The 2026 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and the closer we get, the more uncertainty grows about the top 10 of the draft. Besides the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1, anything can happen at each pick, and this is true for the New Orleans Saints.
2026 is a pivotal draft for the Saints, and with another good class like last year’s, New Orleans could become a playoff contender. Utilizing the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator, here is how I think the Saints can make that happen.
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Round 1, Pick 8
Going into the draft, the Saints have a decent amount of directions they can go at Pick 8, including WR, but the defense should be the focus. The team made major additions on offense throughout free agency (RB Travis Etienne and LG David Edwards), but the defense took some hits due to major departures.
So, the defense should be where New Orleans selects at Pick 8, and with EDGE being a top need, plus Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. still on the board, he had to be the selection. In Brandon Staley’s defense, Bain could be a perfect 3-4 DE, or he could be moved to OLB opposite of star defensive lineman Chase Young.
After losing Cameron Jordan in free agency, Carl Granderson turning 30 this season, and Young out of contract in 2028, the future at EDGE is bleak, but Bain would completely fix that.
PFSN 2025 CFB EDGE Impact Ranking: 15th
Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Round 2, Pick 42
This selection is a bit of a surprise, but it can easily happen on draft night. With EDGE dealt with, WR is by far the top need on the roster, but with the depth in this class, the Saints could wait for the third round to address it. With that in mind, the second-round pick could be used on the best player available, and for the Saints, that is Georgia TE Oscar Delp.
Last season, the Saints’ offense was completely missing players who could make plays after the catch, but when we saw it from Juwan Johnson, it changed games. Delp can do this at an even higher level, and his blocking was great in 2025.
Also, given Johnson’s current contract situation, Delp could be the long-term option.
PFSN 2025 CFB TE Impact Ranking: 42nd
Skyler Bell, WR, UConn
Round 3, Pick 73
Even if Delp can act as a WR in the Saints’ offense, getting a solidified second option behind Chris Olave needs to happen this offseason, and at Pick 73, the clear option is Skyler Bell. Like with Delp, Bell would be one of the best YAC receivers on the Saints’ roster right away.
Bell would bring a mixture of speed, route running, and the ability to make very difficult catches to the Saints’ WR room. If Bell were 21 years old coming out of college, it would be a surprise for him to be available at 73, but he is going to turn 24 before the start of his rookie season. For the Saints, this should not be an issue.
PFSN 2025 CFB WR Impact Ranking: 6th
Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas
Round 4, Pick 132
The Saints have addressed most of their remaining offensive needs, so the defense must be the next selection, and CB Julian Neal is an easy choice at 132. The Saints have Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley on the roster, but neither player has proven enough, and this CB room is one injury away from chaos ensuing. That is where Neal comes into play.
Zone coverage is very important in Staley’s scheme, and that is one of Neal’s strengths that he brings to a defense. The Saints are missing a slot CB, and although one of their many safeties should be able to fill that role, Neal can be a really good option there. He is an excellent run defender as well.
To start, Neal can contribute on special teams and serve as a depth CB.
PFSN’s 2025 CFB CB Impact Ranking: 29th
Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss
Round 4, Pick 136
Just four picks later, the Saints are up again, and looking at the other defensive roster needs, DT needs to be next. Staley likes to use DTs or bigger EDGEs at the 3-4 DE spots, but going into 2025, they are pretty set there.
The Saints just picked up Bryan Bresee’s fifth-year option, Vernon Broughton was selected in the third round last year, Granderson played well there, and Bain (selected in this mock draft) can fill that role. Nose tackle is really where the need exists.
Davon Godchaux was traded for last offseason, and although his first year was not great, it is enough to feel fine about him as the starting NT. But with him being 31 years old, the Saints need a long-term option in that position, and at this pick, that is Zxavian Harris.
Just looking at his measurables, you can see why. Harris is 6-foot-8, 330 pounds, and has nearly 35-inch arms. There are character concerns, and those may stop the Saints from making this pick, but if the team feels comfortable bringing Harris in, he can be a great long-term option at NT.
PFSN 2025 CFB DT Impact Ranking: 36th
Jeremiah Wright, OG, Auburn
Round 5, Pick 150
Although the Saints can keep the defensive picks going, getting a backup RG is still something the Saints should do, and Auburn guard Jeremiah Wright is still on the board. So far this offseason, the Saints have had heavy interest in Wright, and it makes sense why.
Wright is a developmental guard prospect who will attract interest from teams due to his size and length. His power will be something the Saints value highly when evaluating offensive line prospects.
With Cesar Ruiz still on the roster, Wright can sit and develop, with the goal of him taking over by next season.
PFSN 2025 CFB OG Impact Ranking: 60th
Pat Coogan, C, Indiana
Round 5, Pick 172
Sticking with the offensive line, the Saints also need a backup center after starter Erik McCoy suffered a recent string of injuries. So, they might as well get one who helped lead a team to a National Championship. At Indiana, Pat Coogan was a vital piece to the offensive line, and his leadership will be welcomed in New Orleans.
Coogan will not be starting right away, which is great for his development, but he is capable of coming in when needed. If McCoy’s injuries continue and affect his future in the NFL, the Saints may be forced to find his replacement sooner rather than later. If that does happen, Coogan could be an option they pivot to.
PFSN 2025 CFB C Impact Ranking: 19th
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Trey Moore, EDGE/OLB, Texas
Round 6, Pick 190
With the last pick of the mock draft, the Saints can really go in any direction, but one position that would be nice to add is another pass rusher. The Saints do not have a designated pass rusher they can put in on passing downs to attack the QB. Looking at the available options at Pick 190, Texas’ Trey Moore would be the best one.
Moore ran a 4.54 40-yard dash and has history in coverage as an OLB. This should be the role he plays in the Saints’ defense, and Moore could be an impact player right away in 2026.
