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Saints post-Combine 7-round mock draft, by Ross Jackson, revisits New Orleans’ draft possibilities after the NFL Scouting Combine. With more prospect information now available from on-field performance and interviews, the overall picture of the draft becomes clearer.
Setting the Scene
Ahead of the draft, free agency opens, giving teams a chance to address needs by adding veteran talent. Before detailing the mock, here’s a concise snapshot of the key moves shaping this scenario:
- The Saints re-sign defensive end Cameron Jordan and linebacker Demario Davis.
- Cornerback Alontae Taylor signs a lucrative deal with the Tennessee Titans.
- New Orleans signs guard David Edwards, running back Kenneth Gainwell, and tight end Charlie Kolar in free agency.
- No quarterback Derek Carr is discussed for a team’s draft capital until after the draft, meaning no 2026 draft picks are added at this stage.
Who’s Off the Board?
- 1.1: Las Vegas Raiders select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
- 1.2: New York Jets select Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles.
- 1.3: Arizona Cardinals select Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr.
- 1.4: Tennessee Titans select Texas Tech edge David Bailey.
- 1.5: New York Giants select Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa.
- 1.6: Cleveland Browns select Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate.
- 1.7: Washington Commanders select Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese.
On the Board
- Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love
- Ohio State safety Caleb Downs
- Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson
- USC wide receiver Makai Lemon
The Picks
Round 1, Pick 8: Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love
Bio snapshot:
- Age: 21
- Height: 6 feet
- Weight: 212 pounds
2025 stats:
- Carries: 199
- Rushing yards: 1,372
- TD rushing: 18
- Receiving TDs: 3
Combine: 40-yard dash in 4.36 seconds
Why this pick fits: Love stands out as the event’s most dynamic offensive weapon. With several top defensive pieces already claimed and some medical questions surrounding other prospects, Love emerges as the clear choice, bringing a game-changing element to the offense and supporting young quarterback Tyler Shough.
If you’re unfamiliar with Love’s backstory, check out the College GameDay feature from last September, as highlighted in a recent social post by Titans Film Room.
Round 2, Pick 42: Louisville wide receiver Chris Bell
Bio:
- Age: 21
- Height: 6-foot-2
- Weight: 222 pounds
2025 stats:
- Receptions: 72
- Receiving yards: 917
- Receiving TDs: 6
Injury note: Bell would likely start the season on the roster’s bench due to an ACL injury he suffered in November, but his medical timeline is described optimistically. He would still be an excellent long-term investment for New Orleans, adding a playmaking skill set the Saints don’t currently possess. He’s known for after-the-catch ability and physicality after the catch. Given the scenario, Bell’s patient development would be manageable after landing Love in Round 1.
Round 3, Pick 73: UCF edge Malachi Lawrence
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 253 pounds
- Arm length: 33 5/8 inches
2025 stats:
- Tackles: 28
- TFLs: 11
- Sacks: 7
- Passes defended: 3
- Fumbles forced: 2
Combine: 40-yard dash 4.52s; vertical 40 inches; broad jump 10’10"; RAS 9.90
Rising stock: Lawrence surged at Indianapolis, with multiple double-digit TFL seasons and at least seven sacks. His size and speed suit a standup, speed-rushing role in the Saints’ defense and would complement Chase Young well. This pick is pitched as a top-100 contributor and a potential key pass-rush asset.
Round 4, Pick 132: South Carolina cornerback Jalon Kilgore
Bio:
- Age: 21
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 210 pounds
2025 stats:
- Tackles: 54
- Interceptions: 2
- Passes defended: 10
Combine: 40-yard dash 4.40s; vertical 37 inches; broad jump 10’10"; bench 16 reps; RAS 9.66
Role fit: Kilgore has extensive slot experience and could fill the Saints’ STAR role if cornerback Alontae Taylor departs in free agency. He also brings speed and physicality, with the versatility to cover, blitz, or align in multiple roles as needed.
Round 4, Pick 137: Kentucky guard Jalen Farmer
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-5
- Weight: 312 pounds
2025 stats:
- Pressures allowed: 14
- Hurries: 11
- Sacks: 0
Combine: 40-yard dash 4.93s; vertical 27 inches; broad jump 9 feet; RAS 9.69
Why he’s intriguing: Farmer is a strong, relentless run blocker who could develop into a solid NFL starter or a durable backup. With a recent top-tier signing at guard in free agency, he would fit into a plan where he can grow behind established players and contribute on the interior.
Round 5, Pick 146: North Dakota State wide receiver Bryce Lance
Bio:
- Age: 24
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 204 pounds
2025 stats:
- Receptions: 51
- Receiving yards: 1,079
- Receiving TDs: 8
Combine: 40-yard dash 4.34s; vertical 41.5 inches; broad jump 11’1"; 3-cone 7s; 20-yard shuttle 4.15s; RAS 9.95
Lance offers immediate depth at receiver with good length and ball-skills. His ability to win jump balls and his size at 6’3” give him a potential red-zone role early on.
Round 5, Pick 170: Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher
Bio:
- Age: 23
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 233 pounds
2025 stats:
- Tackles: 136
- TFLs: 5.5
- Sacks: 1
- Interceptions: 1
- Passes defended: 6
- Fumbles forced: 2
Analysis: Boettcher is a downhill, aggressive tackler whose speed and tackling instincts make him a valuable Day Three special-teams asset with upside to develop into a depth piece at linebacker.
Round 6, Pick 189: Ohio State cornerback Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Bio:
- Age: 23
- Height: 6-foot
- Weight: 194 pounds
2025 stats:
- Tackles: 30
- TFLs: 1.5
- Interceptions: 0
- Passes defended: 3
Combine: 40-yard dash 4.27s; vertical 39 inches; RAS 9.66
Styles brings a rare combination of speed and slot experience—ideal for a return specialist and gunner role, with the potential to contribute in coverage and on special teams. His versatility could help address several defensive depth needs.
Closing thought: This seven-round plan emphasizes balancing immediate help at skill positions with developmental upside on the interior and secondary, aiming to both elevate the Saints’ offense around a young quarterback and strengthen the defense with versatile, fast players. Do you think New Orleans should prioritize immediate playmakers over high-upside projects, or vice versa? Share your take in the comments.
