Texas quarterback Arch Manning is projected to be selected first overall by the New Orleans Saints in an early look at the 2026 NFL Draft, according to an initial mock draft by Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
The grandson of Saints legend Archie Manning, who was selected by New Orleans with the second overall pick in 1971, would represent the first quarterback taken in the first round by the franchise in 55 years should the projection materialize. Scouts believe Manning may opt to return to Texas for his senior season in 2026, however.
Other notable quarterbacks projected in the first round include South Carolina\'s LaNorris Sellers (2nd to the Jets), Penn State\'s Drew Allar (5th to the Browns), LSU\'s Garrett Nussmeier (16th to the Steelers), and Indiana\'s Fernando Mendoza (27th to the Rams).
The Cleveland Browns appear twice in the projected top 10, with their own pick at fifth overall (Allar) and Jacksonville\'s selection at ninth (Florida offensive tackle Austin Barber). This positioning suggests continued struggles for both franchises in the upcoming 2025 NFL season.
Defensively, the mock features several standout linemen and edge rushers expected to make an impact, including Clemson\'s T.J. Parker (4th to Titans), Auburn\'s Keldric Faulk (6th to Panthers), and Oregon\'s Matayo Uiagalelei (10th to Patriots).
The 2026 draft class is notably quarterback-heavy at the top, with five signal-callers projected in the first round. This contrasts with the wide receiver position, which the analysis describes as \"a tad underwhelming at this point in the process\" compared to the reportedly \"epic group\" anticipated in the 2027 class.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs (7th to Raiders) could become the first top-10 safety selection since Jamal Adams in 2017, while Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (14th to Cowboys) is the only running back projected in the first round.
Full 2026 NFL Draft First Round Projection
1. New Orleans Saints: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
2. New York Jets: LaNorris Sellers, QB, South Carolina
3. New York Giants: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
4. Tennessee Titans: T.J. Parker, Edge, Clemson
5. Cleveland Browns: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
6. Carolina Panthers: Keldric Faulk, DT, Auburn
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
8. Indianapolis Colts: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
9. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Austin Barber, OT, Florida
10. New England Patriots: Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon
11. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL): Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
12. Seattle Seahawks: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
13. Miami Dolphins: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
14. Dallas Cowboys: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
15. Arizona Cardinals: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
17. Chicago Bears: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
18. Denver Broncos: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LT Overton, DT, Alabama
20. Houston Texans: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
21. Minnesota Vikings: Jalon Kilgore, CB, South Carolina
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Tyreak Sapp, Edge, Florida
23. San Francisco 49ers: Kage Casey, OT, Boise State
24. Green Bay Packers: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
25. Washington Commanders: Whit Weeks, LB, LSU
26. Cincinnati Bengals: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
27. Los Angeles Rams: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
28. Detroit Lions: Anto Saka, Edge, Northwestern
29. Kansas City Chiefs: Keanu Tanuvasa, DT, BYU
30. Buffalo Bills: Kamari Ramsey, S, USC
31. Baltimore Ravens: Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
32. Philadelphia Eagles: Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College