New Saints Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

Optimism is slowly growing in New Orleans after exceeding low expectations last season. They have the infrastructure to continue building a playoff-caliber roster in a winnable division. Selecting the best player available could be a viable option for them.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Saints to do with the No. 8 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (3/31)

Selection (No. 8): Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

The New Orleans Saints have to be excited because they ended the 2025 campaign as a team trending upward and still have a top-eight selection to add a top-tier prospect.

In this case, Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. was easily one of the nation's most dominant performers this past season. He should be in the conversation as early as the second overall pick. However, concerns over sub-31-inch arms will follow him until he proves he can be the same type of player at the professional level.

The Saints can take full advantage of Bain's slight drop.

"Edge may not be a major need in New Orleans," B/R scout Matt Holder said, "but the team could use some help at the position, particularly with Cameron Jordan still unsigned. Furthermore, this pairing is a case where the Saints walk away with the best player available. Bain adds potential to reduce inside on passing situations, creating opportunities for him, Chase Young and Carl Granderson to be on the field at the same time."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (3/17)

Selection (No. 8): WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 8): Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 8): Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 8): WR Makai Lemon, USC

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 8): Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (3/4)

Selection (No. 8): WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 8): RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

Summary

While adding another playmaker is certainly possible, the focus is leaning more toward finding the long-term replacement for franchise legend Cameron Jordan, who may not be returning to New Orleans. Bain's success in college is impossible to ignore. His production and sheer power make him worthy of a top-10 pick.