This mock draft hits a sweet spot for the New Orleans Saints when you line it up with everything we have heard and seen over the past three months. From roster construction conversations, Senior Bowl buzz, contract uncertainty, and schematic needs, each of these picks has real justification behind it, even when the board says “reach.” This is one of those drafts where you are not chasing grades, you are chasing impact, identity, and fear.
Round 1, Pick 8 – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
If he is there, take him. It really is that simple. Over the past few months, the Saints’ offensive identity has been questioned repeatedly, especially as Alvin Kamara continues to show natural signs of mileage. Kamara is still productive, but the Saints no longer have a running back room that scares anyone. Love changes that immediately. He brings juice, explosion, and big play fear, something the Saints have quietly lacked. Kamara can mentor him, extend his own effectiveness, and help mold Love into a long-term All-Star. Yes, it may be labeled a reach, but fear production matters. New Orleans understands that better than most. The irony is fitting too, with the city watching Jeremiah Fears light it up for the Pelicans. Take him and don’t overthink it.
Round 2, Pick 42 – Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri Tigers
This pick lines up perfectly with recent headlines and Senior Bowl evaluations. Young was one of the defenders who consistently popped during Senior Bowl week, and the Saints were watching closely. Pairing Zion Young with Chase Young gives New Orleans a Young and Young tandem that can create real problems off the edge. Add in Carl Granderson and the possible return of Cameron Jordan, and suddenly this pass rush rotation looks dangerous again. The Saints have made it clear they want waves of pressure, and Zion Young fits exactly what they have been targeting.
Round 3, Pick 73 – Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor Bears
Just turn on the tape. Trigg has the hands, the movement skills, and that DAWG factor that separates good tight ends from difference makers. Over the past few months, the Saints’ lack of consistent middle-of-the-field threats has been a recurring theme. Trigg brings tight end speed, contested catch ability, and an edge to his game that fits what this offense needs. This is the kind of tight end who changes how defenses play you on third down.
Round 4, Pick 132 – Beau Stephens, G, Iowa Hawkeyes
Interior offensive line depth has been a quiet but consistent concern in Saints discussions. If you miss out on a top option like Pregnon from Oregon earlier, the middle rounds are where you reload. Stephens fits the Saints’ profile perfectly: tough, technically sound, and ready to compete early. Recent conversations around offensive consistency all point back to protection and interior stability, and this pick directly addresses that.
Round 4, Pick 137 – Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU Tigers
Getting a player with Perkins’ talent level this late should be illegal. Everything over the past few months suggests he could slide, but the tools are undeniable. He was not as dominant as expected at LSU, yet his athletic ceiling remains elite. The Saints’ defensive scheme is exactly the type of environment where his versatility and instincts can flourish. Under the right structure, Perkins can absolutely become the impact defender people projected him to be.
Round 5, Pick 148 – Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State Panthers
Hurst is one of the biggest sleeper darlings in this entire draft cycle. Every evaluation seems to raise his stock. He is physical, explosive, and reliable at the catch point. At 6’3 and over 200 pounds, he brings size the Saints clearly need, and his speed has drawn favorable comparisons to Justin Jefferson in terms of functional movement, not hype. This is a value pick that could look genius very quickly.
Round 5, Pick 170 – Chase Roberts, WR, BYU Cougars
Behind Chris Olave, the Saints’ receiver room is full of questions. Over the last few months, inconsistency from depth options has been a recurring storyline. Adding Roberts gives the Saints another tool to evaluate and develop, creating competition and flexibility. More options mean fewer excuses for a passing attack that has hovered around mediocre.
Round 6, Pick 189 – Kaleb Proctor, DL, Southeastern Louisiana Lions
This pick is about fit. The Saints’ defensive front needs size and mass for the scheme to function at its best, and Proctor does not provides that at all. However, he does provide an interior pass rushing option that can create havoc up front. Late-round defensive linemen who can hold rush the passer are essential, and recent roster conversations have made that clear. Proctor gives New Orleans another body up front that allows the defense to have some versatility.
When you step back and look at this mock as a whole, it aligns with months of Saints-related headlines: add fear on offense, reload the pass rush, stabilize the interior line, and keep stacking versatile defensive talent. It may not chase perfect grades, but it absolutely chases identity. And for the Saints right now, that matters more than anything.
