7-round mock draft: Latest New Orleans Saints picks and predictions

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Orleans made a splashy free agent addition when they signed running back Travis Etienne. An equally important signing, however, was the addition of guard David Edwards. With the left guard spot now manned by Edwards, the task of replacing Cesar Ruiz at right guard needs to be explored.

A 1st Team All-American, Stevens could easily go higher than this. The hope for this mock is that he won't because of his positional value. Stevens doesn't have prototype power, but does use smart angles and very good technique to win battles. He could be a starter in a short period of time and does add immediate depth to both guard spots.

Round 5, Pick 172: Devon Marshall, CB, NC State

Adding two corners to a young secondary seems like overkill. However, Day 3 picks are all about value, potential, and special teams possibilities. Marshall has terrific natural cover skills, good vision, and offers the versatility to play man or off-ball from either outside or the slot. His size and low RAS score might be a detriment to some teams, but he has the ability to contribute right away against multiple receiver packages.

Round 6, Pick 190: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

Projections for Singleton and fellow Nittany Lions back Kaytron Allen have ranged anywhere from middle of Day 2 to late round picks. The guess here is that Allen goes earlier because of better instincts, power, and immediate rushing value. Singleton may fall because he doesn't run with the same natural instincts or vision. However, he was the far better big-play threat at Penn State and could be brought along slower in New Orleans behind Etienne and Alvin Kamara. Additionally, Singleton is also a solid receiving threat and can flip the field as a kickoff returner, something need for the Saints after trading Rashid Shaheed. New Orleans has struck gold with running backs overlooked in the draft before. Singleton and 2025 sixth round choice Devin Neal can now compete to see if the Saints unearthed another gem.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: 7 rounds of Saints picks and predictions