2026 NFL Mock Draft: New Orleans Saints select pass rusher

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 01: Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) is seen running onto the field prior to the first half during the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl game between Oregon and Texas Tech on January 1, 2026, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens,FL. (Photo by Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech New Orleans — home of Super Bowl 59 and a place where I assume they still hold an annual moment of silence for Reggie Bush after that 2007 hit by Sheldon Brown. It is now also the home of former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.

In appreciation for his contributions to our 2024 championship season, I’m doing my part to get him some help in the 2026 NFL Draft. This is a significant draft for the Saints. Entering Year 2 under Moore, New Orleans is looking to capitalize on the momentum of their 5-1 finish last season.

History shows that at least one last-place team each year often takes a big leap the following year, and the NFC South is not a particularly strong division: The Bucs are trending downward. The Panthers will have a much more difficult schedule. The Falcons hit the reset button on their front office and coaching staff after years of confusing decision-making.

With an 8-8 record potentially good enough to win the division, it’s possible that a last-place schedule and a strong draft could catapult the Saints into competing for the division title. If that happens, they won’t be picking in the Top 10 again anytime soon. So, let’s see who the Saints can draft in order to add a foundational player to their roster, solidifying the progress they made in Year 1 of the Kellen Moore era, and help make the “Sirianni coaching tree” look a little better, which will be a lot easier now that Jonathan Gannon is no longer a head coach.