ESPN Has Saints Loading Up On Defense In Latest 3-Round Mock Draft

The Saints front office would be thrilled if the draft went like this in late April

Apr 25, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Former New Orleans Saints tackle Ryan Ramczyk announces the team’s selection with the 40th overall pick during the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason/USA Today Network via Imagn Images | Tork Mason-Imagn Images

The long-standing debate in the NFL Draft about whether to select the best player available or draft for need will certainly be a factor for the New Orleans Saints when they are on the clock with pick No. 8 in late April.

On one side, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel endorses the best player available approach, stating at the NFL's annual league meetings that his team won't draft based on need with pick No. 31. Yet, this is the same franchise that recently reached the Super Bowl. Does this influence the strategy when compared to a team like the Saints, currently in a rebuild and holding a top-10 pick?

The answer will be officially announced on April 23, but in ESPN's latest three-round mock draft, the Saints seize the opportunity to select the best player available — a highly talented linebacker who is available at a spot where he wasn't expected to be.

Round 1, Pick No. 8: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles (LB25) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"Is linebacker a pressing need for the Saints?" ESPN's Field Yates wrote. "No, not after they brought back Kaden Elliss. But I wouldn't let the exceptional Styles -- who is No. 5 on my board -- slide any further."

The New York Giants have long been connected to Styles at pick No. 5 after releasing veteran linebacker Bobby Okereke before free agency. For the Saints, other players on the board, like wide receiver Carnell Tate and pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr., also fit their needs, but passing up the former Ohio State linebacker at this spot is almost impossible.

Styles delivered a historic performance at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, while also posting a 43.5-inch vertical jump and an 11'2" broad jump. The athleticism is there, and when you turn on the tape, Styles is everywhere. It's a no-brainer for the Saints.

Round 2, Pick No. 42: CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

Colton Hood runs during Tennessee Football Pro Day 2026, at University of Tennessee on March 31, 2026. | Angelina Alcantar/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"Hood's length and coverage IQ would solve the hole at cornerback caused by Alontae Taylor's departure in free agency," ESPN's Matt Miller wrote of the selection.

One thing Miller didn't mention is his speed. Hood was timed at as low as 4.35 seconds in his 40-yard dash at Tennessee's pro day, sources say. Several teams see the former Tennessee Volunteer as a first-round talent. It would be an incredible replacement in the absence of Taylor.

Sources: Tennessee CB Colton Hood was timed as low as 4.35 seconds at pro day today.

Ranked No. 34 on PFF’s big board and is a first-round target on several teams’ boards.

🎥 @RyanTSylvia pic.twitter.com/YYztiT8lXQ

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) March 31, 2026

Round 3, Pick No. 73: WR Chris Bell, Louisville

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville wideout Chris Bell (WO03) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images | Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

"Bell is coming off a torn ACL, but he could be a reliable target opposite Chris Olave once fully healthy," ESPN's Mel Kiper wrote of the pick. "He is great in 50-50 situations, and with his physicality at 6-foot-2 and 222 pounds, he can win over the middle."

Selecting Bell at this spot would be another great value pick for the Saints if they can make it happen on draft day. There has been lots of buzz that the former Louisville wide receiver could go as early as the start of the second round, so grabbing him nine picks into the third round would be excellent.

Not only is Bell talented, but he also shares a strong bond with Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, his former college teammate, who has reportedly been advising general manager Mickey Loomis and the Saints front office to pick Bell.