The Super Bowl wrapped up on Sunday night with the Seattle Seahawks taking home the crowd. This means the offseason is officially on the clock, with the 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaching. The draft should particularly excite New Orleans Saints fans, as they are hoping to replicate their elite class form last season.
One of the favorite prospects among Saints fans is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. However, they may opt to select a different prospect at a greater positional need in the first round. This would make finding an impactful running back in the later round necessary, which is what this mock is exploring.
Having said that, here is a four-round mock draft where the Saints are forced to find an explosive running back, other than Jeremiyah Love, in a later round.
Sonny Styles is the successor to Demario Davis the Saints need
1:8- Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles is arguably the most talented player in the draft. He’s a former safety converted to linebacker, which is evident in his movement skills. Additionally, he’s spectacular against the run. He only had two missed tackles all of last year, both coming in Ohio State’s sole playoff game.
The future around Demario Davis isn’t certain, so it would be wise to address the position. Hopefully, Styles can learn for a year or two under the veteran; however, he is NFL-ready enough to be a day-one starter if he can’t.
2:42- Chase Bisontis, Guard, Texas A&M
Chase Bisontis is a perfect mix of filling the Saints biggest need and drafting the best player available. He’s extremely technical and has outstanding hand placement and timing, which helps mitigate the opposing pass rush. He pairs this with elite athleticism capable of pulling and reaching the second level. Bisontis would be an excellent replacement on the interior offensive lie.
3:73- Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
Emmett Johnson would be a fantastic substitute if the Saints are unable to select a running back early in the draft. He’s a perfect complement to Devin Neal and would give this offense an explosive threat capable of breaking off a long run. I’m not saying they would reach this level; but, Johnson and Neal would have similar roles to the illustrious Boom and Zoom pairing the Saints had with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara.
As mentioned above, Johnson is explosive and uses his elusiveness to constantly make defenders miss. He has an amazing juke and spin move that allows him to consistently break the first tackle attempt. He has great vision and is patient in the backfield. The biggest issue with Johnson is his lack of home-run speed and sub-par play strength. Regardless, he’s still an enticing option who would instantly elevate the Saints offense.
4:132- Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Ted Hurst is one of the most underrated receivers in the draft solely because he didn’t come from an illustrious college. Hurst dominated at the Senior Bowl and flew up draft boards. It’s easy to see how he will translate to the next level, despite coming from Georgia State. He’s an outstanding deep threat who uses his long strides to burn the defender. He also has the best release package in the draft, which allows him to consistently beat man coverage. Hurst would be an ideal fit next to Chris Olave in the Saints offense.
4:137- Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
Stukes is one of the most versatile players in the draft. He’s listed as a cornerback, but has taken snaps in the slot (380 snaps), as a box safety (197), at free safety (19), on the defensive line as a blitzer (9), and a few at outside cornerback (4). Stukes had an outstanding year in 2025 with four interceptions, six pass breakups, and no touchdowns allowed. He’s an intriguing option for the Saints and is someone Brandon Staley would undoubtedly love to have.