Saints Shift Focus to Defense as Dante Moore Stays in School, David Bailey Emerges as Top Draft Target
With Oregon quarterback Dante Moore opting to return to school, the 2026 NFL Draft board just got flipped on its head. Moore’s decision takes one of the few top-tier quarterbacks off the table in what’s already considered a thin class under center. And while that might not directly affect teams at the very top of the draft, it sends ripple effects down the board - especially for a team like the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints, who were eyeing the possibility of landing either Moore or Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza as a potential franchise quarterback, now have to pivot. With Moore out of the mix, Mendoza becomes even more of a hot commodity, and teams hungry for a signal-caller could scramble to move up. That pushes the Saints into a different lane - one that may lead them to a blue-chip defender instead of a quarterback.
In the latest mock draft from NBC Sports’ Eric Froton, the Saints are projected to select David Bailey, the explosive edge rusher out of Texas Tech. And make no mistake - Bailey isn’t a consolation prize. He’s the kind of player who can reshape a defense from Day 1.
Meet David Bailey: Disruptor, Playmaker, Problem
Bailey was nothing short of dominant in 2025. At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, he racked up accolades as a Unanimous All-American and the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and the tape backs it up. His 93.6 overall grade from Pro Football Focus is elite territory, and his pass-rush grade - a staggering 93.9 - shows just how relentless he was off the edge.
He wasn’t just getting close to quarterbacks - he was living in their backfields. Bailey totaled 81 pressures, including 14.5 sacks, 23 quarterback hits, and 43 hurries.
Add in a pair of batted passes at the line, and you’ve got one of the most complete edge defenders in the country. He’s not just a pass-rushing specialist either - Bailey held his own against the run and showed the versatility to fit into any defensive scheme.
For a Saints defensive line that already features two players with double-digit sack seasons, Bailey could be the missing piece that turns a solid unit into a nightmare for opposing offenses.
Scouting Report: Bailey’s Toolbox Is Loaded
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report broke down Bailey’s game, and the traits jump off the page. He’s a quick-twitch athlete with smooth change-of-direction ability - exactly what you want in a modern edge rusher.
His get-off is explosive, allowing him to win with speed around the corner, and he’s not just relying on athleticism. Bailey brings a polished skill set with his hands, using a variety of pass-rush moves - from the hand swipe and rip to the ghost rush, inside spin, and long-arm.
He’s also got the bend to flatten around the edge and finish plays, and his agility makes him dangerous on stunts and line games, where he can move laterally while still gaining vertical ground. That kind of movement skill is rare for a player his size and makes him a fit in multiple fronts.
Draft Landscape: Offense Goes Early, Defense Gets Value
According to Froton’s mock, two wide receivers are expected to go in the top five: Carnell Tate to the Jets and Jordyn Tyson to the Browns. That offensive focus early in the draft could push some high-end defensive talent down the board - a win for teams like the Saints.
The one edge rusher projected to go ahead of Bailey is Reuben Bain Jr., who comes off the board just one pick before New Orleans is on the clock. But landing Bailey right after Bain isn’t a bad fallback - it’s a potential steal. He may not be the first edge off the board, but he’s absolutely in that top tier.
What This Means for the Saints
With the quarterback options narrowing and the offensive playmakers flying off the board early, the Saints are in prime position to bolster their defense with a high-impact player. Bailey has the production, the traits, and the upside to be a cornerstone on the edge. Pairing him with their current pass rushers could give New Orleans one of the most dangerous front sevens in the league.
The quarterback plan may have shifted, but the Saints can still come out of this draft with a game-changer - just on the other side of the ball.