The New Orleans Saints could go a few different routes when they get on the clock at No. 8 overall, but could they end up breaking a 58-year draft streak in the process?
The Saints have never drafted an LSU Tiger in the first round, the closest being former Tigers RB Dalton Hilliard at No. 31 overall, the fourth pick of the second round in 1986. The Saints have been much more prone to bringing in former LSU players and Louisiana natives in recent years, and they could be tempted to nab LSU's Mansoor Delane to load up at cornerback. Saints brass, including Saints GM Mickey Loomis, got a good look at Delane at LSU's pro day, with CBs coach Grady Brown leading him through field drills.
'So what might that look like? Jeff Nowak and Steve Geller break it all down in the latest episode of the Inside Black & Gold podcast and Mock Draft 2.0. Hear the full episode below and scroll downpage for both Steve and Jeff's pick for the first and second rounds.
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As always we used Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator to set up the board prior to the Saints picks. If you disagree with any of the picks below, take it up with them.
STEVE'S MOCK DRAFT 2.0
Here's how the board shaped up:
1. Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2. Jets: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
3. Cardinals: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State
4. Titans: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
5. Giants: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
6. Browns: Rueben Bain, Edge, Miami
7. Commanders: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
8. Saints: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Why: Much like the first time we did these mocks, the board offered me a deal I simply couldn't pass up. It'd be a surprise to see Bailey fall this far, but if he did it'd seem like a perfect fit for the Saints, who desperately need to get younger and more athletic on the edges. Bailey is a bit smaller than the Saints have looked at in the past for an edge rusher (6-4, 251 pounds), but that's no longer an issue in Brandon Staley's scheme. He posted elite explosion scores at the combine and those skills pop on the tape. He was also highly productive with 14.5 sacks and 19 TFLs in 2025. His presence would create a formidable trio with Chase Young and Carl Granderson, and the depth would allow the Saints to bring him along slowly. This would be a home run.
42. Saints: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Why: It's never a bad move to keep the QB happy, and that's what bringing in Chris Bell would mean. He was Tyler Shough's teammate at Louisville and put up 737 yards and 4 TDs on 43 catches in 2024. Those numbers climbed to 72 catches, 917 yards and 6 TDs in his final college season before it was cut short with an ACL tear. I'd love to bet on those two players renewing that connection in New Orleans.
1.0 picks: No. 8, David Bailey, Edge, TTU; No. 42, Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis chats with LSU CB Mansoor Delane at LSU Pro Day (video by @TheJeffTakeWVUE ) pic.twitter.com/1LEqLglyN9
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) March 23, 2026
JEFF'S MOCK 2.0
Here's how the board shaped up:
1. Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
2. Jets: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State
3. Cardinals: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
4. Titans: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
5. Giants: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
6. Browns: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
7. Commanders: Sonny Styles, LB, Alabama
8. Saints: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Why: In a lot of ways the draft board is the biggest reason. If any of the players picks 2-7 had fallen, I'd potentially be in on it. In this case the player who fell is Reuben Bain, who I've personally knocked down the board due to measurables. I'm not looking for an exception in the top 10, I'm looking for the rule. That means that Delane ends up being the best player available, in my opinion, despite outside cornerback not being an apparent need. It'd be a pick that likely forces the Saints to shift one of Quincy Riley or Kool-Aid McKinstry into the slot/star role, but that's a problem I'm willing to have. Delane is as fluid a mover as you'll find, has ideal size for the position and ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at his pro day. He's excelled in both man and zone coverage schemes and can be a playmaker in Staley's scheme. Just think of the type of impact Marshon Lattimore had on this Saints defense back in 2017. I see similar upside with Mansoor.
42. Saints: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
Why: Steve already broke this down above and I agree. Bell is 6-2, 222 pounds with above average athleticism and would seem to fill a clear need for the Saints. He's sure to be talked up by his former quarterback in the process, too. A lot will likely come down to how teams feel about his medicals, though he said at the combine that he's confident he'll be back from his torn ACL in time for his rookie training camp. If the Saints make this pick it's likely because they feel their getting a discount. Bell was projected as a likely first-round pick prior to his injury. With Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele and some other upside players, the Saints are also in a situation where they won't need to force Bell into a major role right away and can let him build up at his own pace. I see him as fitting similarly to a Deebo Samuel at the NFL level.
1.0 picks: No. 8: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State; No. 42: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville; No. 73: Mike Washington Jr., RB, Arkansas
Get the full breakdown on Inside Black & Gold
