Early Week-4 Mocks Diverge on Saints’ No. 1 Pick for 2026 NFL Draft

Analysts describe a quarterback‑plus offensive line‑rich class, with projections still highly provisional.

Overview

USA TODAY and Draft Wire released their first full 2026 first‑round projections after NFL Week 4, with Yahoo Sports publishing its initial mock later the same day.
USA TODAY placed LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at No. 1 to New Orleans, Draft Wire projected Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza there, and Yahoo Sports tabbed Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. for the top slot.
All three mocks loaded the top 10 with quarterbacks, featuring early placements for LaNorris Sellers, Dante Moore, Fernando Mendoza, Garrett Nussmeier and John Mateer.
Offensive line was highlighted as a primary strength of the class, with tackles such as Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa and Kadyn Proctor projected in prominent early positions.
The draft orders drew on Week‑4 standings or waiver order, and each outlet emphasized that team needs, injuries and limited college sample sizes mean these early forecasts will evolve.