The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine wrapped up on Sunday afternoon. Over 300 players participated at the event in an attempt to improve their stock. Numerous New Orleans Saints scouts were present in Indianapolis and flew up their draft board with an impressive performance. Because of this, it’s a perfect time to do a three-round mock draft containing some stars of the event.
It’s important to note that far more happened behind the scenes that the national media heard about. Countless formal meetings, medical checkups, and interviews took place that determine a prospects stock far more than the on-the-field drills. However, since we don’t have in-depth access to those, all we can review is their performance in drills.
Having said that, it’s time to get into a three-round, pre-combine mock draft.
Sonny Styles was the most impressive player at the NFL Combine
1:8- Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Sonny Styles was viewed as an elite athlete prior to the combine, but showcased his other-worldly athleticism and shocked the national media. He recorded an impressive 9.99 relative athletic score (RAS), which ranked him 4th out of 3,216 linebackers all-time. He ran a blazing 4.46 40-yard dash, had a 43.5” vertical jump, and a 11-foot-2 broad jump This is impressive on its own; however, it becomes exponentially more stunning when his 6-foot-5, 244 pound frame is factored in.
Even outside of this, Styles is an elite prospect. He would be the successor to Demario Davis for the Saints defense. He checks every box for a linebacker:
Can he defend the run? Yes
Is he proficient in coverage? Yes
Is he a leader off-the-field? Yes
Is he a reliable tackler? Yes
There obviously are countless more aspects for a linebacker, but he thrives in every scenario. Styles would be an ideal draft pick at eight. It wouldn’t be the most flashy selection, but finding a franchise cornerstone on defense is well worth the investment.
2:42- Antonio Williams, WR, Clemson
It’s vital that the Saints give Tyler Shough as many weapons as possible. If they don’t select a playmaker in the first round, then grabbing Antonio Williams on day two would be wise. Despite not being labeled as an elite athlete on the field, he impressed in his workouts at the combine. He ran a quick 4.41 40-yard dash and exhibited his explosiveness with a 39.5” vertical.
Williams is a consistent option who’s always an option for the quarterback, especially while under duress. He’s a smart and savvy route runner who knows when to step on the gas, and when to throttle down. He knows how to effectively stem defenders, which helps him create consistent separation. Williams is a well-rounded slot receiver who would fit perfectly in the Saints offense.
3:73- Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
Gracen Halton isn’t a huge defensive tackle, only standing at 6-foot-2, 293 pounds, but makes up for it with his elite explosiveness. He was one of the biggest risers from Indianapolis, running a quick 1.7 10-yard split and tallying an impressive 36.5” vertical.
Halton was relatively unknown at the start of the draft cycle, but flew onto the radar with an amazing showing at the Senior Bowl. He would provide another dynamic force on the Saints defensive line, pairing well with Chase Young. Halton could be the next piece in developing an elite pass rush.