Can the Saints Land A Game Changer At EDGE In the NFL Draft?

For the New Orleans Saints, the draft is in their sights, but the possible scenarios are endless. Donte Moore returning to Oregon is a setback, with QB-needy teams having to focus on other needs, but the Saints are in a great spot at pick eight. 

Jason Watson, Jr. of Canal Street Chronicles completed a three-round mock draft with the Saints landing Reuben Bain, Jr. from Miami with the eighth pick, and explains his rationale. 

"Should Auburn’s Keldric Faulk be the first edge defender taken in the draft, there is a very real possibility that Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., whom many believe to be a top-three talent in this year’s draft, could fall to number eight, where New Orleans would be waiting to pounce. Bain, a three-year player at UM, is having a career season helping Miami find a spot in the National Championship game. The 6’3” pass rusher has nearly 20 sacks over the course of the past three years and has come to be an opposing QB’s worst nightmare. With uncertainty about whether or not longtime Saint Cam Jordan will return to the team, Who Dat Nation could very well be looking at Jordan’s successor, the defense so desperately needs."

With the Saints' second pick, they land a wide receiver to complement Chris Olave. 

Round 2, Pick 42- Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

"After securing a top defender in the draft class, Tyler Shough will get a new pass catcher on the roster at a big position of need. The Saints lack size in their wide receiver room. They need someone with a large frame, strong hands, and a knack for finding the open space within the defense. Germie Bernard checks all of those boxes for New Orleans—the 6’1”, 204lb. Wideout has made a few stops on his collegiate football trail. After beginning with Michigan State, he found himself playing first for the Washington Huskies and then wrapping up his playing time with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Bernard gathered over 2,200 receiving yards through college on 155 receptions. He is a smart, sure-handed playmaker that I am sure Kellen Moore would love to have in his offense."

The Saints finish the third round with secondary help and add another cornerback. 

Round 3, Pick 73- Hezekiah Masses, CB, California

Hezekiah Masses is a 6’1” senior cornerback from the California Golden Bears. After playing for three seasons as a Panther at Florida International, Masses went cross-country to play at CAL. There, he burst onto the scene and secured five interceptions in his senior season. The CB is active on the field and has a nose for the football. Masses had 24 pass breakups throughout his four college seasons, including 12 of them in 2025. One of the quickest-rising defenders in the upcoming draft class could find a home within Brandon Staley’s top-ten defense next season and serve a large role as a rookie.

If the Saints can pull this draft off, it would be an incredible haul for a team that nailed their last draft.