By Ross Jackson
The recent pursuits for the New Orleans Saints offensive and defensive coordinator roles have brought along a lot of hints into potential changes the team may undergo in the coming years from a scheme perspective.
All of the Saints’ defensive coordinator interviews seem to indicate at least an interest in shifting to a 3-4 or a heavier usage of odd-man fronts in the coming years. Meanwhile, the hire of Kellen Moore as the head coach suggests a focus on a more diverse rushing attack.
While the Saints don’t have to rush to build up their trenches, with plenty of free-agent options available on both sides of the line, that doesn’t mean they won’t stick to their approach and continue bolstering their offensive and defensive line units. With that in mind, here is our latest four-round mock draft aimed at building the trenches and still adding impactful talent at skill positions in the process.
Round 1, Pick 9 – EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
If the Saints truly look to shift to a 3-4 defensive front in the next few seasons, they may as well get a head start in what is an extremely talented edge rusher draft class. Pearce Jr. is really one of several speedy and athletic pass rushers that could be taken inside the top ten without an NFL team batting an eye. Marshall’s Mike Green and Georgia’s Jalon Walker could all be options here, as well.
At 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, Pearce is a unique blend of height and athleticism at the position. With 17 sacks over the last two seasons and three fumbles forced, the Charlotte-native would be an outstanding addition to the Saints’ shifting pass rush plan.
Round 2. Pick 40 – OL Tyler Booker, Alabama
Moore probably loves size on the offensive line after the success he had with a lot of big dudes in the Philadelphia Eagles protection game. At 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, Booker would be a perfect fit. Whether asked to block for a downhill gap game or an outside zone run, the big man can move and is therefore an impactful asset.
His stock ranges from mid-first round to mid-second, placing him right in the potential landing zone for New Orleans.
Round 3, Pick 71 – WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss
If the Saints want a big body to add to their wide receiver room, Harris is a great fit. The Rebels wideout topped 1,000 receiving yards in 2024, despite missing a few games with injury. His 1,030 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches put him on the map as a top pass-catching option for his prototype, one the Saints should be looking to add this offseason.
This selection would also bring the Lafayette, Louisiana native closer to home, making him a great draft day story as well.
Round 3, Pick 93 – DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
Teams in the NFL can’t build a successful 3-4 defense without a monster in the middle. The perfect prospect lands in the Saints third-round range in most of his projections. The Kentucky defensive tackle topped the scales and measuring tape in Mobile measuring in at a whopping 6-foot-7 and 342 pounds. He would be an excellent addition for New Orleans, who could be looking to make a big change in defensive scheme.
Round 4, Pick 110 – RB D.J. Giddens, Kansas State
Along with building the front, the Saints should be very interested in this year’s running back draft class, which is stock full with talent. The 6-foot-1 and 212 pound versatile back totaled 1,343 rushing yards last season in the Wildcats’ offense. He did so with great efficiency in both the zone and gap run schemes, while adding 4.16 yards per contact. He would be a very intriguing option alongside star running back Alvin Kamara.
Round 4, Pick 129 – TE Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
Unfortunately, Evans went down with an injury in 2024 that limited his season numbers. But the tight end is an all-around prospect that could be a valuable development option for New Orleans, with a chance to have some quick impact. He can block, he runs routes well, and has safe hands with just three drops and a 72.7% contested catch rate in 2024. The Saints have shown a propensity for Notre Dame prospects and the 6-foot-5, 260-pound Evans could be the next.
