Saints predicted to replace Cameron Jordan instead of picking a top WR in latest mock draft

The New Orleans Saints are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with a few big needs, one of which is the team's number two wide receiver opposite Chris Olave.

Tyler Shough looks to be the answer at quarterback, and while Devaughn Vele is a solid option, the Saints could use a better No. 2 to Olave. But that's not all the Saints need.

As Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com predicts in his latest mock draft, the Saints need a replacement for Cameron Jordan, who looks poised to leave the team in free agency. If such an outcome happens, then this pick from Jeremiah would make a lot of sense.

Saints predicted to replace Cameron Jordan with Texas Tech DE

"With few young, established pass rushers on the roster, New Orleans could use some fresh legs off the edge," Jeremiah writes. "Bailey gives the Saints a true fastball to throw at opposing offenses."

Jeremiah predicts that the Saints will take Jordan's replacement in Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. While the Saints could've taken Makai Lemon out of USC or Jordyn Tyson out of Arizona State, their edge rusher need is a sneaky big one.

If Jordan doesn't end up re-signing with the Saints this offseason, edge early in the 2026 NFL Draft is a very real possibility.

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Bailey, who has a case to be the best edge rusher in the draft class, making it to eighth overall is a very real possibility with the hype surrounding a few other players like Sonny Styles, Jeremiyah Love, and Ruben Bain Jr.

If the Saints want a long-term answer at edge rusher, then Bailey, coming off an impressive NFL Combine with a 4.50 40-yard time, would be a great option.

The Senior edge rusher had 14.5 sacks for Texas Tech in 2025, and he looks poised for the top-10 in the NFL Draft. The Saints are a possible landing spot for Bailey at 8th overall in a scenario where New Orleans passes on a WR to land Jordan's replacement.

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