Feb. 2, 2026, 11:56 a.m. CT

The Senior Bowl and college all-star circuit have drawn to a close, which has helped shape a lot of perceptions about the strengths of the 2026 NFL Draft class. And that’s reflected in the latest mock drafts. We’ve compared some recent picks for the New Orleans Saints from different outlets to get an idea of where the team could get improve this spring. And with two-round models now available from ESPN’s Matt Miller and Roster Watch’s Cody Carpenter, there’s more to consider about the Saints than just their first-round pick.

Carpenter has the Saints drafting Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 8, but Tyson fell to the Baltimore Ravens at No. 14 in Miller’s projection. Instead, Miller went with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (who Carpenter pushed all the way down to No. 20). Here’s why Miller sees a fit for Love in New Orleans:

Speaking of drafting non-premium positions early, the Saints could have a similar conversation if Love is there at this pick. He is my No. 1 overall player and a dynamic running back with the talent to be a Bijan Robinson-level threat in the run and passing game. And the Saints have a need at running back with Alvin Kamara entering his age-31 season and no back on the roster emerging as a successor. Love’s ability to break off long runs — he had three touchdown runs of more than 90 yards in college — speaks to his vision and acceleration at 6-foot and 214 pounds. He had 42 total touchdowns in three seasons and shows NFL-ready ability as a three-down, impact running back who would immediately take pressure off quarterback Tyler Shough.

Love has emerged as an early favorite among Saints fans online, and for good reason. He’s widely seen as the most explosive playmaker in this draft class. New Orleans needs a future at running back. It’s an easy match. Tyson has his supporters, too, but his injury history is alarming. With more receivers than rushers expected to be available later in the draft, choosing Love instead of Tyson might be the best move. If they’re both available.

Carpenter took a more balanced approach in the second round, picking Alabama defensive end L.T. Overton for the Saints at No. 42, but Miller doubled down on offense and went with Clemson wide receiver Antonio Williams. Williams wasn’t drafted in the first two rounds of Carpenter’s mock but Miller did have Overton going off the board a few slots later at No. 45. Miller’s explanation for the pick was brief, writing: “Tyler Shough could be the real deal at quarterback, so it’s time to build around him. Williams could be the No. 2 receiver the Saints need opposite Chris Olave.”

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Williams had a quiet senior year at Clemson, catching 55 passes for 611 yards and four touchdowns, but his work in 2024 was more impressive. He caught 75 passes for 908 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior while going 11-of-19 on contested throws, forcing 14 missed tackles and picking up 42 first downs. His listed height and weight won’t blow you away (5-foot-11 and 190 pounds) but he plays bigger than his size when healthy.

And what about Overton? The 6-foot-5, 278-pound defensive lineman looks like a good fit in Brandon Staley’s defense. He can rush the quarterback from several different alignments and is strong enough to hold up against the run. Cameron Jordan should be back in 2026 but he’s very much taking things one year at a time now, so investing in a successor would make sense. These mock draft projections are interesting, but we’ll get a better idea of the Saints’ team needs and priorities after free agency kicks off in just one month.