Controversial quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s decision to enter the 2026 NFL Supplemental Draft has sparked much discussion. While much of it has centered on his gambling-related eligibility issues, CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson believes the conversation should also focus on Sorsby’s talent.
In fact, Wilson made a stunning assessment of Sorsby, saying that if scouts were evaluating the quarterback purely on his play, they would take him over Texas star Arch Manning every time.
Ryan Wilson Says Brendan Sorsby Was Better Prospect For 2027 NFL Draft Than Arch Manning
Wilson has spent significant time studying Sorsby ahead of the Supplemental Draft and came away impressed by the former Texas Tech quarterback’s physical tools.
“If you were watching the black-and-white television and you didn’t see the name on the back of the jerseys, ten times out of ten, you would take Sorsby over Arch Manning,” Wilson said, during an appearance on “92.3 The Fan,” the radio station for the Cleveland Browns.
Wilson made it clear he was evaluating the quarterbacks solely on what they put on tape rather than the circumstances surrounding Sorsby’s college career.
Sorsby was initially ruled ineligible by the NCAA after admitting to placing approximately $90,000 in wagers on college and professional sports over a four-year period, including bets involving Indiana football while he was a member of the program.
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“He can do things that not a lot of quarterbacks can do,” Wilson explained, saying Sorsby possesses traits that are difficult to find, even among top QB prospects. “He’s big, and he’s strong… he has one of the best deep balls in college football.”
Wilson also noted Sorsby’s ability to create outside of structure without immediately abandoning the pocket, a skill that has become increasingly valuable in today’s NFL. But still, Sorsby is not flawless.
“He can be reckless at times, and he maybe makes throws he doesn’t, maybe shouldn’t make,” Wilson added. “Sort of some Jaxson Dart in his game.”
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When asked whether Sorsby possessed the talent to become a top-five selection in the 2027 NFL Draft, Wilson didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, he does,” the CBS Sports NFL analyst said.
The former Cincinnati standout was initially expected to lead Texas Tech in 2026 after transferring from the Bearcats. During his final collegiate season in 2025, Sorsby threw for 2,800 yards, 27 touchdowns, and five interceptions while adding 616 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metric ranked him 10th in FBS with an impact score of 88.2.
Wilson even suggested Sorsby could have challenged some of the quarterbacks who heard their names called early in the 2026 NFL Draft. “Would he go in the top five? Yeah, I feel pretty confident saying that might be a high likelihood of that,” he said.
Plenty of teams will be paying attention to Sorsby if and when he becomes eligible for the Supplemental Draft.
PFSN’s Ryan Gosling recently identified the New York Jets as the most logical landing spot for Sorsby. The Jets were viewed as the cleanest fit, offering the 22-year-old quarterback a chance to develop behind Geno Smith without immediate pressure to play.
Other teams include the Browns and Miami Dolphins, while he could also find some surprise interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.