2026 NFL Draft: NFC Teams Shine as Ohio State Dominates Selections and Saints Eye International Expansion

April 28, 2026 — The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, leaving a clear imprint on the league’s landscape, particularly in the NFC. Ohio State University emerged as the undisputed king of the draft, with a record 11 players selected, including two first-round picks who redefined the term “versatile defender.” Meanwhile, the NFC South stood out as a division on the rise, with the New Orleans Saints making headlines not only for their draft strategy but also for their ambitious plans to bring NFL football to Paris. This year’s draft also saw a surprise late-round gem from North Dakota State, proving that small-school talent continues to make waves in the big leagues.

For the New York Giants, the draft was a statement of intent. With the fifth overall pick, they secured Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, a player whose blend of speed, power and football IQ has scouts and analysts buzzing. Reese’s selection underscores a growing trend in the NFL: the rise of the “positionless” defender, a player who can line up anywhere on the field and excel. His arrival in New York signals a shift in defensive philosophy for a franchise looking to rebuild its identity after a disappointing 2025 season.

But the Giants weren’t the only team to make a splash. The NFC South, often overshadowed by its more glamorous division rivals, quietly assembled a draft class that could reshape the conference’s balance of power. The Saints, in particular, made headlines both on and off the field, using their draft capital to address key needs whereas also announcing plans to host a regular-season game in Paris as early as 2027. The move is part of a broader NFL push to expand its international footprint, and the Saints are positioning themselves at the forefront of that effort.

Ohio State’s Draft Dominance: A Program Built for the Modern NFL

No program had a bigger impact on the 2026 NFL Draft than Ohio State. The Buckeyes set a new benchmark with 11 players selected, including four in the first 11 picks alone. The draft haul is a testament to the program’s ability to attract and develop elite talent, but it also reflects the NFL’s evolving priorities. Defensive versatility and offensive line depth were two of the most sought-after traits in this year’s draft, and Ohio State delivered in spades.

Leading the charge was Arvell Reese, the fifth overall pick by the Giants. Reese, a 6-foot-4, 241-pound edge defender from Cleveland, Ohio, is the prototype for the modern NFL linebacker. His 4.46-second 40-yard dash time was the fastest among defensive linemen and linebackers in this year’s draft class, and his ability to rush the passer while also dropping into coverage made him a coveted chess piece for defensive coordinators. Reese’s selection was no surprise to those who followed his college career—he was a Consensus All-American in 2025, earning honors from the Associated Press, AFCA, and Walter Camp, and was named the Big Ten’s Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year.

Reese wasn’t the only Buckeye to hear his name called early. Sonny Styles, a converted safety turned linebacker, was selected 10th overall by the Chicago Bears. Like Reese, Styles embodies the NFL’s new defensive paradigm—a player who can line up at multiple positions and disrupt offenses in unexpected ways. The Athletic described both players as “chess-piece linebackers”, a term that has become synonymous with the league’s most creative defensive schemes.

Ohio State’s draft success wasn’t limited to its defensive stars. Offensive tackle Carnell Tate was selected in the first round by the Las Vegas Raiders, while safety Denzel Burke went to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12. The Buckeyes’ final pick of the draft was a story in itself: Ethan Onianwa, a 6-foot-7, 330-pound offensive tackle who transferred from Rice and never started a game for Ohio State, was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round. Onianwa’s selection is a testament to the NFL’s willingness to bet on raw physical tools, even for players with limited college production. His journey—from a transfer with zero starts to an NFL draft pick—highlights the unpredictable nature of the draft process.

The NFC South’s Quiet Rise: Saints Lead the Charge

While the NFC North and West often dominate the headlines, the NFC South made a strong case for itself in the 2026 NFL Draft. The division’s four teams combined to select 18 players, with the New Orleans Saints leading the way. The Saints, who have quietly assembled one of the league’s most talented rosters, used their draft capital to address key needs while also making a bold statement about their future.

The Saints’ most notable pick was Francis Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive tackle from Alabama, selected with the 10th overall pick. Johnson, a two-time All-SEC selection, fills a critical need for the Saints, who have struggled with offensive line consistency in recent years. His addition gives New Orleans a formidable bookend to go alongside left tackle Trevor Penning, the team’s 2022 first-round pick, and solidifies a unit that will be tasked with protecting franchise quarterback Derek Carr for years to come.

But the Saints’ draft strategy wasn’t just about addressing immediate needs. The team also made headlines for its long-term vision, announcing plans to host a regular-season game in Paris as early as 2027. The move is part of the NFL’s broader international expansion effort, which has already seen games played in London, Germany, and Mexico. The Saints’ decision to embrace the international stage reflects a growing trend among NFL franchises to view global markets as a key part of their growth strategy. For a team that has struggled to fill the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in recent years, the opportunity to tap into a new fan base in Europe could be a game-changer.

The rest of the NFC South also made moves to bolster their rosters. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Micah Morris, a powerful offensive guard from Georgia, with the 207th overall pick. Morris, a two-time All-SEC honoree, brings a physical presence to an offensive line that will be tasked with protecting 40-year-old quarterback Baker Mayfield as he enters the twilight of his career. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons, who selected Ohio State’s Ethan Onianwa in the seventh round, added depth to an offensive line that has been a function in progress in recent years.

Small-School Stars Shine: Cole Payton’s Late-Round Surprise

While Ohio State and the SEC dominated the early rounds, the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft provided a reminder that talent can come from anywhere. One of the most intriguing stories of the draft was the selection of Cole Payton, a quarterback from North Dakota State, by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 178th overall pick. Payton, the son of former NFL quarterback Trevor Payton, is the latest in a long line of FCS quarterbacks to make the leap to the NFL, following in the footsteps of players like Trey Lance and Carson Wentz.

Payton’s selection is a testament to the Eagles’ willingness to take risks on developmental talent. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound quarterback threw for 3,200 yards and 30 touchdowns in his final season at North Dakota State, leading the Bison to an FCS playoff berth. While he may not be ready to start immediately, Payton’s arm talent and intangibles made him an attractive late-round flier for a team that has a history of developing quarterbacks. The Eagles’ decision to draft Payton also reflects a broader trend in the NFL: the increasing value placed on quarterbacks with mobility and improvisational skills, traits that have become essential in an era of creative offensive schemes.

What’s Next for the Draft’s Biggest Names?

For the players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, the real work is just beginning. Arvell Reese, the Giants’ fifth overall pick, will be expected to step into a starting role immediately, providing a much-needed boost to a defense that ranked 24th in the league in 2025. Reese’s versatility will allow Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen to deploy him in a variety of roles, from edge rusher to off-ball linebacker, and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be critical as New York looks to rebound from a 6-11 season.

In New Orleans, Francis Johnson will face the challenge of protecting Derek Carr, a quarterback who has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency. Johnson’s development will be key to the Saints’ success in 2026, as the team looks to make a playoff push in what could be Carr’s final season as the franchise’s starter. Meanwhile, Cole Payton will begin his NFL journey as a backup to Eagles starter Jalen Hurts, but his long-term potential could make him one of the draft’s most intriguing storylines in the years to come.

Off the field, the Saints’ plans to host a game in Paris will move into the logistical phase. The team has already begun discussions with NFL officials about the feasibility of playing a regular-season game in France, and if all goes according to plan, the Saints could become the first NFL team to host a game in Paris. The move would be a historic moment for the league and a significant step forward in its international expansion efforts.

Key Takeaways from the 2026 NFL Draft

• Ohio State’s dominance: The Buckeyes set a new standard with 11 players selected, including four in the first 11 picks. Their success reflects the program’s ability to develop versatile, NFL-ready talent.
• The rise of the NFC South: The division’s four teams combined to select 18 players, with the Saints leading the way. New Orleans’ draft strategy and international ambitions could reshape the conference’s balance of power.
• Small-school stars make an impact: Cole Payton’s selection by the Eagles is a reminder that talent can come from anywhere. The FCS has become a breeding ground for NFL quarterbacks, and Payton could be the next success story.
• Defensive versatility is king: Players like Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, who can line up at multiple positions, are becoming increasingly valuable in the NFL. Their ability to disrupt offenses in unexpected ways makes them coveted assets.
• International expansion takes center stage: The Saints’ plans to host a game in Paris highlight the NFL’s growing focus on global markets. The move could open new revenue streams and fan bases for the league.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 NFL Draft has set the stage for an exciting season ahead. With rookies like Arvell Reese and Francis Johnson poised to make an immediate impact, and teams like the Saints eyeing international expansion, the league’s landscape is evolving faster than ever. The next major milestone will be the start of training camps in late July, where the draft’s biggest names will begin the process of proving themselves at the NFL level.

For fans, the draft is just the beginning. The real excitement will come when these players take the field in September, and the stories of the 2026 NFL Draft begin to unfold in real time. Until then, the conversation will continue—about who got it right, who missed an opportunity, and which late-round gems will emerge as the next NFL stars.

What are your thoughts on the 2026 NFL Draft? Which team had the best draft class? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow World Today Journal’s Sports section for the latest updates on the NFL and other major sports.