Mock drafts are a fun exercise. We have to remember that is what they are: an exercise just to see scenarios and project what “could” happen in different instances. Accuracy isn’t the point – until right before round one begins. For the New Orleans Saints, they made a surprising decision in a recent 2026 NFL mock draft.
Saints don’t take QB with first pick in 2026 mock draft
In a recent mock draft scenario coming just a handful of months early, New Orleans is slated to have the top overall selection (based on Super Bowl odds via ESPN). New Orleans decided to sidestep the quarterback position, even after what would be a clearly tumultuous first campaign for head coach Kellen Moore.
Saints don’t take QB with first pick in 2026 mock draft
In a recent mock draft scenario coming just a handful of months early, New Orleans is slated to have the top overall selection (based on Super Bowl odds via ESPN). New Orleans decided to sidestep the quarterback position, even after what would be a clearly tumultuous first campaign for head coach Kellen Moore.
New Orleans Saints: T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson
If the Saints finish with the top pick there will certainly be a good argument for them to go QB. However, I don’t think their roster is ready to add another even if Tyler Shough proves he isn’t the guy. So instead, they go with T.J. Parker out of Clemson, who is coming off a fantastic sophomore year and many expect to take another step forward in 2025. The Saints need to add more consistent pass rush, and their defensive line will be hurting even more in the near future when Cam Jordan elects to hang up his cleat
This choice by the Saints would certainly be a bit of a head scratcher. If New Orleans has this first overall selection, the QB play between Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler (or both) simply was not up to par in Kellen Moore’s first campaign. While choosing a QB would potentially end the Shough experiment just one year in, that’s probably the route that would make the most sense.
Moore’s offense needs a certain style of quarterback. With struggles like this in year one, it would be tough to project that Shough will make the changes sizable enough to improve his game to a degree that helps the unit enough in the future.
With that, I do not think an edge rusher with the first pick is the best move. While the pass rush did struggle last season, the Saints just inked Chase Young to a new contract, and Carl Granderson remains in the fold through 2027. Their need off the edge will still be notable entering next offseason, particularly if this is the last year for Cameron Jordan, but quarterback will simply be too big of a hole to fill for an offensive head coach.
With a QB class expected to be better than the one from the 2025 NFL Draft, it is tough to see Moore punting on one Garrett Nussmeier, Cade Klubnik, Arch Manning, or another option at the tippy-top of round one.
That being said, we will see quarterbacks to the Saints all season in mock drafts. This was a nice change-up to see early on, and Parker is a potential top five pick in next year’s class, undoubtedly.
