A preview of the future?
Yes, I know the 2025 NFL Draft was just last week, and we have no clue who in the New Orleans Saints draft class will contribute to this roster, but why not get excited about the future? Also, staying aware of some prospects who could be future Saints players is a good idea, so let’s start this mock draft!
Round 1 – EDGE/OLB Dani Dennis-Sutton (Penn State)
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In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Saints addressed the trenches early, but on the offensive side of the ball. They could have also gone in the direction of defensive line, specifically an edge rusher/outside linebacker, but ended up not selecting that position until the 7th round. This is a glaring issue going into training camp, and with Cam Jordan nearing the end of his career, the Saints need to deal with this need early in the 2026 draft. As of now, there are a bunch of edge rusher prospects at the top of the class, and in this mock draft, Dani Dennis-Sutton is the selection. At Penn State, Dennis-Sutton stood out opposite of third overall pick Abdul Carter, and at times, looked like the best defensive lineman on the field. When looking at college stats, seeing improvement is extremely important. Dennis Sutton had 3 sacks his freshman year, 3.5 in his sophomore year, and 9 in his junior year. In the 2025/26 season, it wouldn’t be shocking to see his sack total improve. At first glance, Dennis Sutton is a powerful edge rusher who has a really good hand usage, utilizes his length, and does not stop moving. This shows up in his run defense, which may be the strength of his game.
The Saints need to improve their defensive line, and I know it may be “boring” to go with another edge rusher early in the draft, but Dani Dennis-Sutton is someone they may not be able to pass up on.
Round 2 – WR Carnell Tate (Ohio State)
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The other position the Saints failed to deal with in the 2025 NFL Draft was wide receiver. New Orleans currently has a decent receiver room, but they are missing a big wide receiver, which would help a young QB and bring flexibility to this offense. Honestly, the Saints have been missing this WR archetype since releasing Michael Thomas. So, addressing this in the 2026 draft needs to happen, and Carnell Tate in the second round would be that answer. Tate is a great route runner, destroys zone coverage by finding space (like Chris Olave), is a quarterback’s best friend by adjusting to any throw, and he is a really good blocker. Tate is everything the Saints are missing.
Round 3 – TE Jack Endries (Texas)
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The last of the day 2 selections sticks with the offense, and the Saints go with TE Jack Endries. Last season, Endries played for Pitt, but has transferred to Texas for the 2025/26 season. With all eyes on the Texas Longhorns and Arch Manning, this may have been the best decision for Endries’ draft stock. Looking at his performance on the field, Endries is really good at finding space against zone coverage, like what I talked about with Carnell Tate. Endries may struggle with separation against man coverage, but he still makes contested catches, even with a defender basically on top of him.
The Saints’ current TE room is not great, and getting a #2 behind Juwan Johnson, who has the potential to take that top spot, could be an option in the third round.
Day 3 selections:
Round 4 – OG Ar’maj Reed-Adams (Texas A&M)
- With Dillon Radunz and Trevor Penning set to be free agents, going with a guard should still be a priority for the Saints.
Round 4 – CB Daylen Everette (Georgia)
- The need for cornerback is going to depend on if Quincy Riley’s success, but I do think they address that position in free agency before the draft. Daylen Everette was the best player available, and getting another young cornerback wouldn’t hurt.
Round 5 – C Logan Jones (Iowa)
- Center is a position I want the Saints to address at some point in this draft. Eric McCoy is getting older, and starting to search for a player to take over the starting spot needs to happen soon. Selecting Logan Jones in the fifth will allow the Saints to sit him, learn behind McCoy, and be the backup until it is time for him to become the starter.
Round 6 – DT Tim Keenan III (Alabama)
- The Saints could see massive turnover in their defensive tackle room after this season, so they go with the best DT on the board.
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