Saints Mock Draft Monday Highlights Top Edge, WR Prospects

NFL experts predict New Orleans will target pass rush, receiving help in 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:02pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in dark navy, mustard yellow, and crimson red, representing the intensity and energy of the New Orleans Saints' pass rush and receiving corps.The Saints' aggressive pursuit of top draft talent on both sides of the ball is reflected in this cubist-inspired illustration, capturing the fractured, multi-dimensional nature of modern NFL scouting and team-building.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Saints are a popular pick to select an edge rusher or wide receiver with their first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to the latest mock drafts. Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. and Ohio State's Carnell Tate are among the top prospects most frequently mocked to the Saints, who are looking to bolster their pass rush and receiving corps ahead of the new season.

Why it matters

The Saints' defense struggled to generate consistent pressure in 2025, while the offense could use more playmakers to complement star receiver Chris Olave. Addressing those needs early in the draft will be crucial for New Orleans as it aims to return to the playoffs and compete in the NFC South.

The details

In the latest round of mock drafts, edge rusher was the most common position projected to the Saints in the first round, led by Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami. Bain, who led the nation with 83 total QB pressures last season, is praised for his combination of power, length and burst off the edge. Wide receiver is another popular pick, with Ohio State's Carnell Tate emerging as a top target for the Saints' offense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Rueben Bain Jr.

A dominant edge rusher from the University of Miami who led the nation in total QB pressures in 2025.

Carnell Tate

A polished wide receiver prospect from Ohio State who is projected as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

David Bailey

A dynamic edge rusher from Texas Tech who is known for his explosiveness and ability to disrupt the backfield.

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What they’re saying

“The Saints' defensive line [had] a pressure rate of just 18.4% (28th in the NFL) while allowing 4.6 yards per carry. Bain's game is built on relentless, crippling power. He led the nation with 83 total QB pressures in his final collegiate season. He possesses heavy hands and a devastating bull rush, making him a safe, high-floor anchor for the New Orleans defensive line.”

— Matt De Lima, Writer

“The more I think about it, the more I can't escape the notion that the Saints are going to make their best effort early in the draft to help out the future around Tyler Shough. Carnell Tate is as sure of a bet as you'll find in terms of wide receiver help, versatile in his ability to move around and win at different levels of the field. He'll greatly help the cause in the Big Easy.”

— Cody Williams, Writer

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The Saints are in a position to significantly upgrade their roster through the draft, with edge rusher and wide receiver emerging as two of their top priorities. Landing an impact player at either of those positions could help propel New Orleans back into playoff contention in the NFC South.