Saints Mock Draft Monday: Top Prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

Experts weigh in on which players the New Orleans Saints could target in the 2026 NFL Draft

Mar. 23, 2026 at 8:32pm

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As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, experts have been releasing their latest mock drafts projecting which players the New Orleans Saints could select. Wide receiver and edge rusher have emerged as the top positions mocked to the Saints in the first round, with Carnell Tate, Rueben Bain Jr., and David Bailey among the most commonly mocked prospects.

Why it matters

The Saints are looking to build on a promising 2025 season and surround second-year quarterback Tyler Shough with more offensive talent. Improving the pass rush and finding a complementary wide receiver to pair with Chris Olave will be key priorities for the team in the upcoming draft.

The details

In the latest round of mock drafts, Carnell Tate, a wide receiver from Ohio State, has been the most frequently mocked player to the Saints with 11 projections. Tate is praised for his route-running ability, hands, and big-play potential. Rueben Bain Jr., an edge rusher from Miami, and David Bailey, an edge rusher from Texas Tech, have also been mocked to the Saints eight times each. Other top prospects mocked to New Orleans include cornerback Mansoor Delane from LSU.

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

The players

Carnell Tate

A wide receiver from Ohio State who is projected as a potential first-round pick for the Saints. Tate is known for his smooth route-running, strong hands, and ability to make plays downfield.

Rueben Bain Jr.

An edge rusher from Miami who is considered one of the top pass rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Bain is praised for his explosive first step, relentless motor, and ability to collapse the pocket.

David Bailey

An edge rusher from Texas Tech who is drawing significant interest from the Saints and other teams. Bailey is an athletic, explosive pass rusher with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Mansoor Delane

A cornerback from LSU who is projected as a potential first-round pick for the Saints. Delane is known for his lockdown coverage skills, physicality at the catch point, and versatility to play both outside and in the slot.

Tyler Shough

The Saints' second-year starting quarterback, who the team will look to surround with more offensive talent in the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“The Saints provide Tyler Shough with a dynamic secondary target to pair with Chris Olave. Tate is a smooth route runner who caught nine touchdowns and averaged a massive 17.2 yards per reception in 2025. New Orleans ranked 21st in explosive pass plays last year, and Tate's ability to win at all three levels addresses that lack of verticality. He gives the Saints a reliable weapon in high-leverage red-zone situations where the team has struggled to finish drives.”

— Matt De Lima, Writer

“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.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Saints will continue to evaluate prospects and finalize their draft board ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place in late April.

The takeaway

The Saints are focused on adding offensive playmakers to support second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, with wide receiver and edge rusher emerging as the top priorities in the 2026 NFL Draft. Securing a dynamic wide receiver like Carnell Tate or a disruptive pass rusher like Rueben Bain Jr. or David Bailey could help the Saints take the next step in their rebuild.