Saints add immediate starter who they never get in recent 2-round 2026 NFL mock draft
The New Orleans Saints end a mini-fall by a top prospect in this year’s class during recent mock draft.
The New Orleans Saints have an important NFL Draft on the horizon. With multiple key needs on both sides of the ball and a plan to get better around quarterback Tyler Shough, Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore have their work cut out for them later this month.
In Ryan Roberts’ latest mock draft, the Saints landed Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with their first-round pick. They stuck at pick eight, and Styles surprisingly got to New Orleans.
Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles
“After beginning his career as a safety, Styles has become a dynamic athlete on the second level. There is nothing that he can’t do from the linebacker position. Styles has a chance to be special.” — Ryan Roberts, A to Z Sports
This pick doesn’t happen often for the Saints in mock drafts. It is not due to a lack of need or talent from Styles, though. Demario Davis departed New Orleans during free agency to surprisingly join the New York Jets defense.
The Saints did bring veteran linebacker Kaden Elliss back to town, but another influx of young talent at the position makes sense, especially when you consider the potential of Styles. He is an unbelievable athlete and could be a chess piece mover for Brandon Staley’s unit. Staley has always appreciated versatility, and Styles is the definition of it at a high level.
We also almost never see Styles fall this far anymore, either. He is often gone in the first five picks. In this scenario, though, the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants all look elsewhere between picks three and five overall.
Why it makes sense for New Orleans
The Saints just need more upside on their defense, basically at every level. They do not have a long-term answer at nose tackle on the roster.
The Saints need another impressive pass rusher off the edge. I already discussed the linebacker position, and the secondary could use more proven playmaking ability at both cornerback and safety. They lost slot CB Alontae Taylor, who played in many different alignments last season for Staley’s defense.
Styles can be a centerpiece for the unit to build around, when there are not many of those currently. Chase Young got a new extension and is proving to be worth it.
As far as cornerback, Quincy Riley had a strong rookie season in 2025 but must build on it. Kool-Aid McKinstry continues to develop, and he will most likely be the CB1 on the roster if this scenario played out in acquiring Styles in the top ten.
This outcome would be exciting for Saints fans and bolster the roster immediately. We will see if Styles is available with the eighth pick next Thursday evening.
