Saints Load Up on Offense in 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft

New Orleans adds playmakers and offensive line depth in PFSN's projected picks

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The New Orleans Saints have several key needs to address in the 2026 NFL Draft as they look to compete in the NFC South once again. PFSN's 7-round mock draft has the Saints focusing on offense, selecting a top wide receiver, an edge rusher, a running back, an offensive guard, and more to bolster their skill positions and trenches.

Why it matters

The Saints are in a transition period after the departure of Drew Brees, and building through the draft is crucial to their long-term success. Nailing these picks could provide the team with a new core of young offensive talent to complement their existing pieces and put them back in playoff contention.

The details

In the first round, the Saints select Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, pairing him with former Buckeye Chris Olave to create a dangerous receiving duo. In the second round, they add Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell to bolster their pass rush. Later picks include Washington running back Jonah Coleman, Alabama cornerback Domani Jackson, and Oklahoma offensive guard Febechi Nwaiwu, who the draft experts believe could be a steal.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver prospect from Ohio State University.

Cashius Howell

An edge rusher prospect from Texas A&M University.

Jonah Coleman

A running back prospect from the University of Washington.

Domani Jackson

A cornerback prospect from the University of Alabama.

Febechi Nwaiwu

An offensive guard prospect from the University of Oklahoma.

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What they’re saying

“Carnell Tate is one of the few options being floated around for the Saints in the first round, and he would make for an exceptionally fun pairing with former Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave.”

— Alec Elijah, PFSN Analyst (PFSN)

“Febechi Nwaiwu being selected this late in a mock draft is rather interesting, as he is versatile, but also extremely dominant at the point of attack.”

— Alec Elijah, PFSN Analyst (PFSN)

What’s next

The Saints will look to build on this draft class through free agency and further develop their young talent in the offseason program.

The takeaway

The Saints appear to have addressed several key needs on offense through this 7-round mock draft, adding playmakers, offensive line depth, and versatile pieces that could help them return to the playoffs in 2026.