Arch Manning Projected to New Orleans Saints in Early 2026 NFL Mock Drafts

Early Glimpse into the 2026 NFL Draft

As the current football season approaches, attention is already turning to the future, with early mock drafts for the 2026 NFL season beginning to surface. These speculative projections offer a glimpse into which college players might become top professional prospects and where they could land. It's important to remember that these forecasts are made well in advance and are subject to significant changes as players develop and team needs evolve over the next two years.

One of the most talked-about predictions centers on quarterback Arch Manning, who is widely projected to be a high pick. Several prominent sports outlets are placing him as a potential top selection, with some suggesting he could be heading to the New Orleans Saints. This early buzz highlights the enduring interest in the Manning football dynasty, as Arch carries the legacy of his grandfather Archie and uncles Peyton and Eli, all legendary NFL quarterbacks.

Arch Manning and the New Orleans Saints Speculation

The idea of Arch Manning joining the New Orleans Saints has generated considerable excitement, particularly given his family's deep ties to the city and the team. His grandfather, Archie Manning, played for the Saints for many years, becoming an iconic figure in the franchise's history. While this is purely a projection based on anticipated team needs and player talent, it creates an intriguing narrative for fans to follow.

Mock drafts typically aim to match promising college talent with teams that are likely to have high draft picks and specific positional deficiencies. For a team like the Saints, securing a potential franchise quarterback would be a significant move for their long-term future. However, many factors, including the Saints' performance in the upcoming seasons and Arch Manning's continued development at the college level, will ultimately determine if such a scenario becomes a reality.

A Deep Quarterback Class Predicted for 2026

Beyond Arch Manning, the 2026 NFL Draft class is being touted as potentially rich in quarterback talent. Current projections indicate that as many as five or even six quarterbacks could be selected within the top ten picks or throughout the first round. This suggests a high demand for playmakers at the most critical position in football and a strong pool of prospects available to meet that demand.

The emphasis on quarterbacks in early mock drafts underscores the premium that NFL teams place on finding a star signal-caller. Teams are constantly looking for the next generation of talent to lead their offenses, making the quarterback position a focal point in every draft cycle, even years in advance.

The Speculative Nature of Early Predictions

It cannot be overstated that these 2026 mock draft predictions are highly speculative. A lot can change between now and the actual draft. College players will have two more full seasons to play, during which their performance, health, and leadership will be closely scrutinized. Team needs will also shift based on trades, free agency, and their own draft successes or failures in the interim years.

The journey from a promising college prospect to a top NFL draft pick is long and unpredictable. Injuries, inconsistent play, and the emergence of new talents can all drastically alter a player's draft stock. These early mock drafts serve primarily as a conversation starter and a way for fans to begin thinking about the future of their favorite teams and the sport.

What happens next

Over the next two years, analysts will continue to update their mock draft boards as college football seasons unfold and players declare their eligibility. The performance of Arch Manning and other top prospects in their upcoming college campaigns will be critical in solidifying or shifting their projected draft positions. NFL teams will also monitor their own roster needs closely, preparing for the opportunity to select the players they believe can transform their franchises.