Saints predicted to select 'clear No. 1 player' in latest 2026 mock draft
The New Orleans Saints have been stuck in franchise purgatory for quite some time.
They've shown spurts of fight under first-year head coach Kellen Moore throughout the 2025 season, but in most games, they're just outmatched by better talent. It's going to take some time to turn the ship around in New Orleans, and it starts with the 2026 NFL Draft.
Armed with a potential top-three pick, the Saints are in position to land a difference-maker next April, and Dane Brugler has them doing just that.
Mock draft has Saints selecting Ohio State's Arvell Reese No. 3 overall
In The Athletic's latest mock draft, New Orleans selects Ohio State edge/LB Arvell Reese third overall.
"The clear No. 1 player on my updated top 50, Reese can be whatever a defense needs him to be in the front seven. (OK, maybe not a nose tackle). He can play off the ball, spy, drop and cover, or mirror runs all the way to the sideline," wrote Brugler.
"As an edge rusher, Reese has burst, flexibility and speed, along with the violence in his hands to dispose of blocks on his way to the quarterback. You will hear plenty of Micah Parsons comparisons for Reese throughout the process."
If the Micah Parsons comparisons aren't tantalizing enough, Reese's status as arguably the top player in college football should excite Saints fans.
Cameron Jordan isn't getting any younger, and New Orleans could use some pop on defense.
Reese would provide that for the Saints, and mark the beginning of a stark turnaround for a once proud organization.
Seahawks' Path to NFC’s No. 1 Seed THREATENED by Shocking Sauce Gardner Injury News
The Seattle Seahawks' quest for the NFC's top seed has just become even more complicated, as injury news surrounding the Indianapolis Colts' star cornerback Sauce Gardner threatens to disrupt their playoff push. The dramatic turn of events has left Seahawks fans reeling, with the path ahead now clouded by uncertainty and added pressure.
A Game-Changing Injury
In a season already full of twists and turns, this latest development could prove to be a game-changer. Sauce Gardner, who was traded to the Colts from the New York Jets just weeks ago, was sidelined after suffering a calf injury in Week 13’s loss to the Houston Texans. Though initial reports suggest that his Achilles is fine, the calf injury is enough to keep Gardner from playing in upcoming games, potentially affecting the Colts' defensive capabilities in the critical weeks leading up to the postseason.
For the Seahawks, the news couldn't have come at a worse time. With the NFC playoff race heating up and only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, Seattle was hoping to capitalize on their momentum. But with Gardner’s absence now casting doubt over the Colts’ defensive plans, the Seahawks’ hopes of securing the No. 1 seed have been thrown into jeopardy. As the Colts are expected to rely on other cornerbacks to fill the void, the Seahawks’ path to the top spot in the NFC is now clouded with uncertainty.
Seattle's Strategy in Question
Seattle was already facing stiff competition in the NFC, and now they must navigate this new challenge. With Gardner out, the Colts’ defense could become more vulnerable, which might shift the balance in Seattle's favor. However, the Seahawks also need to make sure they remain focused on their own game — including crucial matchups against tough NFC opponents in the coming weeks.
The pressure is mounting as Seattle faces the possibility of having to adjust their strategy. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the team will need to perform at their absolute best if they want to clinch the NFC’s top spot. The absence of a major defensive weapon like Gardner could open up opportunities, but it also increases the stakes for the Seahawks to push harder in their upcoming games.
Looking Ahead
As the injury news continues to reverberate throughout the league, all eyes will be on Seattle. Can they rise to the occasion and push through the murky waters of this sudden change? The road to the NFC’s No. 1 seed just got rockier, but Seattle has the talent and resilience to overcome any obstacle. With everything on the line, the Seahawks’ journey to the top is far from over.
