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7-round mock draft: Latest New Orleans Saints picks and predictions
TL;DR
The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching, with the New Orleans Saints holding eight picks, including six within the first 150 selections. They aim to replicate their successful 2025 draft, which yielded four starters.
Less than two weeks separate us from the 2026 NFL Draft, this year held in Pittsburgh. For fans of the New Orleans Saints and 31 other teams, this is the NFL version of Christmas. New presents, in the form of hopeful rookie stars, give every team new hope as players get to live out their childhood dream.
Barring trades, the Saints have eight selections in this year's draft. Six of those are within the first 150 picks, but only three come in the first two days. New Orleans is hoping for the same success they had in the 2025 draft, where they picked four starters and appear to have found at least two additional contributors. Rather than try to speculate on projected trades, this mock draft has the Saints picking at their current positions in each round.
Round 1, Pick 8: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Sep 13, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) tackles South Florida Bulls wide receiver Christian Neptune (81) in the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Whether or not the Saints re-sign legendary 15-year veteran Cameron Jordan, they'll need his replacement opposite of Chase Young. There are some potential pass rushers who could fall into Day 2, but the overall class isn't as deep here as at other positions of need. If Bain or David Bailey of Texas Tech are available at 8, each are immediate plug-and-play options and should be the selection.
Bain has been a productive player for all three years with the Hurricanes and was a major factor in their run to this year's national championship game. Bailey presents a more explosive pass rush option, but Bain is also a solid run defender. His tremendous bull rush and overall power will challenge opposing blockers as he develops counter moves and agility along the edge.
Round 2, Pick 42: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Louisville Cardinals senior wide receiver Chris Bell (0) during a recent practice on August 4, 2025 before the start of the 2025 football season. In 2024, Bell had 43 receptions for 737 yards with four touchdowns. He averaged 17.1 yards per catch.
It's certainly possible that the Saints take a receiver with their first choice. However, this and cornerback appear to be a little deeper than edge rusher if Bain or Bailey are available in Round 1. Bell himself was trending towards being a first round choice entering last year if not for an ACL injury that he suffered in late November. Assuming all medicals check out, there's a strong chance that he'll be ready for full duties by the start of the regular season if not earlier. Bell is a big target with underrated athleticism who can be equally productive from the slot or outside. Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is certainly familiar with Bell from their year together at Louisville. Bell should be able to instantly boost the team's receiving corps and has the upside of developing into a featured wideout.
Round 3, Pick 73: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National cornerback Chris Johnson (2) of San Diego State practices during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
New Orleans has a nice corner tandem of 2024 second round choice Kool-Aid McKinstry and 2025 fourth round pick Quincy Riley. They'll likely draft another to fill the spot of versatile Alontae Taylor, lost in free agency. If they don't select one earlier, Treydan Stukes of Arizona, Keionte Scott of Miami, or Johnson could all be available here. Johnson has shown strong traits as both a man corner and in off-ball coverage. A little more effective as an outside corner, he also has very good ball skills and will likely contribute immediately with the upside attributes of a top-tier starter.
Round 4, Pick 132: De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Mississippi
Dec 20, 2025; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (1) reacts after a catch for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Tulane Green Wave at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
If you're curious why the Saints would draft two wideouts, just remember who Tyler Shough was throwing to at the end of the 2025 season. New Orleans likes both Devaughn Vele and Ja'Lynn Polk, but both are still unproven and coming off injuries. Top receiver Chris Olave needs a consistently productive complement, and Shough needs more targets. An addition of both Stribling and Chris Bell could transform this into a dangerous unit.
Stribling was productive at three different stops in his collegiate career and was spectacular during the Rebels CFP run. His acceleration, length, and ability to make plays at all three levels could cause him to come off the board before this. Here's betting that he drops a bit in a receiver-heavy draft.
Round 4, Pick 136: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
Sep 7, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Domonique Orange (95) sacks Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Cade McNamara (12) during the fourth quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
One noticeable need in the New Orleans defense last season was the lack of a big-bodied run stuffer in the middle. A nose tackle isn't a flashy pick, but it's one that's necessary for a Brandon Staley system that plays a lot of 3-4 fronts. If other teams have the same idea, Orange could actually come off the board sometime in Day 2.
Probably not an every down player, Orange adds next to nothing in the pass rush. What he does bring is a mammoth presence that naturally clogs inside lanes and an ability to disrupt opposing running games. This is probably been the least talked about major need for the Saints.
Round 5, Pick 150: Beau Stevens, OL, Iowa
