Mock Drafts Emerge Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

New Orleans Saints fans get early look at potential first-round picks for their team.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:31pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, gold, and crimson, conveying the strategic complexity and energy of the NFL draft process.Early mock drafts offer Saints fans a glimpse into potential first-round targets as the team looks to bolster its roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season.New Orleans Today

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches on April 23, a pair of early mock drafts have emerged projecting how the first round could unfold. The New Orleans Saints, who hold the 18th overall pick, are projected to land one of the draft's most versatile defensive playmakers in these initial mock drafts.

Why it matters

The annual mock draft season provides Saints fans with an early glimpse into potential first-round targets for their team as they look to continue building a contender in the NFC South. These projections offer insights into how the top prospects could be valued by NFL teams.

The details

In the latest mock draft from Nola.com, the Saints are projected to select a defensive player who could contribute in multiple roles. Meanwhile, an early mock from NFL.com has the Saints potentially landing a quarterback in the first round, though that scenario seems less likely given the team's current roster situation.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23.
  • The Nola.com mock draft was published on April 13, 2026.

The players

New Orleans Saints

The professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, that competes in the National Football League (NFL).

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What they’re saying

“The magic of a national title run continues for me as an Indiana alum, getting to project a Hoosier at the top of the draft for the first time in program history.”

— Rhett Lewis

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place on April 23, where the New Orleans Saints will look to add talent to their roster with the 18th overall pick.

The takeaway

The early mock draft projections provide Saints fans with an initial glimpse into potential first-round targets for their team, though the actual draft selections will ultimately depend on how the board falls and the team's specific needs and evaluations.