Saints Projected to Grab Top Safety in Mock Draft

0:00It's April 8th. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI tracking teams, players and standings. The New Orleans Saints are rebuilding after Ricky quarterback Tyler Show sparked some late wins last season, giving fans real hope. Now, in a recent CBS Sports Mod draft for the 2026 NFL draft, they're projected to grab Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs with the number. 8 overall pick. That move would beef up their defense big time. Their secondary took a hit when cornerback Elantai Taylor left for the Tennessee Titans in free agency. New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley loves versatile players like Downs, who can play strong safety, nickel or even linebacker. Staley coached Durwin James back in Los Angeles, so Downs feels like a lighter version of that star. Fans and analysts see this as smart best player available strategy. The Saints aren't contenders yet and have holes everywhere, so grabbing top talent now beats chasing specific spots that might not matter later.

1:00Scouts like the Athletics Dame Bruegler, rave about Downs as a human missile with elite tackling, great body control and sharp coverage skills. Even with average size, his speed and instincts make him a difference maker, though safety sometimes slide in drafts. Landing Downs anchors the back end for years, setting the Saints up to chase a Super Bowl run down the line without rushing the process.