks.
Quarterbacks discussed
- Drew Mestemaker
- Still viewed as an elite prospect type because of his tape and trajectory.
- However, his lack of high-level experience makes him a tricky evaluation.
- The panel suggested he may be better off returning to school if his stock stays strong.
- Darian Mensah
- Accurate, composed, and productive in multiple settings.
- Not an explosive arm talent, but a polished quarterback with first-round traits.
- The last two games showed some cracks under pressure, but he still kept Miami winning.
- Trinidad Chambliss
- Strong playmaking traits, live arm, and mobility.
- Concern remains about size and whether his scrambling translates to the NFL.
- Still firmly in the first-round mix.
- Connor Weigman
- A notable riser.
- His athleticism, arm talent, and ability to throw on the move stood out.
- The panel sees a real path for him to climb into the draft conversation if he finishes well.
- Dante Moore
- Still a major name, but the concussion situation leaves his status uncertain.
- C.J. Carr
- Remains in the mix, though the class is still fluid overall.
Draft-market takeaway
- Teams picking in the top 10 may feel nervous without a slam-dunk quarterback.
- Teams in the 20s or early second round may actually benefit, since there could be value in the crop of passers who slide.
Green Room Additions: Colin Simmons and Charlie Becker
The show’s “green room” concept is reserved for players the hosts consider locked-in first-rounders.
Colin Simmons, EDGE, Texas
- Now officially added to the green room.
- His Florida tape was described as his best of the season.
- Why he got the nod:
- disruptive run defense,
- strong edge-setting,
- timely pressure late in the game,
- and visible impact before his ankle injury.
- The main long-term question is how much he can improve as a run defender and how his frame/skill set fits different NFL schemes.
Charlie Becker, WR, Indiana
- Also earns a green room invite.
- The comparison most discussed: Mike Evans-lite.
- Strengths:
- vertical speed,
- clean route breaks,
- elite ball skills,
- strong hands in contested situations,
- and the ability to win on the boundary.
- He’s viewed as a true top-half-of-the-first-round type and possibly closer to wide receiver one than many realize.
Other Notable Risers
Tennessee’s defensive front
The hosts highlighted Tennessee’s front seven as one of the best defensive lines in college football so far.
Xavier Gilmore / “Xavier Gilliam” at nose
- A fluid, twitchy, powerful interior defender.
- Viewed as a top-20 type talent.
- Can line up across multiple spots on the line, not just as a pure nose tackle.
Tyree Weathersby at edge
- Physical, powerful, and productive.
- Noted as the “toughest guy” on the Tennessee defense.
- Continued to stack impressive games against top competition, including Alabama.
Cade Uluave, LB, BYU
- A major stock-up player after the Notre Dame win.
- Former Cal standout who has long been on NFL radars.
- His calling cards:
- instincts,
- speed,
- toughness,
- and versatility in both run defense and coverage.
- The group sees him as moving from “good college linebacker” into real NFL draft consideration.
Closing Thoughts
The episode’s core message is that the 2027 quarterback class is still very much alive — just unsettled. Arch Manning’s regression is the biggest headline, but the broader pool of quarterbacks still includes multiple potential first-round picks. Meanwhile, Colin Simmons and Charlie Becker continue to separate themselves, and defenders like Xavier Gilliam and Cade Uluave are boosting their NFL stock with strong performances in big games.
What to Watch Next
- Texas vs. Ole Miss: another major Arch Manning checkpoint
- Miami vs. Pitt: another chance to evaluate Darian Mensah
- Tennessee vs. South Carolina: more tape for the Vols’ defensive front
- Continued movement in the 2027 QB class as the season progresses