{
  "id": 15638027,
  "title": "Mock Draft Monday: Saints still pick defense after fall out of top-10",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/mock-draft-monday-saints-still-pick-defense-after-fall-out-of-top-10",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-19T18:23:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mock-draft-monday-saints-still-182319055.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mock Draft Monday has arrived, and the New Orleans Saints find themselves at the bottom of the draft order. Using a simulated seven-round draft, analysts predict the Saints' selections. First, the team must address their most pressing need: signing a veteran edge rusher, either Tuli Tuipulotu or Uchenna Nwosu. However, coaching stability remains uncertain, with Brandon Staley and Kellen Moore potentially leaving the organization.\n\nIn Round 1, the Saints choose cornerback Ashton Hampton from Clemson. Hampton's NFL size and speed make him a high-performing defender, with four interceptions and 23 passes defensed in 33 games. Notre Dame's Darian Mensah, Florida's Jadan Baugh, and Oregon's Jamari Johnson round out the top choices.\n\nRound 2 brings the Saints a defensive lineman in Tavion Gadson from Kentucky. Gadson's knee injury sidelined him most of the 2024 season, but he returned as one of Kentucky's top players in 2025 and 2026. His 2026 season saw him with 13 quarterback pressures and a strong performance.\n\nRound 3 sees the Saints selecting offensive lineman Melvin Siani from Texas. Siani's versatility as a swing tackle could provide a much-needed upgrade over Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller, both of whom are free agents in 2027. Taliese Fuaga, who has shown promise, may develop into a replacement for Siani if the trend of regression continues.\n\nIsaac Brown from Louisville is drafted in Round 4. Standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 190 pounds, Brown is an undersized but fleet-footed rusher. With at least 70 yards in each of his three college seasons, he offers a big-play element that the Saints' offense has been lacking.\n\nRound 5 brings the Saints a safety in Amare Ferrell from Indiana. Ferrell's three-year starter status and 10 career interceptions make him an attractive option for a defense that has only recorded one interception in five games. Despite some missed tackles, his ballhawking skills could prove valuable.\n\nIn Round 6, the Saints secure edge rusher Wendell Gregory from Kansas State. Gregory's high-upside traits include 12 tackles for loss and four sacks at Oklahoma State in 2025. His production behind the line of scrimmage makes him a potential successor to Cameron Jordan.",
  "summary": "It's Mock Draft Monday. The New Orleans Saints added talent on defense in our latest seven-round projection, even after falling out of the top-10.",
  "key_points": [
    "New Orleans Saints pick Ashton Hampton in Round 1",
    "Draft choice Tavion Gadson in Round 2",
    "Offensive lineman Melvin Siani selected in Round 3"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}