Saints 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft: New Orleans replaces RB Alvin Kamara and creates unexpected dynamic duo on defense
Kellen Moore’s team got a major talent upgrade in latest mock draft.
The New Orleans Saints are excited for their future. Tyler Shough looked like the answer at quarterback as a rookie. Kellen Moore found his footing as a first-year head coach.
On defense, there were a lot of positives with young players, including safety Jonas Sanker. As for veteran running back Alvin Kamara, he’s getting older but still possesses plenty of talent when healthy. Could the Saints look for his potential long-term replacement in the 2026 NFL Draft?
New Orleans Saints 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft
Round 1, Pick 8: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Love is arguably a top five prospect in this entire class. With a group of prospects projected to go in round one that widely lack some of the “blue chip” pedigree, Love is an exception. I believe that New Orleans should attack the first round with the idea of value in mind – rather than purely need.
I do not think that running back is one of the largest roster needs for the Saints when it comes to 2026, but I do think that the timetable to start thinking of a Kamara replacement plan has kicked off. Love is a fantastic opportunity to do just that and can help Tyler Shough prove himself as the QB of the future for the black and gold.
Round 2, Pick 42: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
Thieneman plays with a tenacity that the Saints staff will value. Brandon Staley loves versatile defensive backs that he can move around to make life difficult on opposing offenses, and the Ducks product fits that billing. He can tackle effectively but also possesses elite playmaking instincts. He’s productive in zone coverage and can even shoulder the load at nickel if Alontae Taylor finds a new home during free agency.
Thieneman is going to be a solid NFL player for a long time, and that’s incredibly valuable in round two of this class. Jonas Sanker emerged as a potential back end playmaker, and Thieneman’s game balances his out quite nicely at DB.
Round 3, Pick 73: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Cooper burst onto the scene over the back half of this season and was arguably the most consistent contributor in the passing game for a Hoosiers passing game that won the national title in college football. He’s a good route runner with some of the best body control in the WR class.
I prefer his fit with the Saints alongside Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele in 2026 over some of the other options on the board around this range. Cooper has consistently moved up the ranks, and it pays off here.
What do you think of this draft class for the Saints? Let us know via social media!
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