Way-too-early 2026 NFL mock draft has the Saints bringing the Manning family back to where they belong in New Orleans

The New Orleans Saints’ new staff and experienced front office are busy preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, it is never too early to look ahead.

Travis May recently released a way-too-early NFL mock draft for 2026. New Orleans’ selection will tug at the heartstrings of many fans and set up the team for future success.

Saints bring back the Manning family

8. New Orleans Saints: Arch Manning, QB Texas

Arch Manning at 8? He should automatically go first overall, right? Wrong. The truth is that the Manning crew has made it quite clear that Arch quite likely will not be entering the 2026 NFL Draft. There’s no reason to rush and force his development. However, even if he puts up a good season he’ll still only have one full year starting, so despite his last name Arch Manning would be a bit more of a projection than most first round quarterback picks.

But does he have the talent to be an early first round quarterback? Absolutely. Arch Manning was a five star recruit for reason, with far superior athleticism when compared to both of his uncles, Eli and Peyton (as you can see in the post below). He flashed some of that ability last fall already. If he does somehow declare in 2026 after a strong 2025 campaign the Saints would be insane not to select the grandson of Archie Manning, who spent 10+ seasons playing QB in New Orleans.

— Travis May

This pick would shock plenty of folks.

Firstly, fans on the Longhorns have heard the murmurs about Manning’s lack o f current interest in entering the 2026 draft class. It sounds like he and his family won’t rush him out of Texas to begin a pro career, as May notes in his blurb.

At the same time, the hype around a newcomer QB with the last name of Manning will always stir up excitement and intrigue.

Arch’s case is exactly that, and many believe that he would be a top five pick if he came out next year. No matter what – this scenario presents a golden opportunity for the Saints to land their long-term answer at the quarterback position.

We will see how Kellen Moore and co. navigate the QB situation this year. Spencer Rattler remains a notable, young option – that plenty of the NFL sees as a potential starter, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Derek Carr is the veteran option who could stay on the roster in 2025. That being said, Moore has been noncommittal on Carr’s future in New Orleans since his arrival.

Neither of those two options have quite the upside and hype that Manning would bring, though. Even as a freshman at Texas, there was interest in watching every one of his snaps from people around the country, regardless of the matchup or score when he would enter for Quinn Ewers.

This pick for 2026 is a great story and outcome for the Saints. Archie would assuredly be excited to see his grandson suit up in black and gold at the NFL level.