Arch Manning — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0
Leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, we will track where Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning appears in the latest NFL mock drafts.
Arch Manning NFL Mock Drafts
Here are some of the latest mock drafts in which Arch Manning has appeared:
No. 1 overall — New Orleans Saints
Arch Manning has attempted 95 passes since arriving in Austin as an early enrollee two years ago, but that is a reflection of the team's investment in former No. 1 overall recruit Quinn Ewers. Honestly, he likely would return in 2026.
Arch Manning, the son of Cooper Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, saw extended action in victories over Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State last season. The idea of Arch Manning at No. 1 overall is a steep projection, but the pedigree is there.
The other interesting storyline to this selection is that Arch Manning will begin his career where his grandfather, Archie Manning, began and spent 12 of his professional seasons. In fact, the franchise has not used a first-round pick on the position since Archie Manning in 1971.
But wait, there's more. Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier is the father of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is expected to be another top quarterback prospect in this draft.
Arch Manning, the son of Cooper Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, saw extended action in victories over Louisiana-Monroe and Mississippi State last season. The idea of Arch Manning at No. 1 overall is a steep projection, but the pedigree is there.
The other interesting storyline to this selection is that Arch Manning will begin his career where his grandfather, Archie Manning, began and spent 12 of his professional seasons. In fact, the franchise has not used a first-round pick on the position since Archie Manning in 1971.
But wait, there's more. Saints offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier is the father of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is expected to be another top quarterback prospect in this draft.
No. 2 overall — Cleveland Browns
The Browns traded back in 2025 with this moment in mind, as they now have the extra draft capital to move up for their preferred QB, if needed. With Manning falling in this scenario, Cleveland secures a rare high-end signal caller with an iconic family legacy to build the franchise around.
No. 1 overall — New Orleans Saints
The Saints haven't drafted a quarterback in the first round since Archie Manning in 1971, so it would certainly be poetic if his grandson breaks that streak. At this point, scouts believe there is a good chance Manning returns to school for his fourth year in 2026. But first, he needs to turn the hype into on-field production as a first-year starter in 2025.
No. 1 overall — Cleveland Browns
Yes, the Browns just invested draft picks in both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, but if either was viewed as a realistic starting option, they wouldn't have lasted until the third and fifth rounds, respectively. With just two career starts, it is beyond premature to project Manning as the No. 1 overall pick, but the traits and talent are undeniable. Manning is much more athletic than his famous uncles, but possesses their prototypical size, arm strength and accuracy, as well as the poise in the spotlight that comes with growing up in such a famous family. Given that the Longhorns are replacing their receivers and much of their offensive line, Manning has plenty of work to do to justify all the hype, but at this point, he's the obvious favorite to be the first pick.
More roundups: NFL Teams | NFL Draft Prospects