Kellen Moore replaces Saints QB Tyler Shough and picks potential fastest player in college football during recent 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft
The offense for the Saints got a lot better in recent 2026 multi-round mock draft.
New Orleans Saints fans are surely flipping through plenty of 2026 mock drafts. With that, it is worth taking a specific look at multi-round scenarios for them. They’re projected to have a top three overall selection in next year’s draft.
Saints HC Kellen Moore addresses biggest needs in 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft
In Travis May’s latest mock draft scenario, the Saints came out like bandits. They found a potential cornerstone quarterback for the long-term, an athletic and impactful pass rusher, and an offensive weapon with elite (!!) speed. I think this sort of outcome would be a massive win for Kellen Moore’s team. Check out their picks below.
3. New Orleans Saints: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
“Fernando Mendoza is the QB1 in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He and Ohio State’s Julian Sayin (not draft eligible) have put together the two most impressive 2025 college football seasons by a good margin at quarterback. Mendoza has done it with far less impressive skill position weapons too. Mendoza always had the natural arm talent prior to this year, but he’s finally put it all together, cleaning up his decision making and down field accuracy this season too. He ranks top five in passer rating, adjusted yards per pass attempt, QBR, yards per play, and most every other meaningful metric for quarterback play. The Saints get their future franchise passer here after quickly realizing that Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough were not it.” — Travis May
Mendoza is often projected as a top five pick, for good reason. He is the Heisman Trophy favorite and consistently shows the grit and talent of a future NFL starter. His production is undeniable under multiple staffs at different schools, and he fits the prototype of passer that the Saints staff would value for the future.
37. New Orleans Saints: R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma
Thomas is a really fun prospect for more reasons than one. He possesses an exciting blend of size and speed. Even being a bit undersized, he’s proven to be able to get to the QB in the SEC. His motor always runs hot, and New Orleans desperately needs more upside off the edge. Cameron Jordan may be on his way to retirement, and Carl Granderson hasn’t produced at quite the same rate this season.
68. New Orleans Saints: Brenen Thompson, WR, Mississippi State
The Bulldogs wideout is one of the best downfield threats in all of college football. He’s got a smaller frame (listed at 5’9, 170 pounds). That doesn’t prevent him from having possibly the most impressive speed in the entire country. Adding him to an offense constructed by Kellen Moore makes a ton of sense.
“I’ve never seen a person with my own eyes that fast on the football field. Mario Craver was fast, but this guy is like Olympic fast.” — Mississippi State WR coach Chad Bumphis on Thompson
Overall, this start to a class would be a decisive step in the right direction for New Orleans. Let’s see if any of these prospects are on their radar by the time April rolls around.
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