While scrolling through the never-ending timelines of social media feeds, anyone can get overwhelmed and overstimulated by the amount of NFL mock drafts engulfing sports followers this time of year. However, I recently came across a different kind of hypothetical figuration when reading an article by Jarrett Bailey, Behind the Steel Curtain site manager. Bailey is an active NFL writer for SBNation in addition to running the Pittsburgh Steelers community page.
In Bailey’s recent piece, instead of trying to predict the team’s future draft selections to come later this month, he took a more pessimistic approach and tried to figure out just what could go wrong when the names begin to get called. With as much hype as there has been around the New Orleans Saints’ full offseason and even more so leading up to when Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore are on the clock at eighth overall, it got me thinking about what if the tables were to turn. What would factor into a worst-case scenario 2026 NFL draft for the black and gold? Check out this three-round “anti-mock draft” to answer that very question.
Round 1, Pick 8: Nobody/Trading Back
The Saints are expected to make a selection at number eight in the draft order this year. The selection would mark back-to-back picks made in the top-ten, but just their second within the first eight choices since the 2008 draft when they took defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis out of USC at seventh overall. New Orleans will run into a good problem in Round 1- they will have options with their pick.
The Saints could use help on both sides of the ball at a multitude of positions. When some or most players like Jeremiyah Love, Jordyn Tyson, Mansoor Delane, Caleb Downs, Reuben Bain Jr., Sonny Styles, Makai Lemon, Kenyon Sadiq, etc. will be available when they’re on the clock, the Saints’ decision could become too much to make in the moment. If they get an offer that cannot be refused, New Orleans may run the risk of not choosing an organization-changing type player and trade back instead. Although this is an unlikely situation to play out, the thought of the Saints not having a top-end talented rookie on the roster this season is haunting.
Round 2, Pick 42: CB D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
New Orleans lost its CB1 to the Tennessee Titans this offseason when he departed in free agency. Arguably the top FA cornerback in the league, Taylor inked a three-year, $60 million deal with his new team. Although there are bodies in the current CB room that could step up and fill that void left in the absence, the Saints could still use another defensive back to round out that position. Even with DB being a team need, it’s not as crucial as other spots on the field and should not be rushed into.
Taylor played a big-bodied, physical style for the corner position at 6’0”, 200 lbs. He was an agressive and attacking ballhawk, carving out a spot for himself in the Big Easy. Ponds, one of the potential CB targets for the Saints, does not exactly fit that mold. The National Champion corner stands at just 5’9”, 170 lbs. His recent success and prowess within the Hoosiers’ title run should not be downplayed, but the fact that Ponds played fewer than 40 collegiate games needs to be considered when looking at his body of work. The undersized redshirt senior is undoubtedly talented, but not sure this would be the right move for New Orleans.
Round 3, Pick 73: OT Dametrious Crownover, Texas A&M
Similar to CB, the Saints do have a positional need along the offensive line, but tackle is certainly not the issue at this point in time. New Orleans addressed a major need at the left tackle spot in last season’s draft by selecting Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. Banks held up well in his rookie campaign and should be a cornerstone of the Saints’ offense for years to come. On the other side, Taliese Fuaga was New Orleans’ first selection in the 2024 draft. The Oregon State product currently serves as the starting right tackle for the team. With the T positions set, the attention turns to the interior of the offensive line which is certainly not as strong.
Even with the need at guard, Mickey Loomis may find himself hard-pressed to turn down the opportunity to select a 6’7”, 335 lb. prospect in Dametrious Crownover. The tackle has experience playing in a tough Southeastern Conference, strength, and size, but his physical attribues alone may not allow him to consistently protect against the speedy edge rushers that dominate the NFL today. If New Orleans were to make a move on any lineman that is not a primary guard, it would almost feel like a wasted pick and one less opportunity to build around the current roster as the journey of returning to the playoffs progresses.
What do you think of these potential moves/draft picks for New Orleans? What would your “worst-case scenario” draft include? Let us know in the comments below!