The college football season is here, and the NFL is about to start in full force. But it isn't just the 2026 regular season we're worried about. Where have the New Orleans Saints been scouting for the 2027 NFL Draft? Jeff Ireland's scouting department has been busy running around the country to start working on scouting reports for next year's draft class, and their presence hasn't gone unnoticed. Here's where the Saints were spotted during Week 1 of the college football calendar.
Saints check in on practice at Arizona State, UTSA
Scouts don't just show up to the stadium on game day -- they'll be busy during the week observing practice, reconnecting with contacts on campus (ranging from coaches to academic advisors), and filing reports back to team headquarters. At least two teams shared that
the Saints visited practice going into Week 1: the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners. New Orleans drafted first-round picks from each school in recent memory, with ASU wide receiver Jordyn Tyson joining the team in 2026 and UTSA edge rusher Marcus Davenport targeted in a big trade back in 2018.
Lots of NFL scouts at ASU practice today. pic.twitter.com/CwjAdqTTq1
— Brad Denny (@BDenny29) September 2, 2026
Thank you to the @NFL scouts that came out to practice this week! #210TriangleOfToughness | #BuiltByUTSA pic.twitter.com/HINzwmjtiE
— UTSA Football 🏈 (@UTSAFTBL) September 6, 2026
Georgia Tech vs. Colorado
Almost half the league made the trip to Atlanta for the Hornets' season-opening game with the Buffaloes. Georgia Tech running back Justice Haynes was the big draw here as a possible top-100 pick, but he rushed for just 64 yards on 19 carries in a loss. Colorado edge rusher Lamont Lester Jr. had a big debut with three sacks.
Scouts from these NFL teams are here for Colorado vs. Georgia Tech:
— Scott Procter (@ScottProcter_) September 3, 2026
Bills
Broncos
Chargers
Colts
Dolphins
Falcons
Giants
Lions
Panthers
Patriots
Rams
Saints
Titans
Vikings
49ers
Ohio State vs. Ball State
The Buckeyes are obviously going to be heavy hitters in the 2027 draft class; wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is a potential first overall pick, with his quarterback Julian Sayin also entering the first-round conversation. They could have as seven or eight top-100 picks when it's all said and done. Edge rusher Kenyatta Jackson Jr. led the country with eight pressures in Week 1, per Pro Football Focus charting, but he's got to finish plays with sacks.
17 NFL teams will have scouts at Ohio Stadium for Ohio State’s season opener vs. Ball State: Seahawks (3), Bears (2), Browns (2), Colts (2), Falcons (2), 49ers, Chiefs, Dolphins, Giants, Jaguars, Lions, Raiders, Saints, Steelers, Texans, Titans, Vikings
— Dan Hope (@Dan_Hope) September 4, 2026
Arizona vs. Northern Arizona
Wildcats slot receiver Giovanni Richardson had a good day, catching each of his eight targets for 96 yards, but a badly-timed fumble didn't help him. Many eyes were drawn to his 6-foot-4 teammate Tre Spivey, coming off a breakout year with seven touchdowns and an impressive rate of 8.6 yards gained after the catch. Spivey was less impressive in Week 1, catching four of his seven targets for 45 yard and one ugly drop, but he did catch another touchdown pass. His father Junior Spivey played Major League Baseball and won a World Series with the Diamondbacks, and Spivey went to the same high school as Tyler Shough.
Scouts from the Saints, Vikings, Bears, Bills and Cardinals will be in attendance for Arizona-NAU.
— Justin Spears (@JustinESports) September 5, 2026
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2027 NFL Draft: Which college football games have Saints been scouting?
