Sporting a measly 1-8 record this season, the New Orleans Saints are already looking ahead to the 2026 draft, where they currently own the No. 1 overall pick.
When considering all of New Orleans’ needs, there are several directions the team could take. In the end, if the Saints do end up selecting first overall, quarterback has to be in consideration — and one name stands above the rest. In Jacob Infante’s latest three-round mock draft for PFSN, this is precisely the direction the Saints go in.
Saints Projected To Select Indiana Quarterback Fernando Mendoza
If the Saints end up with the first pick, this is the most likely option for New Orleans. QB Fernando Mendoza has ideal size, excellent arm strength, and more than 30 games of experience — a significant advantage if he enters the 2026 NFL Draft. This season, per PFSN’s College Football QB Impact metric, Mendoza, who has 64 touchdowns in his college career, holds an impressive 96.4 impact grade, which ranks him above all other quarterbacks.
“In a class of quarterbacks that’s struggling to live up to the hype, Fernando Mendoza has been as good as advertised,” Infante wrote. “He’s a precise pocket passer with great timing behind his throws, an NFL-ready frame, and a strong arm. … He reminds me a lot of Jared Goff coming out and has the makings of a potential franchise QB.”
Current Saints QB Tyler Shough has shown some promising signs, but the position should always be a consideration unless someone proves otherwise. Mendoza could easily be the top choice in the draft.
OMAR COOPER UNREAL CATCH FOR THE TD 😱🤯
WHAT A GAME. WHAT A CATCH. @IndianaFootball pic.twitter.com/PhHzKjuVB9
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 8, 2025
Other Projected Picks for the Saints
With the Saints’ next selection, the team is projected to pick Joshua Josephs in the second round. One of the most pressing needs on the roster is upgrading the pass rush and finding another edge rusher to pair with Chase Young. Josephs could be the ideal prospect for New Orleans to add to its defensive line.
Sticking with Tennessee, New Orleans is projected to select WR Chris Brazzell II with its final pick of the mock draft. The Saints recently traded WR Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks, and although WR Chris Olave remains on the roster, the team needs to find a receiver who can serve as a true WR2. By selecting Brazzell II, the Saints could add a much-needed contested-catch threat and a wideout with high upside.