The 2026 NFL Draft is under a month away and New Orleans Saints fans' speculation is at an all-time high.Â
This mock draft was created with a concentrated focus on fixing the defense. Brandon Staley showed promise in his first season, but lacked the roster to fulfill his vision. In this scenario, Mickey Loomis hands him the keys and gives Staley the tools to build his dream unit.
With that in mind, here’s a seven-round defensive Saints mock draft.
The Saints can't overthink about Rueben Bain
1:8- Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Rueben Bain’s evaluation has been plagued by his subpar frame, but that shouldn’t discourage the Saints from adding him. Passing on him would be a dire mistake. Bain’s dominance against the run, versatility as a pass rusher and villain mentality make him the ideal selection at pick eight.Â
Cameron Jordan’s been a franchise anchor for the past 15 seasons. However, he’s an unrestricted free agent and is undecided on his future. In his absence, Chase Young has stepped up and is trending towards being a cornerstone, but needs a partner. Bain would fill this role and be a day-one starter with the potential to become a game-wrecker.
2:42- Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
Keith Abney’s movement skills, prowess in man coverage and versatility make him the perfect addition to Brandon Staley’s defense. The six-foot, 190-pound cornerback is a smooth athlete, which helps him excel both outside and in the slot. Additionally, his impressive footwork and fluidity let him mirror opposing receivers in press man coverage.
The Saints’ defensive back room is uncertain heading into 2025 due to Alontae Taylor’s departure. The veteran cornerback played everywhere on the field, but thrived in the slot. Now, this spot is vacant and the Saints must find a solution. Some speculation about Quincy Riley shifting inside has surfaced, but it’s entirely possible they could look in the draft. If they do, Abney stands out as a potential option.
3:73- Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
A dominant run-stuffing defensive tackle is the missing piece on the Saints’ defense. Bryan Bresee is dynamic as a pass rusher, but is mediocre on early downs. To supplement this, drafting Domonique Orange is a smart idea.
The six-foot-two, 322-pound monster uses his elite strength and excellent lateral mobility to constantly penetrate the backfield. Orange has violent hand usage, enabling him to effortlessly stack and shed linemen. He won’t provide much as a pass rusher, but he doesn’t need to. Orange would dominate the early downs, forcing the offense to be one-dimensional.