Saints Surround QB Tyler Shough with Offensive Weapons in 3-Round Mock Draft

New Orleans adds a top wide receiver and edge rusher to support their young quarterback.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The New Orleans Saints are looking to build around second-year quarterback Tyler Shough in the 2026 NFL Draft. In this 3-round mock, the Saints select USC wide receiver Makai Lemon in the 1st round, Missouri edge rusher Zion Young in the 2nd round, and Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson in the 3rd round.

Why it matters

The Saints are aiming to compete in the NFC South in 2026 and need to surround Shough with more offensive firepower. Lemon and Young would provide immediate impact as playmakers, while Johnson could help solidify the backfield if the future of Alvin Kamara remains uncertain.

The details

In the 1st round, the Saints select Makai Lemon, the 2025 Biletnikoff Award winner who caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns at USC. Lemon's ball skills and deep threat ability would complement wide receiver Chris Olave well. In the 2nd round, the Saints add Missouri edge rusher Zion Young, who has elite athleticism and pass rushing potential but comes with some off-field concerns. In the 3rd round, the Saints take a chance on Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson, who could provide a versatile option in the backfield.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.
  • The NFL Scouting Combine is currently underway in February 2026.

The players

Makai Lemon

A wide receiver from USC who won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver in college football.

Zion Young

An edge rusher from Missouri who has elite athleticism and pass rushing potential, but also some off-field concerns.

Emmett Johnson

A running back from Nebraska who has impressed with his cutback ability, contact balance, and impact in the passing game.

Tyler Shough

The Saints' second-year quarterback who they are looking to build around in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Chris Olave

The Saints' top wide receiver who the team is looking to pair with another playmaker in the passing game.

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What they’re saying

“Lemon would give "easy completions" for Shough as he enters Year 2.”

— Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network Draft Guru (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Saints will look to add more offensive weapons and defensive playmakers in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft to support their young core and compete in the NFC South.

The takeaway

The Saints are making a concerted effort to surround their young quarterback Tyler Shough with top-tier offensive talent in the 2026 draft, adding a dynamic wide receiver in Makai Lemon and a versatile running back in Emmett Johnson to go along with their pass rushing addition of Zion Young.