The New Orleans Saints entered this offseason with several roster questions, but the front office took an aggressive approach early in free agency that reshaped the team’s draft priorities.
New Orleans added several key pieces early in free agency, including running back Travis Etienne, guard David Edwards, tight end Noah Fant, linebacker Kaden Elliss, and punter Ryan Wright. These additions filled immediate holes and allowed the Saints to approach the draft with more flexibility instead of desperation.
The Saints also retained key veterans by re-signing offensive lineman Dillon Radunz and franchise legend Cam Jordan, ensuring continuity on both the offensive and defensive fronts.
However, New Orleans did suffer two major defensive losses. Veteran linebacker Demario Davis and starting corner Alontae Taylor both departed for the Jets and Tennessee Titans, respectively. Those exits leave clear holes in the middle of the defense and in the secondary that the Saints will need to address through the draft.
With those roster moves in mind, this mock draft focuses on maximizing value through trades, reinforcing depth, and replacing lost defensive production.
Trade 1: Saints Move Down From Pick No. 8
Rather than forcing a pick early, the Saints trade down from No. 8 and acquire three valuable selections:
• Round 1 Pick 28
• Round 2 Pick 38
• Round 2 Pick 59
The move allows New Orleans to address multiple needs while taking advantage of the roster flexibility created by free agency.
Round 1 Pick 28
Denzel Boston – WR – Washington
Rationale
Even with new offensive weapons added in free agency, the Saints continue to build around explosiveness in the passing game. Boston gives New Orleans a big-bodied receiver who can stretch the field vertically and win contested catches.
With Travis Etienne bringing speed and Noah Fant providing another athletic tight end option, Boston adds a physical perimeter weapon that helps complete the offense. Boston may have to give up #12, but I’m certain he can find another number that would suit him well. How about #2 as in WR2, it has a nice ring to it.
Round 2 Pick 38
Emmanuel Pregnon – G – Oregon
Rationale
The Saints addressed the offensive line by re-signing Dillon Radunz and adding veteran David Edwards, but long-term depth and competition are still essential.
Pregnon brings physicality and experience in pass protection and the run game. He could compete for playing time early while developing into a future starter along the interior offensive line. Loomis said he was looking for more from Cesar Ruiz, so bringing in someone to either compete with or replace him can make sense.
Round 2 Pick 42
Jacob Rodriguez – LB – Texas Tech
Rationale
The departure of Demario Davis creates a leadership and production gap in the middle of the defense.
Signing Kaden Elliss provides an experienced linebacker presence, but Rodriguez brings the type of instincts and tackling ability that could allow him to grow into a long-term starter while strengthening the linebacker rotation immediately. It will add to the Snow Patrol mantra but after what I saw from him Senior Bowl week, I might buy a t-shirt if the group is selling merch. I love this kid, big mustache and all.
Round 2 Pick 59
Jadarian Price – RB – Notre Dame
Rationale
Adding Travis Etienne gives the Saints an explosive lead back, but modern NFL offenses thrive with multiple contributors in the backfield.
Price brings big-play speed and receiving ability, giving New Orleans a dangerous running back rotation while protecting the team against injuries at the position. No one said you can only have one explosive back. Price brings youth and juice, and the Saints still need that after signing ETN, as the locals spell it.
Trade 2: Saints Add More Picks
Later in the draft, New Orleans moves down again from pick No. 73, adding additional mid and late-round selections.
This strategy allows the Saints to build depth across the roster while taking calculated swings on developmental prospects.
Round 3 Pick 96
Ted Hurst – WR – Georgia State
Rationale
Even after selecting Boston earlier, the Saints add another wide receiver with intriguing upside. Hurst provides size and vertical ability and could develop into a valuable rotational receiver. After he ran a 4.42 at the combine I was ready to turn in the card right then, the only question for Hurst was his NFL speed and that question is answered. He will be a gem and he is one of the reasons draft analysts believe this draft is DEEP at WR.
Round 4 Pick 132
Jager Burton – C – Kentucky
Rationale
Interior offensive line depth remains critical. Burton offers toughness and versatility and could eventually compete for a starting role in the middle of the offensive line. McCoy has been significantly hurt each of the past two seasons. This is smart pick after losing Luke Fortner.
Round 4 Pick 137
Nadame Tucker – EDGE – Western Michigan
Rationale
Re-signing Cam Jordan ensures veteran leadership along the defensive front, but the Saints still need young pass rushers who can rotate and develop.
Tucker has the athletic traits to grow into a situational pass rusher behind the Saints’ veteran edge players.
Round 5 Pick 148
Michael Taaffe – S – Texas
Rationale
Taaffe adds intelligence and versatility to the secondary. With Alontae Taylor departing in free agency, reinforcing the defensive backfield becomes a priority.
Round 5 Pick 170
Harold Perkins Jr. – LB – LSU
Rationale
If Perkins were to fall this far, the Saints would be getting tremendous value. His speed and playmaking ability would allow the defense to create pressure and disruption in sub-packages.
Round 6 Pick 187
Tacario Davis – CB – Washington
Rationale
Cornerback depth becomes even more important after losing Alontae Taylor. Davis brings length and physicality that fit the Saints’ defensive philosophy.
Round 6 Pick 189
Haynes King – QB – Georgia Tech
Rationale
Late in the draft, teams often take developmental quarterbacks. There has been no update on Taysom Hill. THIS is his replacement. If you watched Georgia Tech at all last year you would know one thing, King is a FOOTBALL FANS FOOTBALL PLAYER, grit, effort, energy, and all the things Saints fans love about Taysom Hill. King clicked a 4.4 as well and that was the last bit of evidence for me. He may not ever be a gunner, but he has all the offensive tools Taysom has in his arsenal. King’s mobility and experience make him an intriguing project who could compete for a backup role while continuing to develop.
Final Thoughts
Because the Saints addressed several immediate needs in free agency, they are able to approach the draft with patience and strategy rather than urgency.
This draft class focuses on three priorities:
• Replacing defensive production lost in free agency
• Building long-term depth along the offensive line
• Adding explosive playmakers on offense
By trading down and maximizing draft capital, New Orleans would come away with a class that strengthens the roster both immediately and for the future.
