The New Orleans Saints may have found their answer at cornerback—just not in the way anyone expected. In CBS Sports' latest 2027 NFL mock draft, the Saints land Notre Dame's Leonard Moore with the No. 8 overall pick, a prospect many are calling a true lockdown defender.

To understand why this matters, let's rewind to the 2026 draft. The Saints were heavily linked to LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, but the Kansas City Chiefs jumped ahead of them at pick No. 6 to snag him. New Orleans ultimately selected Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, but the cornerback hole remained. Now, with Alontae Taylor gone in free agency and young players like Quincy Riley and Kool-Aid McKinstry set to lead the secondary in 2026, the Saints are still searching for a long-term solution on the outside.

Enter Leonard Moore. The Notre Dame star posted eye-popping numbers last season: a 91.8 Pro Football Focus grade—best among all college cornerbacks—and a staggering 45.1 passer rating when targeted. He also hauled in four interceptions, proving he's a true ball hawk. CBS Sports' Josh Edwards notes that Moore is "one of the best 2027 prospects," but remains available in this mock due to the class's depth at quarterback. The Saints, who missed out on Delane a year ago, finally get their man in the first round.

For fans eager to see Moore in action before the draft, here are three key Notre Dame games to watch in 2026: Sunday, Sept. 6 vs. Wisconsin at Lambeau Field (6:30 p.m. CT), Saturday, Sept. 19 vs. Michigan State (6:30 p.m. CT), and Saturday, Nov. 14 vs. Boston College (3:30 p.m. CT). If Moore delivers performances like last season, don't be surprised if he's wearing black and gold when the 2027 draft rolls around.