Full Episode: Saints 7-Round Mock Draft: Build around Shough or load up on defense?

In this full episode of the New Orleans.Football podcast, hosts dive into their first 2026 mock draft as the Saints, using a simulated draft machine to explore strategic decisions across all seven rounds. The central debate centers on whether to prioritize quarterback Jeremiah Love or defensive talent Caleb Downs with the #8 overall pick, with both hosts acknowledging the high stakes and positional needs. After extensive discussion, they settle on Downs, citing his elite upside, fit with the Saints' defensive identity, and alignment with their pressing need at edge rusher. The second round sees a strong push for Chris Bell, a former teammate of Tyler Shough, valued for his chemistry and contested catch ability despite injury concerns. The draft continues with a focus on depth, selecting edge rusher Dennis Sutton in the third round, a corner in the fourth, an interior offensive lineman in the fifth, and a return specialist in the sixth. The hosts emphasize the Saints' thin roster and lack of depth, particularly on defense, and express concern that without significant draft additions, playoff contention remains uncertain. They conclude with a B+ grade for their mock class, praising the balance of need, value, and long-term potential. Key takeaways include: 1) Prioritize need over star power, especially at edge rusher and defense; 2) Chris Bell offers high upside and quarterback synergy despite injury risk; 3) Drafting for depth is critical—especially on defense and special teams; 4) The Saints’ current roster lacks rotational talent, making the draft essential for playoff viability; 5) Phil Galliano, the new special teams coordinator, deserves a draft pick as a gesture of goodwill after losing his entire unit; 6) Avoid overvaluing running backs in early rounds unless they’re generational talents; 7) Consider positional value and fit over raw talent when drafting in the middle rounds; 8) The Saints must build a sustainable pipeline of talent to avoid future roster crises.