As the New Orleans Saints prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, we take a look at the top 10 ranked players at various positions. The 2026 NFL Draft big board rankings are reflective of Bucky Brooks' top five prospects by position, ESPN's NFL Draft "Best Available" list, plus other consensus draft boards. To keep track of the latest NFL mock drafts for the Saints, check out Mock Draft Monday. Part of the Saints Path to the Draft presented by Cox.
David Bailey earned 1st-Team Associated Press All-American honors and was named Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in 2025 after recording 52 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks at Texas Tech, tying for the FBS lead in sacks and ranking second nationally in tackles for loss. He transferred from Stanford, where he led the team in tackles for loss and sacks in both 2023 and 2024, including an eight-TFL, seven-sack season in 2024 while ranking fourth in the FBS with five forced fumbles. Bailey earned Freshman All-American honors at Stanford in 2022 after starting nine games. He finished his collegiate career with 163 tackles, 42 tackles for loss, 29 sacks and 10 forced fumbles.
David Bailey's Combine Results
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 251 | Arms: 33 3/4 | Hands: 10 1/4
40-yard Dash: 4.5 | 10-yard Split: 1.62 | Vertical Jump: 35
Broad Jump: 10-9 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
David Bailey is the #3 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (EDGE1) and is Bucky Brooks’ 2nd-ranked EDGE on his By Position 1.0. Bailey (4.50) ran the fastest 40-yard dash among defensive linemen at the 2026 Combine and was the 14th DL at the Combine since 2003 to run a 4.50 or faster. Bailey measured and tested very similarly to 2024 defensive rookie of the year Jared Verse.
Lance Zierlein on David Bailey:
"Bailey is extremely hard for linemen to stay in front of. He moves like a slashing two guard, blending explosiveness and fluidity to slip, bend and flow around blocks from multiple angles. His leverage and lower-body flexion create game-over scenarios once he reaches pocket depth with even a minor lead. He can be stalled when a blocker latches his hands in deep, but Bailey’s elusiveness and suddenness make clean clamps a relative rarity. He’s instinctive with natural mid-rush counters, but he must continue developing hand usage and crafting rush plans for when protection shifts his way. Teams can run at Bailey due to his lack of anchor and take-on presence, but his work-around quickness will also lead to tackles for loss. His draft grade is slightly tempered by a lack of desired size/length, but the explosiveness and athletic talent is truly elite. His sack production should carry over to the NFL as an odd-front rush linebacker with Pro Bowl upside."
Rueben Bain Jr. earned 2nd-Team Associated Press All-American honors and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and 1st-Team All-ACC in 2025 after recording 54 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in 16 starts for national runner-up Miami while winning the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation’s top defensive end. He previously earned Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition in 2024 after starting nine games and recording 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Bain was named Freshman All-American, ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year and 3rd-Team All-ACC in 2023 after totaling 44 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He finished his collegiate career with 121 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.
Rueben Bain Jr.'s Combine Results
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 263 | Arms: 30 7/8 | Hands: 9 1/8
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Rueben Bain Jr. is the #6 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (EDGE3) and is Bucky Brooks’ top-ranked EDGE on his By Position 1.0. Bain measured in with 30 7/8” arms at the 2026 Combine. The only DL with arms shorter than 31” at the Combine since 2003 to be taken in the 1st round are DT Calijah Kancey in 2023 and David Pollack (moved to LB) in 2005. Bain measured similarly to 2012 1st round pick and 3-time Pro Bowler Melvin Ingram III.
Lance Zierlein on Rueben Bain Jr.:
"Note taker, grudge holder and block destructor with a compact frame and defensive tackle play strength. Bain is ill-tempered with his take-ons, hitting blockers with heavy hand strikes. He plays through tight ends and can anchor against tackles and double teams. However, his lack of length can lead to him being smothered if he doesn’t land the first strike. He can bend and flip his hips at the top of the rush, swipe away punches and generate a strong bull rush. His playoff run showed an ability to generate quick wins if tackles are passive in setting to him. He can rush off the edge or mismatch guards as a sub-package rusher. Bain’s explosive power and toughness should translate, giving him a high floor as an NFL starter."
Keldric Faulk earned 3rd-Team All-SEC honors in 2025 after recording 29 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and four pass breakups in 12 starts while serving as a team captain at Auburn. He previously recorded a career-high 11.0 tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with 7.0 sacks in 12 starts in 2024 after earning SEC All-Freshman Team recognition in 2023. Faulk played in all 37 games during his career and started 32 consecutive games to finish his time at Auburn. He finished his collegiate career with 109 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks.
Keldric Faulk's Combine Results
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 276 | Arms: 34 3/8 | Hands: 9 7/8
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: 35
Broad Jump: 9-9 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Keldric Faulk is the #28 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (EDGE6) and is Bucky Brooks’ 4th-ranked EDGE on his By Position 1.0. Faulk and former top-5 pick Ezekiel Ansah had similar combine numbers.
Lance Zierlein on Keldric Faulk:
"Faulk has a long, developing frame, good movement skills and the potential for odd or even fronts once he gains more muscle mass. He’s a culture player with high character who earns a grade bump based on his age (turns 21 in September), traits and advanced foundation. A fluid athlete with good movement skills, he works around blocks with finesse but needs more assertive initial strikes to set firmer edges in gap control. His toughness and mentality suggest he’ll play through blocks more consistently in an NFL environment. Faulk’s rush is diverse. However, with average upfield burst, he might require a move inside on passing downs, where his long levers, quickness and agility can overmatch guards. Faulk needs polish but offers a high ceiling that should reveal itself within a couple of years."
Peter Woods earned 2nd-Team Associated Press All-American and 1st-Team All-ACC honors in 2025 after recording 30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 12 starts at Clemson. He previously earned Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition in 2024 after totaling 28 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in 11 games with 10 starts while playing both defensive end and defensive tackle. Woods was named a Freshman All-American in 2023 after appearing in 12 games with two starts. He finished his collegiate career with 84 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and five sacks.
Peter Woods' Combine Results
Height: 6-2 1/2 | Weight: 298 | Arms: 31 1/4 | Hands: 9 1/8
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Woods is the #38 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (iDL4) and is Bucky Brooks’ top-ranked DT on his By Position 1.0. Woods did not participate in athletic testing at the 2026 Combine but measured similarly to 5-time Pro Bowl DT Jurrell Casey.
Lance Zierlein on Peter Woods:
"Woods is a young interior defender with room to add play strength as he fills out his frame. He’s not a pure one- or two-gap fit, but he’s capable in both schemes. He plays with good lower-body explosiveness into initial contact, keeping his hands and feet synced to work around blocks when needed. He’s more of an active brawler than double-team eating tree stump. Shorter arms allow blockers to crowd his frame and force him to fight harder at the point. Yet, his ability to overtake and win as the rep progresses is impressive. He lacks quick-win talent as a solo rusher, but he’s fully functional as part of a pocket-collapsing collective. His 2024 tape might be a better representation of his upside, but Woods clearly has the potential to become a solid starter in an even front."
Akheem Mesidor earned 1st-Team All-ACC honors in 2025 after recording 63 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in 15 starts for national runner-up Miami, finishing tied for third in the FBS in sacks and tied for sixth with four forced fumbles. He previously earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in 2022 and 2024, including a 10.5 tackle-for-loss and seven-sack season in 2022 after transferring from West Virginia. Mesidor was named 2nd-Team All-Big 12 and Freshman All-American in 2020 after leading West Virginia with five sacks. He finished his collegiate career with 208 tackles, 52.5 tackles for loss, 35.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.
Akheem Mesidor's Combine Results
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 259 | Arms: 32 1/8 | Hands: 10
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Akheem Mesidor is the #20 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (EDGE4) and is Bucky Brooks’ 3rd-ranked EDGE on his By Position 1.0. Mesidor did not participate in athletic testing at the 2026 Combine but measured similarly and had nearly identical 2025 pass rush production to Chargers first-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu.
Lance Zierlein on Akheem Mesidor:
"Mesidor is an instinctive, high-effort edge rusher with a fluid rush style and a deep toolbox. He bursts upfield and can shrink the corner while punishing oversetting tackles with inside counters. He strings moves together with effortless mid-rush adjustments, utilizing harmonious hands and feet to carve efficient tracks into the pocket. He’s a problem for guards when reduced inside, too. His urgency shows up in run defense, where he uses play strength and short-area quickness to disrupt blocking schemes and stay around the football. He won’t be as long as most edge-setters and his anchor at the point is just average. The talent and motor are obvious, but his age and injury history could push some teams to discount his grade below what the tape shows."
Caleb Banks played in three games with three starts for Florida in 2025 after missing most of the season with a foot injury that required surgery. He previously started 10 games in 2024 and recorded 21 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks while tying for the team lead with two forced fumbles. Banks started 11 games in 2023 after transferring from Louisville, where he appeared in six games in 2022 following a redshirt season in 2021. He finished his collegiate career with 48 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Caleb Banks' Combine Results
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 327 | Arms: 35 | Hands: 10 7/8
40-yard Dash: 5.04 | 10-yard Split: 1.76 | Vertical Jump: 32
Broad Jump: 9-6 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Caleb Banks is the #36 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (iDL3) and is Bucky Brooks’ 2nd-ranked DT on his By Position 1.0. Banks (10 7/8”) had the largest hands among all defensive linemen and linebackers (Groups 1-3) at the 2026 Combine and measured and ran similarly to former 2-time Pro Bowler Linval Joseph.
Lance Zierlein on Caleb Banks:
"Big-framed, long-limbed interior defender whose play needs more polish to consistently match his traits. Banks has a quick first step. He can stun/control single blocks when his hand strikes are timely and accurate, but he needs faster disengagement to increase his tackle count. His high center of gravity allows double teams to generate displacement, so a move to odd-front end could be in his best interest as a run defender. Like a grappler without submission knowledge, Banks is still learning to unlock his physical advantages so he can turn them into sacks."
Cashius Howell earned 1st-Team Associated Press All-American honors and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and 1st-Team All-SEC in 2025 after recording 31 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in 13 starts at Texas A&M, finishing tied for seventh in the FBS in sacks. He previously played one season at Texas A&M in 2024, recording 40 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks in 13 games after transferring from Bowling Green. Howell earned 3rd-Team All-MAC honors in 2023 after leading Bowling Green with 9.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. He finished his collegiate career with 127 tackles, 35.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks.
Cashius Howell's Combine Results
Height: 6-2 1/2 | Weight: 253 | Arms: 30 1/4 | Hands: 9 1/4
40-yard Dash: 4.59 | 10-yard Split: 1.58 | Vertical Jump: 32.5
Broad Jump: 9-7 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Cashius Howell is the #21 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (EDGE5) and is Bucky Brooks’ 5th-ranked EDGE on his By Position 1.0. Howell measured in with 30 1/4” arms at the 2026 Combine, tied for 2nd-shortest among all DL at the Combine since 2003, but otherwise measured similarly to Pro Bowl edge rusher Harold Landry III.
Lance Zierlein on Cashius Howell:
"Bendy edge rusher with standout sack totals. Burst and elusiveness are on Howell’s rush menu and he pairs it with a refreshing inside spin counter. Though threatening, his rush could use more cohesive sequencing and better hand work to fully unlock its potential. As a run defender he’s frequently knocked around at the point and struggles to consistently execute tasks asked of an NFL edge-setter. Howell might not be a three-down player right away, but his ability to create pressure sets him up for a role as a designated rusher, at minimum."
T.J. Parker earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in 2025 after recording 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in 12 starts at Clemson. He previously earned 2nd-Team All-ACC recognition in 2024 after totaling 57 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks while tying for second in the FBS with a school-record six forced fumbles. Parker was named a Freshman All-American in 2023 after setting a Clemson freshman record with 12.5 tackles for loss along with 5.5 sacks. He finished his collegiate career with 126 tackles, 41.5 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks and six forced fumbles.
T.J. Parker's Combine Results:
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 263 | Arms: 33 1/8 | Hands: 9 1/2
40-yard Dash: 4.68 | 10-yard Split: 1.61 | Vertical Jump: 34
Broad Jump: 10-0 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Parker is the #32 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (EDGE7) and measured similarly to former Texans/Illinois pass-rusher Whitney Mercilus.
Lance Zierlein on T.J. Parker:
"Powerful edge defender with NFL length whose 2025 tape might be closer to his pro projection than his gaudy 2024 numbers. Parker’s hand work is above average in both phases. He strikes early to set very firm edges, then sheds quickly to finish tackles. Average short-area burst limits his ability to pursue the run in space and threaten tackles in a race to the top of the rush. He can long-arm tackles into the pocket when he catches them right, but he fails to find quick solutions when that approach stalls. His rush production will be muted until he expands his approach but improvement is likely. Parker profiles as an average to above-average starter."
Kayden McDonald earned 1st-Team Associated Press All-American honors and was named Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and 1st-Team All-Big Ten in 2025 after recording 65 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss and three sacks in 14 starts at Ohio State. He previously played in all 16 games as a reserve on Ohio State’s national championship team in 2024, recording 19 tackles, and appeared in four games as a reserve in 2023. McDonald finished his collegiate career with 85 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Kayden McDonald's Combine Results
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 326 | Arms: 32 1/4 | Hands: 9 3/4
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
McDonald is the #35 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (iDL2) and is Bucky Brooks’ 4th-ranked DT on his By Position 1.0. McDonald did not participate in athletic testing at the 2026 Combine but measured similarly to Pro Bowl DT Daron Payne.
Lance Zierlein on Kayden McDonald:
"A talented run defender, McDonald plays with natural leverage and rattles pads with his initial contact. He’s quick to locate ball-carriers, play off of blocks and rally to the action. His technique is a bit underdeveloped and he’s not a natural drain-clogger against double teams, but he still managed an unusually high tackle rate as an interior defender. Quicker hand strikes should allow for more efficient reps and earlier wins at the point. He offers limited rush value, so his money will be made by giving grief to centers and guards as an even-front nose tackle with starting potential."
Zion Young earned 1st-Team All-SEC honors in 2025 after recording 42 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 13 starts at Missouri while leading the team in tackles for loss and forced fumbles. He previously started all 13 games in 2024 and recorded 42 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks after transferring from Michigan State. Young played two seasons at Michigan State, appearing in 20 games with 11 starts from 2022–23. He finished his collegiate career with 131 tackles, 28.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.
Zion Young's Combine Results
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 262 | Arms: 33 | Hands: 9 1/2
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Zion Young is the #47 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (EDGE9). Young did not participate in athletic testing at the 2026 Combine but measured similarly to 5-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Danielle Hunter.
Lance Zierlein on Zion Young:
"Long, well-built edge rusher with the size, strength and temperament engineered for trench battles at the next level. Young is a fiery alpha who brings immense energy to the field and locker room. He majors in block destruction using base power and aggression to play through opponents. He extends and locks out as an edge-setter and sheds when needed, but his pursuit speed and range are average. He has the power to bull rush or drive through edges, but lacks instincts and variety in his rush approach. His NFL pressure production will lag behind without better go-to moves and counters. Young’s physical tools and rugged demeanor give him a chance to be an instant run-stopping upgrade with average rush."
