New Orleans Saints NFL Mock Draft Roundup 4.0

The Saints would be elated if the first round fell this way, even with safety not being a pressing need for them. Downs has a case as arguably the draft's top overall prospect, and he'd give defensive coordinator Brandon Staley a versatile chess piece to work with in the secondary. Strong safety Justin Reid is 29 years old and projected starter at free safety Julian Blackmon is playing on a one-year deal.

Defensive end Cameron Jordan could be out of New Orleans for the first time in his 15-year career, as he's still a free agent despite 10.5 sacks in 2025. Regardless of whether Jordan returns, the Saints need to be mindful of adding youth to their pass-rush group.

Bain has hands of destruction that allow him to be a forceful rusher and tenacious run defender. Some evaluators are questioning whether he has the length (30⅞-inch arms) to win as frequently at the NFL level, but he's a well-rounded player who had 18.5 tackles for loss and 71 pressures in 2025. Per ESPN Research, no edge rusher over the past two decades has been drafted in the first round with sub-31-inch arms.

With Alontae Taylor now in Tennessee, the Saints have a hole at cornerback to address. Johnson was an opportunistic playmaker at San Diego State and has excellent ball skills and reactive athletic movements. He blazed a 4.40 in the 40 at the combine as well.

In Brandon Staley's scheme, he could play the "star" role in their defense. That's a hybrid player who can do a lot of things in coverage, in the run game and as a blitzer.

The arrival of running back Travis Etienne made this decision tougher because Jeremiyah Love seemed like a no-brainer pick before free agency. But the Saints possess a glaring need at wide receiver, and Tate feels like a good complement to fellow Ohio Stater Chris Olave. The Saints have already inked viable offensive pieces like Etienne, guard David Edwards and tight end Noah Fant. Tyler Shough should be happy once again with the Tate selection. I pondered edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and cornerback Mansoor Delane as well. Tate feels like the most sensible pick, even though Bain or Delane would work. — Larry Holder

It's tempting to add another pass catcher in New Orleans. Instead, the Saints tab Delane to drive on over from Baton Rouge. The Saints' defense was better than expected last season under Brandon Staley. They could look to add to their line, but Delane is a smart player who fits into Staley's zone-heavy scheme and creative passing down looks. He would be an upgrade for the cornerback room and give the Saints a defender who would be comfortable right away in the scheme and could impact the game more than what they currently have on the roster.

With a huge need at the position following the departure of Alontae Taylor, the Saints could solve it by bringing in a guy who's right up the road. Almost certainly the premier corner available this year, the 6-foot, 187-pound All-America has lockdown ability and might even be able to eat up some of Taylor's snaps in the slot — though Delane was rarely used there at Virginia Tech and LSU.

With few young, established pass rushers on the roster, New Orleans could use some fresh legs off the edge. Bailey gives the Saints a true fastball to throw at opposing offenses.

The Saints' main signings have come on offense -- guard David Edwards and running back Travis Etienne Jr. -- and that's also where I'd expect them to look during the draft. They need to surround second-year quarterback Tyler Shough with as much talent as possible, and the No. 2 wide receiver on the roster is Devaughn Vele (25 receptions last season). Tate brings a well-rounded scouting report, with solid route running and the ability to come down with tough catches thanks to his hands and body control. He'd be great opposite Chris Olave -- yet another excellent receiver to come out of Ohio State in recent years.

Lemon is a great player in space. There isn't a player in this draft who has the feel for space like Lemon does. He operates in the middle of the field as well as anyone. He thrived for USC in that role, and he just understands football. He knows how to work coverage and is great with the ball in his hands.