The Saints shock the draft landscape, securing explosive edge rusher David Bailey and playmaking receiver Zachariah Branch with their first two selections.
The mock draft picks are rolling in for the New Orleans Saints as they approach April's 2026 NFL draft. Many of the picks are favorable.
The Saints' top two draft needs heading into the selection showcase appear to be wide receiver and edge rusher after the team lost veteran pass rusher Cameron Jordan to free agency. The lack of playmaking at wide receiver behind Chris Olave indicates to some that the Saints need another top receiver as well. One mock draft has the team adding both in the first two rounds.
ESPN NFL draft expert Matt Miller predicted that the Saints could more than address both needs in his 2026 seven-round NFL draft prediction. He made New Orleans' first two picks with the following analysis.
Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey: "If you want an impact playmaker off the edge, look no further than Bailey. With 23 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks last season, Bailey was unstoppable thanks to his first-step quickness and relentless pursuit skills. That's what the Saints need, as long-time franchise staple Cameron Jordan is a free agent, leaving Chase Young and Carl Granderson atop the depth chart at edge. Bailey's burst is the best in the class and will be an ideal fit in Brandon Staley's defense. The Saints could also go wide receiver or corner here, but Bailey would represent great value at this pick."
Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch: "Round 1 was about taking the best player available (Bailey); Round 2 is geared toward helping second-year QB Tyler Shough. Branch can make big plays and would replace the speed lost when Rashid Shaheed was traded to Seattle."
New Orleans Saints wide receivers coach Keith Williams looks on during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesBailey is a player some have linked to the Saints although it's uncertain if the talented pass rusher will fall to the No. 8 pick. Many believe Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. is more likely to fall to the pick due to his measurables. Nevertheless, it's possible the top Texas Tech prospect falls to New Orleans. If he does, the Saints may have to forego their wide receiver plans in the first round to draft Bailey.
The second pick sends an interesting prospect to New Orleans. Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch shined in his time with the USC Trojans prior to joining the Bulldogs through the transfer portal. That said, he has not lived up to the first round hype some expected from him earlier in his career. The potential is there, though, and adding the player could be a huge win for the Saints in the second round.
New Orleans could be in line for another strong draft. They will look to follow their last draft with an even better one this offseason.