For the second consecutive draft, the Saints own a selection in the top half of Round 1. The franchise did a terrific job last April, selecting starting left tackle Kelvin Banks and seemingly their quarterback of the future, Tyler Shough. Now they need to further protect Shough, get him some weapons, and improve the pass rush.

Needs:

1) Edge Rusher

Much depends on whether or not the Saints re-sign 14-year veteran Cameron Jordan, who is slated for free agency. Even if they do, the defense still needs a young edge rusher who can play in 2026 and take over as a starter soon after that.

2) Receiver

Chris Olave has been a terrific wideout in New Orleans, but the offense needs a bigger possession receiver and more bodies at the position. The Saints presently have just four wideouts on the depth chart.

3) Interior Defensive Line

Cornerback, running back, and interior offensive line are all needs, but the Saints must get an upgrade on the interior defensive line and someone who can consistently stuff the run.

Top Stories

Bengals’ Cam Taylor-Britt Sentenced to Jail: Everything We Know About Charges Against Him

Bill Cowher’s Strong Message to Steelers on Firing Mike Tomlin After HC’s Blunt Playoff Message

Bill Belichick & Patriots Abandoned RB Battling Cancer, Then Forced to Join Dolphins

John Harbaugh Forced Ravens to Make Firing Announcement as 7 NFL Teams Call HC’s Agent, Per Insider

Jerry Jones Issues Statement After Firing Matt Eberflus as Cowboys Look for a New DC

Mock Draft

ROUND 1: Keldric Faulk/DL/Auburn 

Keldric Faulk comes off a somewhat disappointing campaign, but he’s a terrific athlete with size and growth potential. He can swiftly impact rushing the passer and could grow into a run-stuffing defensive end in a three-man line.

ROUND 2: Malik Muhammad/CB/Texas 

If a top second-tier receiver such as Denzel Boston is available to the Saints, that would be the pick. Chris Bell of Louisville would also get consideration, depending on his combine medicals. Yet Malik Muhammad could play outside corner or at nickel, which would allow New Orleans flexibility with veteran Alontae Taylor.

ROUND 3: Emmanuel Pregnon/G/Oregon

It seems the Saints are on a hamster wheel with offensive linemen, as they continually expend early-round draft capital to fill ever-present needs. Emmanuel Pregnon is a nasty, wide-bodied blocker who has played for two proficient offenses in college, first USC and now Oregon.