We're hours away from the New Orleans Saints kicking off Monday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons, but the mock draft industrial complex marches on. The latest round of 2027 NFL Draft projections has the Saints going all-in on defense; with Tyler Shough elevating a beaten-up offense, it makes sense to look for more talent on the other side of the ball. Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley is running a well-coached show but it's obvious the Saints need more speed and playmaking ability on the back end. Many of the mock drafts going around from different media outlets take just that approach.
Here's who the Saints are picking in the most recent models, and when you can see those college football players next:
NFL Draft on SI: Leonard Moore, CB, Notre Dame (10)
Notre Dame cornerback Leonard
Moore is the second-best prospect in this draft behind Jeremiah Smith. Admittedly, he'll almost certainly go earlier than this, but we have this scenario being dominated by quarterbacks, wide receivers, pass rushers, and left tackles. The New Orleans Saints would be getting a bonafide stud on defense.
When to watch him: vs. Stanford on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2:30 p.m. CT (NBC)
NFL Spin Zone: Ellis Robinson IV, CB, Georgia (18)
The New Orleans Saints are giving young Quincy Riley a shot at more snaps this season after the departure of Alontae Taylor in free agency this offseason (Titans), but they might need another option on the outside to build around with Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Ellis Robinson is one of the best zone corners in this class, and part of the reason for that is how instinctive he is. He uses that to his advantage when the ball is in the air, but he also uses it to his advantage in run support. He’s physical and loves to come up and make big hits.
When to watch him: at Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. CT (ABC)
CBS Sports: Will Heldt, EDGE, Clemson (15)
Like Clemson teammate Ashton Hampton, Heldt is one of the few reasons for optimism. He has 17 pressures and five sacks and would fill a need in New Orleans.
When to watch him: vs. Charleston Southern on Saturday, Oct. 17 (Time and TV channel TBD)
Pro Football Network: KJ Bolden, S, Georgia (19)
The New Orleans Saints’ secondary has been a weak spot this year, but KJ Bolden can shore up the team’s safety group with his snappy coverage athleticism, route intelligence, role versatility, and ball-hawking ability on the back end.
When to watch him: at Alabama on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. CT (ABC)
FanSided: Dylan Stewart, EDGE, South Carolina (9)
There's a lot to like on the offensive side of the ball for the New Orleans Saints thanks to the likes of Tyler Shough and Chris Olave, but they've allowed 27.7 points per game thus far entering Week 4, good for a share of sixth-worst in the NFL. Taking a player like Dylan Stewart with their first-round pick could help steer their defense in the right direction.
Now, this would be a risky selection as Stewart was suspended for throwing a punch against Alabama. With that being said, Stewart is a supremely talented player (FanSided's mock draft from April had him going No. 7 overall), and we've seen players with some character concerns but elite on-field skill (think Jalen Carter) blossom in the NFL. Stewart is undoubtedly a top-10 talent, and can be a game-changer for New Orleans.
When to watch him: at Florida on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 11:45 a.m. CT (SEC Network)
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Mock Draft Monday: Who are the Saints picking in 2027 mock drafts?
