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Saints post-Combine 7-round mock draft

Mar 2, 2026 | 9:00 AM
Chris Bell

Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

With the NFL Scouting Combine in the books, it’s time to revisit the New Orleans Saints’ draft potential with another mock draft. Now that there’s more information from each prospect, either from their on-field work or variety of interviews, the picture is starting to get a little more clear around the draft. 

Setting the Scene

Before the draft, NFL free agency will open, allowing teams to address needs by signing league veterans. Before we get to the mock draft, here is an abbreviated look at some of the key moves we’ll use for this scenario. 

Who’s Off the Board?

1.1: Las Vegas Raiders select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza

1.2: New York Jets select Ohio State LB Sonny Styles

1.3: Arizona Cardinals select Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.

1.4: Tennessee Titans select Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey 

1.5: New York Giants select Miami OL Francis Mauigoa

1.6: Cleveland Browns select Ohio State WR Carnell Tate

1.7: Washington Commanders select Ohio State LB Arvell Reese

On the Board

The Picks

Round 1, Pick 8: Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love

Bio Info

  • Age: 21
  • Height: 6-foot
  • Weight: 212 pounds

2025 Stats

  • Carries: 199
  • Rushing yards: 1,372
  • Touchdown runs: 18
  • Receiving touchdowns: 3

Combine Results

  • 40-yard dash: 4.36s

Love is the most dynamic offensive player in this draft. With several top defensive pieces off the board and some medical question marks lingering on other players available, Love is an easy decision here. 

New Orleans immediately lands a player that changes the complexion of its offense, adds a game-breaking factor and supports its young quarterback, Tyler Shough. 

Round 2, Pick 42: Louisville WR Chris Bell

Bio Info

  • Age: 21
  • Height: 6-foot-2
  • Weight: 222 pounds

2025 Stats

  • Catches: 72
  • Receiving yards: 917
  • Receiving touchdowns: 6

Bell may not be ready to go to start the season, though his doctor has given him quite the optimistic timeline to return from his November ACL injury, but he would still be a great investment for New Orleans. In this scenario, the Saints have just landed the draft’s best playmaker with Love in the first round, making the patience needed for Bell a lot easier to muster. 

The Louisville product would add a skill set the team doesn’t currently have. He’s a great run after catch threat with his ability to run through or around contact. 

Round 3, Pick 73: UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence

Measurements

  • Height: 6-foot-4
  • Weight: 253 pounds
  • Arm length: 33 ⅝ inches

2025 Stats

  • Tackles: 28
  • TFLs: 11
  • Sacks: 7
  • Passed defended: 3
  • Fumbles forced: 2

Combine Results

  • 40-yard dash: 4.52s
  • Vertical: 40 inches
  • Broad jump: 10-foot-10
  • RAS: 9.90

One of the players that raised their stock the most in Indianapolis, Lawrence is likely a top-100 player. He’s had two seasons in his career with double-digit tackles for a loss and at least seven sacks. His physical profile fits the standup, speed rusher of the Saints’ defense. He’d be a strong pass rusher specialist to rotate opposite defensive end Chase Young. 

Round 4, Pick 132: South Carolina CB Jalon Kilgore

Bio Info

  • Age: 21
  • Height: 6-foot-1
  • Weight: 210 pounds

2025 Stats

  • Tackles: 54
  • TFLs: 0
  • Interceptions: 2
  • Passed defended: 10
  • Fumbles recovered: 2

Combine Results

  • 40-yard dash: 4.40s
  • Vertical: 37 inches
  • Broad jump: 10-foot-10
  • Bench: 16 reps
  • RAS: 9.66

With over 300 snaps played in the slot in each of the last three years, Kilgore could be an option for the STAR role should cornerback Alontae Taylor depart in free agency. Like Taylor, Kilgore didn’t blitz much at the collegiate level, but shouldn’t have much trouble getting adjusted to that responsibility if asked. His speed, size and physical style blend well for the position. 

Round 4, Pick 137: Kentucky G Jalen Farmer

Measurements

  • Height: 6-foot-5
  • Weight: 312 pounds

2025 Stats

  • Pressures allowed: 14
  • Hurries: 11
  • Hits: 0
  • Sacks: 3

Combine Results

  • 40-yard dash: 4.93s
  • Vertical: 27 inches
  • Broad jump: 9-foot
  • RAS: 9.69

A sneaky steal at this point in the draft, Farmer is a relentless run blocker with some development left to be had in the pass protection area. Adding the Kentucky product after signing a top guard in free agency gives him the comfortability to continue growing in the background. Farmer has the size, play style and athletic profile to be an eventual starter in the NFL or a long-time backup. 

He will need to crosstrain along the interior, though, to maximize opportunities for his future. 

Round 5, Pick 146: NDSU WR Bryce Lance

Bio Info

  • Age: 24
  • Height: 6-foot-3
  • Weight: 204 pounds

2025 Stats

  • Catches: 51
  • Receiving yards: 1,079
  • Receiving touchdowns: 8

Combine Results

  • 40-yard dash: 4.34s
  • Vertical: 41.5 inches
  • Broad jump: 11-foot-1
  • 3-cone: 7s
  • 20-yard shuttle: 4.15s
  • RAS: 9.95

Lance gives the Saints another wideout option in this class that will be immediately available. His speed is going to draw a lot of eyes, but one of the more impactful elements of his game is in the jump ball area. With his size, leaping ability and 66.7% contested catch rate in college, Lance would have an immediate red zone role in New Orleans. 

Round 5, Pick 170: Oregon LB Bryce Boettcher

Bio Info

  • Age: 23
  • Height: 6-foot-1
  • Weight: 233 pounds

2025 Stats

  • Tackles: 136
  • TFLs: 5.5
  • Sacks: 1
  • Interceptions: 1
  • Passed defended: 6
  • Fumbles forced: 2

Boettcher isn’t the biggest linebacker but his downhill movement and tackling abilities are hard to miss. Both would make him an excellent Day Three special teams addition with a chance to develop into a solid depth piece at the position as well. 

Round 6, Pick 189: Ohio State CB Lorenzo Styles Jr. 

Bio Info

  • Age: 23
  • Height: 6-foot
  • Weight: 194 pounds

2025 Stats

  • Tackles: 30
  • TFLs: 1.5
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Passed defended: 3

Combine Results

  • 40-yard dash: 4.27s
  • Vertical: 39 inches
  • RAS: 9.66

Styles only transitioned to the defensive side of the ball upon his arrival to Ohio State in 2023. Previously, with Notre Dame, the speedy player was a wide receiver. With his track speed, he could become an excellent return specialist and gunner at the next level. The Saints could use help in both categories. 

The corner all has experience in the slot, adding potential depth at a key spot in the defense. 

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