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

Optimism is slowly growing in New Orleans after the team exceeded expectations last season. They have the pieces to continue building a playoff-caliber roster to win the NFC South. Selecting the best player available could be viable 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 (4/15)

Selection (No. 8): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

The New Orleans Saints already have two veteran safeties in place with Justin Reid and Julian Blackmon, along with Jonas Sanker, who impressed as a rookie.

However, Caleb Downs is a different caliber of talent, as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the B/R Scouting Department.

"The Saints believe Tyler Shough can be their future at quarterback, while landing the best player in the draft to quarterback the defense can provide another major building block," B/R scout Daniel Harms said. "Downs can play everywhere in the defensive backfield, giving coordinator Brandon Staley a high football IQ safety to pair with Reid and Sanker, and presenting the skill set to kick over the slot to cover, blitz and create havoc. The continued improvement of the roster gives head coach Kellen Moore and his staff the best opportunity to truly evaluate their setup. It never hurts to add a top talent, like Downs."

---

Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

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

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 (4/15)

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 selecting a top playmaker is certainly possible, the focus is leaning more toward improving defensively. Franchise legends Demario Davis and Cameron Jordan left the team. They don't have many above-average starters across the unit. Downs would be the perfect fit to start building a capable group.