Potential NFL Draft Eligible Saints Targets to Watch in College Football Playoff

The New Orleans Saints won against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. And while the Saints are out of any meaningful postseason qualifying football conversations, the win was encouraging for the team's 2026 prospects.

There is meaningful football for Saints fans to watch this winter, though. It will take place in the college ranks where the Saints can look for potential NFL draft picks to fill positions on the current roster.

Realistically, New Orleans could fill two or three starting positions with a good draft this offseason, sitting in the Top 10 of the draft. That said, we've seen the likes of New York Giants and former Arizona State running back Cam Scattebo carve a role despite being drafted as late as the fourth round.

So which players have X-factor potential or could find early stardom in their rookie seasons? Let's look at a few players to watch for the Saints' 2026 draft in this year's College Football Playoff using ESPN analyst Matt Miller's prospect rankings and analysis.

The first to watch for the Saints in Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. To secure a shot to draft the talented quarterback the Saints will likely need to fall within the Top 3 picks of the NFL draft. Mendoza has the statistics to back up his draft case, but more importantly led the Indiana Hoosiers to a 13-0 season and Big Ten title win over the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes have plenty of players to watch. It's doubtful the Saints will go after star Safety Caleb Downs given more pressing needs at premium positions, but Downs is certainly looking to be headed to the Top 5 picks. Ohio State defensive linemen could be in the cards for the Saints on draft day.

Buckeyes linebacker and edge rusher Arvell Reese has been a trending player, ranking No. 3 in Matt Miller's draft prospect rankings. The 6-foot-4, 243-pound player drew the following draft analysis from Miller.

"Reese wasn't on the NFL draft radar before the season but has shot up the board as one of the nation's most productive and promising players. A hybrid defender who plays linebacker and edge rusher, there are obvious comparisons to Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter. Reese has the length, elite burst and power to be dangerous off the edge, as evidenced by his 6.5 sacks this season in a part-time edge role. His flexibility and athletic tools at a premium position could make Reese the No. 1 pick."  

Fellow Buckeye defensive lineman Kaden McDonald is another player to watch when the Buckeyes take the field against the winner of Miami and Texas A&M in the playoff's first round.

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore and Miami edge rusher Reuben Bain Jr. could also be on the Saints' radar this offseason. Moore would have to shine to warrant consideration, as the Saints aren't looking for just anybody at quarterback. Tyler Shough has played well at signal caller this year.

Also worth monitoring is Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa who could be an interesting piece to play opposite Kelvin Banks Jr. and fortify the pass protecting edge of the offense.

Alabama's LT Overton and Oregon's Mateyo Uiagalelei are potential second round edge rushing targets should they fall to early second round. If the Saints fall far enough back in the first round, however, they could opt for drafting yet another Ohio State wide receiver later in the Top 10 with Buckeyes star Carnell Tate.

We'll keep an eye on which players perform against the sport's best in the College Football Playoff.