Jan. 31, 2026, 7:55 a.m. CT

Every offseason, right around this time, there is a significant amount of mock drafts going around as every analyst attempts to put together their version of what may happen. With the 2026 NFL Draft only a few months away and the pre-draft process kicking off to some degree, things are heating up when it comes to trying to decide which teams should look into which prospects.

The New Orleans Saints have some gaps to fill this spring if they wish to build a competitive roster around Tyler Shough, with one of the most notable being at the skills positions. Wide receiver was a less-than-excellent spot for the Saints in 2025, and running back may end up being a need with Alvin Kamara’s injury history.

One of the most recent mocks to come out was from Curt Popejoy of The Draft Wire, which had New Orleans going in a completely different direction, instead, taking a player for the trenches. Here’s why he’s high on Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods:

With Cameron Jordan and Jonathan Bullard both set to hit free agency, we landed on a swing interior defensive tackle in the first round.  Woods still needs to improve his play strength to be a consistent every-down run stuffer but we love his explosion, lateral agility and hand usage. We could easily see the Saints going with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles in this same scenario but it feels like those needs can be filled later in the draft.

This would be a tough pill to swallow with Jeremiyah Love and Makai Lemon still on the board, both of whom would add an exceptional amount of firepower to the offense. While defensive tackle is certainly a need, Woods is not the type of prospect to fill it long-term, especially with the lack of production he has showcased.

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While this is notably a weaker class than others, at pick No. 8, teams are looking for a player who can help revitalize a unit entirely and have talent to spare. Lemon and Love would both be that for New Orleans, while also filling the positional need quota. Woods has a lot of the physical elements needed and has upside, but just has not shown it yet, and the Saints need proven commodities to try and compete sooner rather than later.

On a positive note, in the second round, Elijah Sarratt was the pick, who, despite not being in the same tier as Lemon, would add some size and decent production to the room. In round three, the running back spot is addressed with Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson, who certainly showcased a very strong 2025 season, but may not be the most versatile as a player.

Taking an elite playmaker early and then focusing on trenches either on Day 2 of the draft or in free agency seems to be the common concept, and if Love or Lemon are on the board, it should be the blueprint.