{"id":860527,"date":"2026-04-08T08:24:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T08:24:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/860527\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T08:24:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T08:24:37","slug":"new-orleans-double-dips-at-polarizing-position-and-creates-important-depth-on-day-two-and-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/860527\/","title":{"rendered":"New Orleans double dips at polarizing position and creates important depth on day two and beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New Orleans Saints hold plenty of 2026 NFL draft capital and need to do it effectively. This latest 7-round mock draft is one avenue they could go down to build a stronger core for Kellen Moore.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) against the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Kellen Moore\u2019s New Orleans Saints have plenty of work to do in this year\u2019s draft, and it all starts at pick no. 8. Do they address the offense with a skill position player? Does the secondary or pass rush get a boost? <\/p>\n

Rob Gregson, who covers the draft here at A to Z Sports, ran through a mock draft scenario, and we discussed some of the most important picks in this breakdown. <\/p>\n

8. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

\u201cI know that the Saints brought home the Louisiana native Travis Etienne during free agency, but few times in a draft is a player too good to pass on. Jeremiyah Love is that player this year. The board fell in a way that makes this selection not only possible, but plausible.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Some in and around the league view Love not only as one of the few blue chip talents, but as the best back in the class. Giving Tyler Shough another weapon and forming a dynamic 1-2 punch out of the backfield with Etienne and Love shouldn\u2019t be off the table if this scenario arises.\u201d \u2014 Gregson<\/p>\n

42. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana<\/p>\n

Cooper rarely drops this far anymore, but it isn\u2019t nearly impossible. The draft is unpredictable, and some teams may prefer other wideouts in the later stages of round one, into round two, over the Hoosiers pass catcher. <\/p>\n

For New Orleans, it is incredible value on a player who can start day one for Kellen Moore\u2019s offense and provide consistent route running, run blocking ability, and strong hands from a multitude of spots along the group at WR. Fantastic value and addresses a huge need.<\/p>\n

73. AJ Haulcy, S, LSU<\/p>\n

Haulcy is simply a playmaker. He is a veteran defensive back with tons of college experience across multiple power conferences, and he showed his expertise in a huge way as a leader for the LSU defense in 2025. Adding him to a safety room with veteran Justin Reid and young Jonas Sanker, coming off a great rookie campaign, makes a ton of sense for the Saints. <\/p>\n

132. Tacario Davis, CB, Washington<\/p>\n

\u201cTacario Davis is an alien. You just don\u2019t see humans, much less corners, who are 6-4, close to 200 pounds with 34 inch arms and elite vertical speed. I believe he\u2019s more than a mid round dart throw, I believe he\u2019s could be the next Tariq Woolen.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And unlike Woolen, Davis played at two power 4 programs via Arizona and Washington during his collegiate career. The perimeter of the NFL will always be about size and speed combinations, but also about matchups. Davis can mirror just about any body type you throw at him on the perimeter and he would be a tremendous replacement for Alontae Taylor.\u201d \u2014 Gregson<\/p>\n

Tacario Davis | CB | UW<\/p>\n

Athletic, massive CB that is best in bail technique or immediately getting hands on WRs. Using physicality to disrupt routes & length to shut down passing lanes. + ball tracking\/disruption.<\/p>\n

Quality tackler in the open field using length to corral players pic.twitter.com\/4Pk4sMnzdF<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Matt Lane (@Matty_KCSN) March 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

136. Fa\u2019alili Fa\u2019amoe, OT, Wake Forest<\/p>\n

150. Tim Keenan III, DT, Alabama<\/p>\n

172. Pat Coogan, IOL, Indiana<\/p>\n

190. Marlin Klein, TE, Michigan<\/p>\n

What do you think of this mock for Kellen Moore\u2019s squad? Did they make smart choices? <\/p>\n

Run your own Saints mock draft with A to Z\u2019s new mock draft simulator<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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New Orleans Saints News<\/p>\n

He\u2019s a big-time talent, but there is risk involved.<\/p>\n