After starting the season 1-7, the New Orleans Saints’ focus has shifted to the 2026 NFL Draft.
With positions to fill throughout the roster, going with the best player available could be the smartest move for New Orleans. At the time of Ian Cummings’ latest 2-round mock draft, the Saints were selecting third overall.
LB/EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State
With the Saints’ first pick of the mock draft, they select Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. One of the biggest risers throughout the season, Reese has made a name for himself as one of the most dominant players in college football.
At linebacker, Reese is an excellent blitzer; his timing makes it seem he is always in the right place to make the play, his closing speed is top-tier, and he does well against the pass. In the NFL, Reese’s floor is a great linebacker, and he can be the Saints’ replacement for LB Demario Davis.
The other aspect of Reese’s game is at the edge. He has become a real threat off the edge with his length and strength, but still needs to develop more pass-rush moves. In Saints DC Brandon Staley’s defense, edge rushers are in that 3-4 OLB role, and Reese would fit that perfectly. He has the measurables (6’4”, weighs 243 pounds, and has excellent length) that New Orleans would value as an edge rusher.
QB Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
For the second straight year, the Saints go with a QB in the second round, selecting QB Garrett Nussmeier.
The Senior QB has not had the year many hoped for, but due to injuries affecting his play and a volatile coaching situation, this may have been beyond his control. At his peak, Nussmeier is an accurate passer who can make an NFL-level throw. He can make plays on the run, has an excellent deep ball, and has ideal NFL size. Nussmier’s athleticism and decision-making are the biggest complaints with his game, but that’s why he would be available in the second round.
In addition, there is already a connection here. Saints OC Doug Nussmeier is the father of Garrett.
