Saints land two first-round prospects and continue helping QB Tyler Shough in latest 4-round NFL mock draft

New Orleans hit a home run in this mock draft.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Oct 4, 2025; College Park, Maryland, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) celebrates after the Huskies comeback victory over the Maryland Terrapins at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints are building some steam when it comes to short and long-term hype about the direction they’re headed. A strong 2026 NFL Draft class will go a long way in aiding that, too.

Accordingly, mock drafts are flying, and the Saints have plenty of capital in the first four rounds.

Saints mix value with addressing need throughout latest mock draft

I think the mantra for New Orleans early in this year’s draft needs to be to take good football players. If they it alongside your biggest needs, then that’s a bonus, too. The latest collaborative mock draft from A to Z Sports followed that sort of strategy, and it worked out in a major way.

8. New Orleans Saints: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

“Okay, this is far enough. Caleb Downs is the best player available on the board, regardless of position if he makes it to pick eight in virtually any scenario. The Saints could go several directions, but snagging an All-American who can play any back-seven position if called upon is a win. Downs is a tackle monster who improved in coverage every single year. The Saints get a defensive captain candidate and an All-Pro talent.” – May

Downs has been one of my favorite picks for the Saints this draft season, and his high floor and versatility pair nicely for a secondary that simply needs more talent. Justin Reid remains in the fold at safety, but he is an older option at the position.

Plus, Alontae Taylor exited New Orleans during free agency. He played the STAR position for DC Brandon Staley last season, and Downs could step into that spot immediately if that’s the route the Saints chose.

42. New Orleans Saints: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Boston often goes in the first round of mocks. That could be the reality in late April. If not, this is a great situation for the Saints. Boston, alongside Chris Olave, Travis Etienne, and Juwan Johnson, is an exciting group of weapon for Tyler Shough.

Devaughn Vele played good football with the rookie QB last season, but he should not solely prevent the Saints from adding another larger WR option in the draft.

73. New Orleans Saints: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

The pass rush has to garner more juice for New Orleans in 2026. With Cameron Jordan potentially leaving in free agency, Lawrence can get on the field some as a rookie. He’s got incredible physical traits and produced at a high level for UCF last season.

Great pick and ultimate value.

132. New Orleans Saints (via SEA): Charlie Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

136. New Orleans Saints (compensatory): Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama 

All in all, this mock draft is really a home run scenario for Kellen Moore’s team. He gets an all-around playmaker in Caleb Downs, who Brandon Staley can excel with in his defense. Denzel Boston steps into an impact role as a big-body WR option for the offense immediately.

Malachi Lawrence deserves to be a top 50 pick. New Orleans landed him in the middle of the third round.

If the Saints can land this sort of class, their rebuild will be jumpstarted with an influx of young talent, following an already impressive 2025 draft class.

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