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It's never too early for NFL mock drafts. In fact, mocks for the following year sometimes come out immediately following the one that just happened. And some draftniks go so far as to start conjuring up ideas two years in advance. So with the 2024 NFL season almost halfway done, eyes are already turning to the 2026 NFL Draft. The main reason for that is Arch Manning.
After redshirting in 2023, Manning has finally gotten important playing time with the Texas Longhorns in 2024 and shown the traits that made him an elite recruit. NFL teams will probably be lining up to pick him, but he won't be eligible to be drafted until 2026. With the 2025 quarterback class looking underwhelming at this point in time, we could see teams "tanking" to get a chance at Manning the year after.
Could Arch Manning end up on the New Orleans Saints in 2026?
That would mean riding it out with low-level starters, and a new 2026 mock draft from Charlie Campbell of Walter Football has an interesting proposition: Arch Manning heading to the New Orleans Saints with the 1st overall pick.
By the 2026 NFL Draft, the Saints could be looking for a young quarterback to replace Derek Carr. Manning has flashed his excellent skill set in relief work for Quinn Ewers in 2024. Manning has completed 69 percent of his es for 920 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He also has two rushing touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 225-pounder could be a riser for the 2026 NFL Draft after he takes over as the full-time starter in 2025.
The Saints are currently in free fall after a hot start in 2024, but the franchise continues to be in salary cap hell and doesn't have a ton of talented players. With a lot of their stars aging and Derek Carr being unable to elevate lesser players, it wouldn't be a surprise if New Orleans has the first pick in 2026.
Considering Archie Manning - the grandfather of Arch and father to Peyton, Eli and Cooper - began his career with the Saints, this would essentially complete the Manning circle in the NFL. It would be an amazing storyline.
It's a long ways away, but a full season as the starter for Texas should see Manning be the consensus No. 1 overall prospect the year after. If everything goes to plan, of course.