Saints trade up twice, go WR early in final seven-round mock draft

Aug 31, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Donavon Greene (3) tries to make a one handed catch behind South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Brandon Cisse (15) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Cisse is a big-bodied corner with the physical tools to develop into an exceptional press defender at the next level. He’s also a plus run defender who isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the pile -- the type of player that the Saints have valued at the position.

Round 2, Pick 63 (trade with New England): RB Mike Washington, Arkansas

Andre Turrentine #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers tries to tackle Mike Washington #4 of the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during their game at Neyland Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Trade details: Saints send picks Nos. 73 (third) and 136 (fourth) to New England for pick No. 63 (second)

Even with the addition of Travis Etienne, the Saints’ interest in adding another running back in this draft appears to be very real. Mike Washington brings a rare blend of size (6-foot-1, 223 pounds) and explosiveness to a backfield that has lacked consistent juice since Alvin Kamara’s prime. A move like this could signal a changing of the guard, potentially paving the way for Kamara’s departure and marking the end of his tenure in New Orleans.

Round 4, Pick 111 (trade with Denver): EDGE Derrick Moore, Michigan

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 15: Derrick Moore #8 of the Michigan Wolverines takes the field prior to the game against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Wrigley Field on November 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Trade details: Saints send picks Nos. 132 (fourth) and 172 (fifth) to Denver for pick No. 111 (fourth)

Moore is one of the most productive edge rushers in this class, totaling 21 sacks over his four years at Michigan, including 10 in 2025. He consistently maximizes his 6-foot-4, 255-pound frame, using his strength to convert speed to power with ease and overwhelm blockers at the point of attack. His limited pre-draft testing this offseason has led to a bit of an “out of sight, out of mind” effect, but that could ultimately work in the Saints’ favor, potentially allowing them to land a top-tier edge talent later than expected.

Round 5, Pick 150: OL Jeremiah Wright, Auburn

Oct 19, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Auburn Tigers offensive lineman Jeremiah Wright (77) gets ready before the snap during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Wright is a player the Saints have had quite the contact with during the pre-draft process, which has sparked some intrigue recently. An absolute unit of a prospect on the interior (6-foot-5, 331 pounds), with excellent power, Wright has unique traits that could ultimately land in him into a starting role in a year or so.

Round 5, Pick 172: TE Jack Endries, Texas

Oct 4, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Texas Longhorns tight end Jack Endries (88) attempts to make a catch against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

In a very deep tight end class, the Saints could find strong value here with a player like Endries, who’s currently projected to go on Day 3. An exceptional athlete, he reportedly ran in the low 4.6s in the 40-yard dash and posted a 36-inch vertical, showcasing the kind of explosiveness that translates well to the next level. Endries offers intriguing upside as a receiving threat over the middle, with the tools to develop into a reliable option in the passing game while learning behind veterans like Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant.

Round 6, Pick 190: DT Cameron Ball, Arkansas

Cameron Ball #5, Arkansas Razorbacks (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

Ball is an athletic interior defender who turned heads during Senior Bowl week, he brings intriguing upside to the defensive front. He projects as a rotational piece early on, with the potential to carve out a role as an interior pass rusher on third downs as he continues to develop.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Saints trade up twice, go WR early in final mock