Arch Manning is facing growing criticism following Texas’ 27-24 loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry at the Cotton Bowl, with some believing the 22-year-old should not be considered a first-round NFL Draft prospect.

Amid the backlash, Quincy Avery, quarterback coach for Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson, took to social media to argue that Manning is facing too much pressure because of the high expectations surrounding him.

Avery also shared his thoughts on the talk surrounding Manning’s first-round draft potential.

Quincy Avery Pities Arch Manning Amid Growing Criticism

Manning still has work to do before he can be considered a polished NFL prospect. He threw three touchdown passes against Oklahoma, but two costly interceptions hurt Texas’ chances of winning.

Early in the fourth quarter, Oklahoma defensive back Peyton Bowen intercepted Manning’s pass and returned it 42 yards for a touchdown.

Manning threw another interception in the final minute while Texas was trying to set up a game-winning score. The turnover gave Oklahoma the possession it used to set up the winning 47-yard field goal.

The loss ended Texas’s unbeaten run and dealt a serious blow to Manning’s Heisman Trophy hopes. With criticism mounting over his performances and NFL potential, Avery believes the expectations surrounding the young quarterback have gone too far.

“I actually feel bad for Arch,” tweeted the QB coach. “He never asked for these unreasonable expectations and inflated draft talk. He just wanna be a kid.”

Avery also questioned Manning’s first-round NFL Draft potential, warning that any evaluator who gives the Texas quarterback a first-round grade could regret it.

“That young man is gonna get whoever puts an R1 grade on him fired,” Avery remarked.

Manning has thrown for 1,122 yards, 10 touchdowns, and five interceptions through five games this season. He currently ranks #55 with a PFN CFB QB Impact Score of 79.1. Pro Football Network analyst Jacob Infante currently has Manning going to the Miami Dolphins with the No. 4 overall pick in his latest mock draft.

The Texas quarterback acknowledged his mistakes after the loss, taking responsibility for the turnovers that hurt his team.

“I think we’ve got to do a better job, especially me, not getting loose with the ball,” Manning said. “I think we beat ourselves a lot tonight.”

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Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian also backed Manning after the defeat, highlighting positive moments in his performance while acknowledging that the team needs to improve in other areas.

“I think Arch competed his tail off, and he made some tremendous plays,” Sarkisian said.

“I thought there was a level of confidence, consistency, and rhythm in which he was throwing the ball. We’ve got to continue to run the ball better so it’s not all on his shoulders when he’s got to throw it to go make all these plays for us,” added the head honcho.

Manning can bounce back next week against No. 16 Florida and silence some of his critics with a strong performance.