Saints Load Up on Talent in ESPN's 7-Round Mock Draft

ESPN analyst Matt Miller has the Saints addressing key needs across the roster in his latest full-team projection.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game, with players and the field reduced to sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color in a dynamic, abstract composition.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the Saints' draft strategy, deconstructing their picks into a vibrant, geometric composition.New Orleans Today

In ESPN's new seven-round mock draft, the New Orleans Saints start by adding one of the top edge rushers in the class, David Bailey from Texas Tech. They then bring in explosive Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch, Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes, and a host of other talented prospects to support second-year quarterback Tyler Shough and the Saints' defense.

Why it matters

The Saints are looking to build on a promising 2025 season and return to the playoffs, and this mock draft shows how they could address key needs at edge rusher, wide receiver, cornerback, and more through the early and middle rounds. Securing an elite pass rusher like Bailey and a dynamic playmaker in Branch would give the Saints' offense and defense major boosts.

The details

In the first round, the Saints select David Bailey, a dominant edge rusher from Texas Tech who racked up 23 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks last season. Analyst Matt Miller says Bailey's elite first-step quickness and relentless motor make him an ideal fit for the Saints' defense. In the second round, the Saints add Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch, an explosive playmaker who can replace the speed lost when Rashid Shaheed was traded. The Saints also address the secondary with Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes in the third round, adding a versatile defensive back with 4.33 speed.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is less than a month away, taking place in late April.

The players

David Bailey

A dominant edge rusher from Texas Tech who had 23 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in 2025, Bailey is considered one of the top pass rushers in the 2026 draft class.

Zachariah Branch

An explosive playmaking wide receiver from Georgia, Branch can make big plays and would help replace the speed lost when the Saints traded Rashid Shaheed.

Treydan Stukes

A versatile defensive back from Arizona with elite 4.33 speed in the 40-yard dash, Stukes is seen as a capable cornerback or safety prospect.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you want an impact playmaker off the edge, look no further than Bailey. With 23 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks last season, Bailey was unstoppable thanks to his first-step quickness and relentless pursuit skills.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN Analyst

“Round 1 was about taking the best player available (Bailey); Round 2 is geared toward helping second-year QB Tyler Shough. Branch can make big plays and would replace the speed lost when Rashid Shaheed was traded to Seattle.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN Analyst

“Stukes is one of the hottest names in the scouting community after the combine. He is seen as a capable cornerback or safety prospect with elite 4.33 speed in the 40.”

— Matt Miller, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Saints will continue to finalize their draft board and strategy ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 24-26.

The takeaway

This ESPN mock draft shows how the Saints could use the early and middle rounds to significantly upgrade their roster, adding an elite pass rusher, a dynamic offensive playmaker, and a versatile defensive back to support their young quarterback and defense. If the Saints can execute a draft haul like this, they'll be well-positioned to make a playoff push in 2026.