The New Orleans Saints may have found their franchise quarterback in the 2025 Draft. As the 2026 NFL Draft begins, the Saints will need to start building the rest of the roster around him.
Second-round pick Tyler Shough took over the starting job halfway through the season last year after the Saints' 1-7 start to the season. He showed flashes of promise in his nine starts, with consistent improvement especially notable over the final weeks of the season. New Orleans finished the year 6-11, with a 5-4 record in Shough starts that included four wins in the last five weeks.
In this year's draft, head coach Kellen Moore and general manager Mickey Loomis will put their heads together to find prospects that will complement Shough and reinforce the roster's weak points. While the skill positions on offense are partially set, there is still work to be done at one particular offensive position as well as plenty of outstanding defensive needs.
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New Orleans has already made moves in free agency to address its offensive line, tight end and long-term future at running back as Alvin Kamara enters his age-31 season. The Saints still have more work to do in the draft to return back to NFC South contention after finishing in last place in 2025.
Here's a closer look at the Saints' draft picks, team needs and potential fits in USA TODAY Sports' Ayrton Ostly's seven-round mock draft:
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)
12. Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)
13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn
16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)