The 2026 NFL Draft is now less than a month away, and things are starting to come into focus as the New Orleans Saints finalize their approach ahead of the event in late April.
One of the most exciting parts of draft season is tracking what top league analysts have to say about prospects and their potential landing spots. While hundreds of mock drafts have already been released across various media outlets, one we always look forward to comes from Matt Miller. The ESPN analyst shared his first full seven-round mock draft with just over three weeks until draft day.
For the New Orleans Saints, Miller addresses nearly every pressing need, adding one of the draft’s premier edge rushers while also bringing in an explosive playmaker to support second-year quarterback Tyler Shough.
As we break down each selection, we’ve included Miller’s reasoning behind some of the early picks to provide insight into both the prospects and their potential fit. Let’s dive in.
Round 1, Pick 8: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
“If you want an impact playmaker off the edge, look no further than Bailey. With 23 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks last season, Bailey was unstoppable thanks to his first-step quickness and relentless pursuit skills. That’s what the Saints need, as long-time franchise staple Cameron Jordan is a free agent, leaving Chase Young and Carl Granderson atop the depth chart at edge. Bailey’s burst is the best in the class and will be an ideal fit in Brandon Staley’s defense. The Saints could also go wide receiver or corner here, but Bailey would represent great value at this pick.”
The top edge rusher in the class, Bailey would make an immediate impact with elite burst, short-area quickness, and speed off the edge.
Round 2, Pick 42: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
“Round 1 was about taking the best player available (Bailey); Round 2 is geared toward helping second-year QB Tyler Shough. Branch can make big plays and would replace the speed lost when Rashid Shaheed was traded to Seattle.”
Branch is an explosive playmaker with home-run ability every touch, adding major value as a returner.
Round 3, Pick 73: Treydan Stukes, CB, Arizona
“Stukes is one of the hottest names in the scouting community after the combine. He is seen as a capable cornerback or safety prospect with elite 4.33 speed in the 40.”
Stukes is a smart, versatile defensive back who can align across the secondary and handle multiple roles.
Round 4, Pick 132: Jalen Farmer, G, Kentucky
Farmer is a powerful, athletic lineman with sub-5.0 speed in the 40-yard dash, who anchors against the run and plays with force.
Round 4, Pick 136: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
Raridon is a high-upside tight end with rare size and athleticism, creating consistent matchup problems downfield.
Round 5, Pick 150: Time Keenan III, DT, Alabama
Keenan brings a strong interior presence who controls gaps, absorbs double teams, and anchors the run defense.
Round 5, Pick 172: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
Coleman is a compact, physical runner with excellent balance, consistently gaining tough yards and breaking tackles.
Round 6, Pick 190: Aamil Wagner, OT, Notre Dame
Wagner is a long-armed, athletic tackle with smooth movement skills and strong upside as a pass protector.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: ESPN mock draft: Seven rounds of Saints picks from Matt Miller
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