The 2026 NFL Draft landscape shifted in a big way this week when Oregon quarterback Dante Moore announced he’s staying in school for another season. That decision sent ripple effects through the top of the draft board, especially for quarterback-hungry teams like the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, who were eyeing Moore as a potential franchise cornerstone. With Moore off the board, the already-thin quarterback class looks even leaner, and teams are being forced to recalibrate their draft strategies.
For the New Orleans Saints, who hold the eighth overall pick, Moore’s return to Oregon may have quietly complicated things. With only one quarterback now expected to go in the top 10, the Saints' options at that spot become more about value at other positions than chasing a QB who might not be worthy of that pick.
So, what’s the current shape of the top 10? We looked at a dozen mock drafts released after Moore’s announcement, and while the quarterback pool may have dried up, there’s still plenty of top-tier talent expected to come off the board early.
Nine players showed up in at least nine of the 12 mocks, with five of them being unanimous top-10 selections. Here’s how they stack up, with average draft position noted:
- QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (1.0) - The clear-cut QB1 in this class, Mendoza is now the only signal-caller expected to go early. He won’t be available at No. 8, so the Saints can likely cross him off.
- EDGE Arvell Reese, Ohio State (2.3) - A disruptive force off the edge, Reese is a top-tier pass rusher with the kind of motor and athleticism teams covet.
- WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State (5.1) - Tate’s route-running polish and explosive playmaking make him a top target for teams needing a WR1.
- **EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.
(5.6)** - Another edge rusher with a high ceiling, Bain brings power and speed off the edge in a class that’s deep at the position.
- RT Francis Mauigoa, Miami (6.0) - A plug-and-play right tackle, Mauigoa has the size and footwork to anchor an offensive line from Day 1.
Rounding out the rest of the likely top-10 prospects:
- WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State (6.3)
- RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (7.2)
- S Caleb Downs, Ohio State (7.3)
- EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech (7.8)
For the Saints, this group still presents plenty of intriguing options-especially at positions of need. With three wide receivers in the mix, a dynamic running back in Love, and a potential starter at right tackle in Mauigoa, New Orleans is in a solid spot to add an impact player.
Love, in particular, has been a popular projection for the Saints. A third of the mock drafts surveyed have the Notre Dame back landing in New Orleans, which would keep him in gold and give the Saints a versatile weapon out of the backfield. He’s a dual-threat back with the kind of burst and vision that can change games, and he’d immediately upgrade the Saints’ offensive firepower.
Mauigoa is another name to watch. If the Saints go the offensive line route, he could slide in at right tackle and allow Taliese Fuaga to kick inside to left guard-solidifying two spots with one move. But there’s also a case to be made for adding more juice at the skill positions, especially with the wide receiver room needing a shot of explosiveness.
Beyond the top nine, a few other names are gaining traction in mocks. Utah right tackle Spencer Fano showed up in seven of the 12 drafts, with an average slot of 4.7-putting him right in the conversation for early consideration.
Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods appeared six times (7.0 average), and Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk made five appearances (7.4 average). While not consensus top-10 picks, these players are clearly on the radar.
So where does that leave the Saints? Still in a good position.
Even with Moore staying in school, there’s depth at premium positions and enough flexibility to go best player available or draft for need. Whether it’s Love, one of the wideouts, or a trench anchor like Mauigoa, the Saints are poised to land a difference-maker at No.
- The only certainty?
Mendoza won’t be there-and that might not be a bad thing.