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Updated 4-round Saints mock draft

Dec 3, 2025 | 9:07 AM
Jordyn Tyson

Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

Finding out if the team has the starting quarterback in 2026 in rookie Tyler Shough must be the New Orleans Saints’ priority for the remainder of the 2025 season. The good thing for New Orleans is that, so far, Shough is making the decision easy. With his high ceiling, ability to push the ball downfield and pocket mobility, he’s been a bright spot to an otherwise bleak season on offense. While there are certainly still things to continue to improve upon, it doesn’t yet look like the Saints will have any concerns continuing forward with him into next year. That is, as long as nothing drastically changes with five games remaining in the season. 

With a handful of matchups remaining, assuming all continues as it has or continues to improve, New Orleans will have its quarterback for next season and premium draft stock. With that focus, this four-round mock draft will focus on building the team around the quarterback and adding firepower on both sides of the ball.

Round 1, Pick 3 – Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson

Even with a breakout game from wide receiver Devaughn Vele, adding another top option at wideout makes a ton of sense for New Orleans. With Vele and Chris Olave’s ability to move inside and out, adding Tyson to the mix will make for a varied and versatile top trio at the position. With the Saints working on a contract extension with Olave and still having two years of a rookie contract left with Vele, adding another rookie deal would allow them to spend at the position while still maximizing talent.

Tyson is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound physical wide receiver that can high-point passes and win in contested situations just as well as he can create separation and find open areas of the field against zone coverage. He has 711 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches in his nine contests in 2025. He missed some time with a hamstring injury.

Tyson is the top wide receiver of this class and with the Saints holding a top-three selection, they serve as a perfect fit for the offensive weapon.

Alternative selections: Ohio State LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State S Caleb Downs and Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. 

Round 2, Pick 35 – Tennessee EDGE Joshua Josephs

Aside from wide receiver, one of the Saints’ biggest needs is another young pass rusher to develop and feature opposite Chase Young. While Cam Jordan has already piled on 6.5 sacks in 2025, New Orleans needs to be ready for what’s to come after him and the mid-season inconsistencies of Carl Granderson as he makes for a hard to be relied upon option. Enter Josephs.

In this scenario, Ohio State’s Arvell Reese was already off the board, making Tyson the easy choice early. Now, in the second round, Josephs is one of the top options at the position. His long arms make him a threat when rushing the passer and, just as importantly, he’s incredibly effective as a run defender. 

At 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, the edge defender is a perfect option for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s stand-up pass rusher deployment. His ability to help improve the Saints’ struggling run defense is without doubt a benefit as well. 

Round 3, Pick 66 – Oregon S Dillon Theineman

New Orleans could use another ballhawking presence in its secondary. After losing safety Julian Blackmon after the first week of the season, the defense’s takeaway potential plummeted. Rookie cornerback Quincy Riley carries that reputation while second-year corner Kool-Aid McKinstry is developing in the area while leading the team with three interceptions this year.

But finding another option in this year’s draft to develop and eventually take the role next to rookie Jonas Sanker in future years is important. The 6-foot, 200-pound Oregon safety has eight interceptions in his career. He’s rangy, understands reading play flow and can crash down in the box and tackle as well. He’s not the most productive pass rusher at the position, but the Saints can supplement that elsewhere when wanting to send from the secondary.

Round 4, Pick 128 – Penn State RB Kaytron Allen

The Saints’ offensive rushing attack has been more disappointing than the team’s rushing defense, which has at least shown some improvements. The offense ranks No. 29 in rushing yards across the league and hasn’t shown much potential this season. Investing in some mid-round options to supplement free agency additions would be a solid way to address this.

Allen, all 5-foot-11 and 219 pounds of him, has been one of the better backs in college football this year. Shining even though he’s a part of a big tandem at Penn State alongside Nicholas Singleton. Allen has gained 1,303 rushing yards this season, averaging 6.2 per carry. He also leads the Big Ten in rushing touchdowns with 15. He’s added some limited pass-catching production out of the backfield, but it would be a clear place of development for the rusher entering the league.

Allen recently became the all-time leading rusher in Penn State’s history. He currently has 4,180 career rushing yards.

Round 4, Pick 138 – Texas OL DJ Campbell

Along with bolstering the Saints’ running back room, building offensive line talent and depth will be equally important. New Orleans should wisely focus their free agent spending here and then supplement those additions with depth and developmental talent in the draft. 

Campbell, at 6-foot-3 and 321 pounds, is a big-bodied guard that can help to clear some paths in the middle of the run game. He also moves well for his size and plays with a physicality and tenacity New Orleans would benefit from adding to its front.

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