Saints 4-round mock draft during NFL free agency: New Orleans immediately replaces Alontae Taylor and grants Tyler Shough’s wish
The Saints can bolster both sides of the ball during this year’s draft.
Free agency changes needs for every NFL team. For the New Orleans Saints, even just the first of the two day negotiating window has already sharply changed what the team could do early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Saints 4-round 2026 mock draft during NFL free agency negotiating
Accordingly, let’s take a look at a mock draft scenario for Kellen Moore’s team – while keeping in mind the key additions and departures so far for the black and gold.
Additions:
P Ryan Wright
RB Travis Etienne
OG David Edwards
TE Noah Fant
Departures:
LB Demario Davis (New York Jets)
CB Alontae Taylor (Tennessee Titans)
Round 1, Pick 8: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
The Buckeyes defensive back is such a dream fit for a Brandon Staley unit. Alontae Taylor often played the “star” role of roaming around in the secondary, and even blitzing at times last season, for the Saints. With Taylor heading to the Tennessee Titans, Downs can immediately step into that role.
Downs is one of the most polished prospects in this class, and given he lands in the correct scheme, he has a Pro Bowl sort of ceiling at the next level.
“Downs is a player that some may overthink, but I highly doubt the NFL does. Proven production at two blue blood programs, elite character and competitiveness, a football pedigree, and tape littered with quality reps, it feels like picking nits when finding areas of improvement for Downs.
He will do his best work as a safety who roams near the line of scrimmage, but I wouldn’t rule him out as a deep safety. I believe he has the speed and certainly the instincts to get off the hash and cover the wide areas of the field, or turn and run to cover the post. I could see a team taking time to find where he fits best, but when they do, look out.” — Rob Gregson
Round 2, Pick 42: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Bell is the former teammate of Tyler Shough, and the quarterback has already mentioned the rookie wide receiver to the Saints staff. The Cardinals Wr is coming off a season-ending injury but still projects as a round two pick due to his stature, ability after the catch, and explosiveness.
“Man it would be great, man. I’ve been talking to Tyler Shough since this process started,” Bell told Arye Pulli for Saints on SI. “He said he’s been telling the Saints about me, he hope they get me. He said they need somebody like me so it would be great to reunite with Tyler Shough.” — USA TODAY
Round 3, Pick 73: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee
The pass rush for the Saints needs to improve next season, and Cameron Jordan may not be in the fold. He hasn’t chosen his free agency destination as of now, though. Josephs played good football in the SEC and has more technical ability than the other EDGE rushers in this range.
Round 4, Pick 132: Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
Boettcher is a versatile defender who fits what Brandon Staley wants to do. His athleticism and strength allow him to play downhill, but he also made plays in the pass defense game for the Ducks last season. He’s a smooth mover and can play a depth role for New Orleans.
Round 4, Pick 136: Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss
New Orleans still has not found a true long-term answer at nose tackle. At 6’8 and 330 pounds, Harris is a massive presence on the defensive line. He’s powerful and played well against the run last sermons for the Rebels.
Good value to add alongside Davon Godchaux and Nathan Shepherd.
The Saints will continue to take swings along the free agent market, but their most impactful moves have probably already occurred in Etienne and Edwards. Interested to see if they add a couple of notable, veteran defensive pieces this week, too.
New Orleans Saints News
Grading the signing: Saints land one of the most talented players in free agency, and it aggressively changes their NFL Draft plans
The Saints just made a massive move at the running back position.
