New month, new mock draft.
The New Orleans Saints' biggest positional needs are becoming clear after three weeks, making it the perfect time for a three-round mock draft. Here, they heavily address the defense while still adding to their weakest offensive unit.
That said, let’s keep the intro short and dive into the mock.
Round One: Kelley Jones- CB, Mississippi State
Kelley Jones is a long, dominant press-man coverage cornerback who’s skyrocketing into first-round conversations. The six-foot-four, 204-pound senior has elite ball skills, four pass breakups through four games, and is a smooth mover for his size.
Jones thrives in press coverage and consistently jams his matchup, disrupting their timing. He’s an impressive athlete and has the speed to stick with fast receivers. He uses the boundary as an extra defender and forces the opposition outside. Beyond this, he’s comfortable in zone and uses his instincts to disrupt passes.
Jones is an ideal fit for Brandon Staley’s defense. Currently, Kool-Aid McKinstry leads the cornerback room, but they lack depth outside of him. Quincy Riley has potential, but has been picked on in 2026 (Lions game), and Martin Emerson isn’t a long-term solution. As a result, it makes sense to invest heavy draft capital in the unit, and Jones is worthy of the pick.
Round Two: Matayo Uiagalelei- EDGE, Oregon
Matayo Uiagalelei pairs prototypical size with staggering power and athleticism that make him a high-floor player in the 2027 NFL Draft. He understands how to set the edge and uses his strength to battle against bigger offensive linemen. He has violent hand usage and thrives at shedding blocks to reach the backfield.
Uiagalelei’s still raw as a pass rusher, relying mostly on his athleticism, but he can develop into a dangerous threat. He has a good first step and converts speed-to-power well. He must develop more rush moves, but he’s shown a willingness to implement them already.
The Saints are searching for Chase Young’s complement. Cameron Jordan is nearing retirement, and Carl Granderson has flashed potential, but can’t stay consistent. Staley could draft Uiagalelei early to bolster the group and find Young’s future partner.
Round Three: Cam Cook- RB, West Virginia
Nobody can convince me otherwise: Cam Cook is Alvin Kamara’s ideal successor. I’m not saying Cook will reach his caliber, but they have a similar style with their patient running and elite short-area quickness. Beyond this, he’s slippery in open space, consistently breaking tackles with his elusiveness, and has fantastic vision.
The five-foot-nine, 200-pound senior is among the most productive players nationally with 510 rushing yards through four games. His main question heading into 2026 was whether he’d translate to Big 12 competition after transferring from Jacksonville State. So far, he’s passed with flying colors.
Cook won’t be an every-down threat, as he isn’t a powerful, between-the-tackles runner. Still, he would pair well with Travis Etienne Jr. and reinvigorate a struggling rushing attack.
