With the Saints sitting at 0-3 and showing little sign of being a playoff-caliber team in 2025, it’s time to pivot the conversation toward the future. While it may feel premature, Sports View 360 is kicking off its first 2026 mock draft to project how New Orleans might begin laying down the building blocks for the next chapter.
The Saints traded away their fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos to acquire wide receiver DeVaughn Vele, leaving them with four selections in the top five rounds. New Orleans holds the No. 2 overall pick in the draft order, trailing only the New York Jets at No. 1. For a franchise searching for answers at quarterback, this early slot gives them a prime opportunity to secure their future under center.
Here’s how the Saints’ first mock draft shakes out:
Round 1, Pick 2 — Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Quarterback remains the most pressing need for the Saints, and with the No. 2 overall pick, they cannot afford to pass on a potential franchise signal-caller. Fernando Mendoza of Indiana offers just that.
At 6’5” and 225 pounds, Mendoza has the prototypical NFL quarterback frame, with nimble pocket mobility and the ability to create when plays break down. He flashes crisp mechanics as a rotational thrower, layering passes with precision while also possessing the arm strength to attack tight windows downfield.
What stands out most is his confidence — sometimes bordering on “arm arrogance” — where he trusts his velocity too much and forces throws. But that’s also part of what makes him a high-ceiling talent. With refinement, Mendoza has the tools to become a franchise quarterback who can lift an entire roster. For a Saints team searching for stability under center, he’s a natural fit.
Round 2, Pick 34 — A.J. Harris, CB, Penn State
After addressing the quarterback, New Orleans turns to defense. The secondary has been shaky, and penalties have only worsened things, so finding a long-term cornerback makes sense. Enter A.J. Harris of Penn State.
Harris is a former five-star recruit who checks nearly every physical box at 6’1”, 193 pounds. He has the fluid short-area movement, light-footed acceleration, and hip flexibility to match NFL receivers in press coverage. His reaction speed allows him to stay sticky in man situations, while his vision in zone concepts continues to develop.
Ball skills remain inconsistent, and his press footwork needs polishing, but Harris has CB1 traits. For a team needing discipline and reliability on the back end, Harris offers both high upside and a foundation to build around.
Round 3, Pick 66 — Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
University of Illinois Athletics.
The Saints’ pass rush has lacked bite, and Gabe Jacas could help provide some much-needed juice. At 6’3”, 275 pounds, Jacas brings a well-rounded edge profile. He posted 74 tackles, 13 TFLs, eight sacks, and three forced fumbles in 2024, showing both production and disruptive potential.
Jacas is versatile enough to rush from a two-point stance as an outside linebacker or kick down as a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end. His knock-back power and strong leverage give him an NFL-ready floor, though he doesn’t project as an elite athletic specimen. Instead, he’s a dependable, high-motor player who can anchor a rotation and steadily develop into a reliable starter.
For a Saints team needing toughness in the trenches, Jacas makes perfect sense as a Round 3 addition.
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Round 5, Pick 131 — Barion Brown, WR, LSU
Even with the preseason trade for DeVaughn Velle, the Saints still need more playmaking at wide receiver. With their fifth-round pick, they stay in-state and select Barion Brown, now at LSU after making his mark at Kentucky.
Brown is the kind of Swiss Army knife weapon every offense covets. His versatility allows him to line up outside, in the slot, or even take snaps in the backfield. On top of that, he’s a dynamic return specialist, giving him immediate special teams value. His speed and elusiveness make him a threat to score anytime he touches the ball, whether on kick returns, jet sweeps, or deep shots downfield.
For New Orleans, Brown represents a developmental wideout who can grow into a steady contributor while also immediately helping in the return game.
The Saints are in the early stages of a long rebuild, and this mock draft reflects that reality. The franchise sets its course for the future by addressing the quarterback first. Adding Harris bolsters the secondary, Jacas strengthens the pass rush, and Brown injects versatility into the receiving corps.
This five-round haul isn’t about making the Saints playoff-ready in 2026. Instead, it’s about putting cornerstones in place for a sustainable turnaround. Kellen Moore’s coaching tenure is just beginning, and much like the rookies he’ll inherit, his ability to grow will determine how far this team can go.
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