Saints projected to pick the country's premier athlete in a 2026 mock draft

Charlie Baduini

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Saints predicted to select 'nation's top player' in 2026 mock draft image

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TL;DR

  • The New Orleans Saints lack promising young talent and need to focus on the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • ESPN mock draft projects the Saints selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the sixth overall pick.
  • Reese's versatility and pass-rushing ability could significantly boost the Saints' defense.
  • The Saints' pass rush needs an impact player as Cam Jordan ages.

The New Orleans Saints are not in the most enviable position as currently constructed.

While they possess experienced players, a scarcity of promising young talent makes their lineup somewhat uninspiring. The upcoming 2026 NFL Draft will be crucial for the team's long-term prospects.

Although one might contend the Saints require a quarterback, Tyler Shough has demonstrated his capability to perform after two professional starts, suggesting New Orleans might benefit more from choosing the top available talent when their turn comes in April.

Ohio State's Arvell Reese is projected to join the Saints in 2026.

In Matt Miller's latest ESPN mock draft, he has the Saints selecting Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese with the sixth overall pick.

"If the Saints move forward with Tyler Shough at quarterback, they'll be left with two obvious needs: edge rusher and wide receiver. Drafting the best player available from those positions is the move for GM Mickey Loomis, and Reese is arguably the nation's top player this season," wrote Miller.

"He aligns at both linebacker and edge rusher for Ohio State, with 6.5 sacks, 17 pressures and 58 tackles this season. His ability to impact the game with an explosive first step would bring a spark to the Saints' front four that has been missing since Trey Hendrickson left in free agency after the 2020 season."

While officially listed as a linebacker, Reese projects to be an edge in the NFL, similar to how Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter were coming out of Penn State.

The Saints' pass rush lacks significant impact, and Cam Jordan is aging with each passing season.

Reese's swift resolution of that issue has cemented his reputation as a top prospect for the 2026 draft.

New Orleans would be hard-pressed to pass on a player of his caliber.

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Contributing Writer