The NFL calendar never truly sleeps, and for teams like the New Orleans Saints, the 2025 season is already in the rearview mirror as the focus intensifies on building for the future. While free agency will be the first major domino to fall, the foundation of any sustained contender is laid in the draft. In his second 2026 NFL mock draft released Monday, NFL Network's lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah provided an early, intriguing glimpse at how the Saints might approach next year's selection meeting, projecting a clear focus on reinforcing the team's core in the trenches.
According to Jeremiah's projections via NFL.com, the Saints are slated to make a notable first-round selection, a scenario that would immediately inject high-end talent into a key area of need. With their own pick, projected in the mid to late first round, Jeremiah has New Orleans selecting Kai Graves, an offensive tackle from Texas.
This move speaks volumes about the potential long-term vision for the roster. The selection of Kai Graves addresses what could be a looming question mark on the offensive line. The Saints have invested heavily in protecting their quarterback in recent years, but the tackle position, in particular, requires constant vigilance and succession planning. Graves, out of a powerhouse Texas program known for producing NFL-ready linemen, is projected as a player with the athleticism and technique to potentially anchor the blindside for the next decade. His addition would not only provide immediate depth and competition but also secure a vital piece for the offensive ecosystem, ensuring the quarterback--whoever that may be in 2026--has the time to operate.
In addition to the offensive tackle prospect, Jeremiah speculated that the Saints might also look to strengthen their defensive interior in the draft, with the possibility of selecting a defensive tackle like Malik Carter of Georgia in later rounds or with future picks. While not confirmed as a first-round selection, Carter is described as a powerful, disruptive force capable of commanding double teams and creating havoc in the backfield. Pairing a talent like Carter with the existing pieces on the edge could rejuvenate the Saints' pass rush and fortify a run defense that will need to hold up in a division featuring potent ground games.
Jeremiah's mock draft is, of course, a speculative exercise based on current team needs, college talent evaluations, and the projected draft order as it stands today. A lot will change between now and April 2026. The outcomes of the 2025 season will dramatically alter the draft board, free agency will reshape roster holes, and the college football season will see prospects rise and fall. However, the value of such an early projection lies in its identification of foundational priorities.
For the Saints, those priorities appear to be building from the inside out. The game is won and lost at the line of scrimmage, and General Manager Mickey Loomis has historically understood that better than most. Investing high draft capital on the offensive line is a classic Saints maneuver--it's not the flashiest strategy, but it's one that pays dividends in December and January. It signals a commitment to controlling the tempo of games, establishing the run, and making life uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks.
While the Saints currently hold one first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, possessing even a single high selection provides valuable flexibility. The team could stand pat and add a blue-chip prospect as Jeremiah projects. Alternatively, the front office retains the ammunition to trade up for a player they covet, perhaps a dynamic playmaker on offense or a game-changing edge rusher, should one emerge as a can't-miss talent. Conversely, they could trade back to accumulate more picks and address a broader range of needs. This optionality remains a crucial asset for a front office that has never been shy about maneuvering on draft day.
As Saints fans look ahead, Jeremiah's mock offers a compelling narrative for the 2026 offseason. It suggests a return to core principles: dominance at the line of scrimmage, smart asset management, and drafting for long-term stability. The names Kai Graves and Malik Carter serve as placeholders for now, symbols of the type of players the organization may target. The real draft process will be a marathon of evaluation, interviews, and tough decisions.
But one thing is clear: the work for 2026 has already begun. The Saints' brain trust is undoubtedly deep in their assessments, building their board, and formulating a plan. While the 2025 season will write the final chapter on their draft position, the early indications point to a draft strategy focused on power, control, and securing the foundation for the next era of Saints football. It's a vision that, if executed well, will keep New Orleans competitive in the tough NFC South for years to come.