Saints Defensive Approach, 2026 Mock Drafts Take Shape

A collection of headlines and news about the Saints and the NFL for Friday, April 3

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:30pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Saints defensive player making a tackle, with sharp planes of color and form capturing the raw energy of the play.A cubist interpretation of a Saints defensive player making a crucial stop, reflecting the team's strategic approach to the upcoming draft.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Saints are preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft, with reports indicating they may target a new type of edge rusher to bolster their defense. Meanwhile, analysts have begun releasing their initial 2026 NFL mock drafts, projecting how the first round could unfold.

Why it matters

The Saints' defensive strategy and early mock drafts provide insight into how the team is approaching the offseason and where they may look to improve their roster through the draft. This information is valuable for Saints fans and NFL enthusiasts alike as they anticipate the upcoming season.

The details

After a successful 2025 season, the Saints are reportedly considering drafting a new type of edge rusher to fit defensive coordinator Brandon Staley's scheme. Chase Young had a career year in 2025 despite missing the first five games with a calf injury. Additionally, analysts have started releasing their initial 2026 NFL mock drafts, with projections on how the first round could play out. NFL.com's Nick Shook has released his first 2026 mock draft, with the Jets and Bills both loading up at wide receiver, and the Cardinals potentially targeting a running back in the first round.

  • The Saints news and 2026 mock drafts were reported on Friday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Chase Young

A defensive end for the New Orleans Saints who had a career year in 2025 despite missing the first five games with a calf injury.

Brandon Staley

The defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, who is implementing a new defensive scheme that may require a different type of edge rusher.

Nick Shook

An NFL analyst for NFL.com who has released his initial 2026 NFL mock draft.

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What they’re saying

“Jets, Bills load up at WR; Cardinals jump on RB”

— Nick Shook, NFL Analyst

The takeaway

The Saints' defensive strategy and early mock drafts suggest the team is actively evaluating their roster and looking to make strategic moves to improve their team ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see how the Saints approach the draft and what type of players they target to bolster their defense.