The New Orleans Saints biggest needs in the 2026 NFL Draft are becoming evident after their first week of free agency. There is still time to sign more players, so what’s perceived as a need now could be fixed by April, but the Saints current draft strategy is prevalent. This mock draft is intended to address those positions and help fill out the roster.
The Saints draft board will continuously change as more information on prospects is revealed. But this draft mimics what the team could do in April
With that said, here’s a seven-round mock draft for the Saints.
Rueben Bain would be a home-run selection for the Saints
1:8- Rueben Bain Jr.- Edge, Miami
The Saints still haven’t addressed edge rusher after the opening week of free agency, making it one of their biggest needs during the draft. Because of that, selecting Rueben Bain would be wise and gives them a dynamic pass rusher opposite of Chase Young for the foreseeable future.
Bain dominates the game on all three downs. Against the run, his violent hand usage allows him to constantly penetrate the backfield and blow plays up. Similarly, he’s equally as impactful against the pass. Bain’s a triple threat pass rusher who can win with technique, speed around the edge, or power. This ability keeps opposing lineman guessing and doesn’t allow them to key in on a certain aspect.
There are serious concerns about Bain’s lack of arm lengths. This is worrisome, as tackles can frequently reach his chest, which helps mitigate his pass rush, but his film is impressive enough to bypass this.Â
Overall, Bain’s a perfect fit on the Saints offensive line and would form an explosive tandem with Young for the foreseeable future.
2:42- Keith Abney- CB, Arizona State
Questions are prevalent about the Saints cornerback room, both on the outside and in the slot. Alontae Taylor’s departure is notable, especially since it was a thin group already. Thus far, the Saints haven't fixed it in free agency, which means it’s a priority in April.
Abney isn’t a big player, only standing at 5-foot-10, 187-pounds but makes up for it with his impressive movement skills, versatility, and physicality. He’s arguably the best man-coverage cornerback in the draft and effortlessly mirrors receivers with his elite footwork and fluidity. Pair this with the versatility to play inside or outside and he becomes an ideal fit for Brandon Staley’s defense.
3:73- Antonio Williams- WR, Clemson
Antonio Williams would give Tyler Shough a reliable target who has a knack for getting open, especially while he’s under duress. He’s a safety blanket as his strong IQ helps him find soft spots in the zone. Additionally, Wilson is a spectacular route runner who understands how to stem defenders and use tempo to create separation.
4:132- Emmett Johnson, HB, Nebraska
The Saints signed Travis Etienne but could still build depth at running back. Emmett Johnson is an explosive threat who is difficult to bring down in open space. He doesn’t have exceptional long speed, supplements it for short-area burst and vision. He excels at reading the line and finding an open gap. Once he does, it’s full steam ahead.
4:137- Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Oscar Delp’s production doesn't indicate the player he is. The former Bulldog only put up 20 receptions for 261 yards and one touchdown but has much more potential than that. He’s a well-rounded prospect, who is a capable run blocker and route runner. Delp could learn from Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant, then eventually take the reins when the time comes.
5:148- Beau Stephens, G, Iowa
When in doubt, take an Iowa offensive lineman. The Saints still have a need at guard, despite signing David Edwards. Stephens is an old-school blocker who is a mauler in the run game. He still needs development as a pass protector, but the tools are there.
5:170- VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
VJ Payne is an athletic freak at safety who has the versatility to play all over the defense. He posted an incredible 9.86 RAS score, which tends to be a favorable trend in the Saints' evaluation. He’s still a raw prospect, but Payne has the potential to become a star safety if he can develop his IQ and coverage ability.
6:189- Lewis Bond, WR, Boston College
This is my favorite pick of the entire draft. Lewis Bond is one of the most underrated players in the draft, being my WR9. He’s not the most explosive athlete but is smart and understands how to create separation. He’s an extremely nuanced route runner and thrives at the break of routes, where Bond can expertly fake one direction then take off the other. He would be a perfect slot receiver in the Saints offense.