Despite a bleak outlook heading into the season, the New Orleans Saints defied expectations and finished their first season under head coach Kellen Moore strongly, winning four of their last five games to close the year.
Now, the work begins to continue building up the roster and supplying quarterback Tyler Shough with the tools to succeed as he heads into year two of his NFL career.
Armed with the No. 8 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, New Orleans has the opportunity to add a high-impact player and inject a blue-chip talent to either side of the ball.
Mock draft has Saints picking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love
In the latest mock draft from CBS Sports analyst Mike Renner, the Saints were predicted to select Notre Dame running back and Heisman Trophy finalist Jeremiyah Love.
"Kellen Moore loves himself a running game but could never quite find one in his first year in New Orleans while cycling through numerous backs. That cycle would end with Love, as he's the kind of home run threat who can be the focal point of an offense," wrote Renner.
Despite having veteran running back Alvin Kamara on the roster and under contract until the end of the 2026 season, New Orleans should be on the lookout for his long-term replacement.
At age 30, Kamara won't be incredibly productive forever, and drafting Love would be the perfect baton-pass, and not to mention an incredible one-two punch in the running game next season.
For the Saints, Love would certainly be one of the best players available on the board at No. 8, and it would be a homerun to land a player of Love's caliber.
More Saints news:
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- Saints HC Kellen Moore responds to concerns about QB Tyler Shough's age
- Is Tyler Shough making a case to be Saints' long-term answer at quarterback?
- Saints predicted to select 'clear No. 1 player' in latest 2026 mock draft
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