Saints HC Kellen Moore shows faith in QB Tyler Shough and replaces franchise legend in latest 2-round 2026 NFL mock draft
The New Orleans Saints remain in the top five picks for the 2026 NFL Draft as they enter their own bye week. Sitting at 2-8, there is some enthusiasm around the team after their strong performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 10. Tyler Shough showed glimpses of why Kellen Moore was intrigued by him, and the defense stepped up on nearly every occasion.
In a recent mock draft here at A to Z Sports, the Saints were bold in round one, foregoing attacking the quarterback position with a premier selection. Then, they bounced back in round two to supply Shough with some pass catching help for the future.
Saints pass on QB in first round of 2026 NFL mock draft to pick Cam Jordan replacement
In the first round, the Saints grabbed a defensive prospect that has consistently sat in the top five selections throughout the college football season when it comes to mock drafts.
- New Orleans Saints: Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
“New Orleans’ pass rush remains the biggest downfall of the defense. They desperately need to get Chase Young some assistance off the edge, and Bain checks that box. His start to the season was phenomenal, and his versatility could be the perfect addition up front for the Saints.” – A to Z Sports
Cameron Jordan could be playing in his final campaign this season. If that's the case, the need for a pass rusher opposite of Chase Young is even more vital for the Saints to acquire next offseason. Bain can immediately step in and play a notable role as a rookie. Love his versatility coming out of Miami.
"You can have your concerns about the size profile. Rushers who offer power and leverage move the needle for me because they can compress the pocket and reduce angles to the quarterback. Bain offers that in bunches, and I think in some ways the compact build plays to his advantage as a result. I love the intensity he plays with as well. He may not be a one-size-fits-all rusher for every scheme, but he’s the kind of cat I’d go out of my way to make some accommodations for to free him up to be his best self." – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports
Saints add dynamic receiver in round two to help Tyler Shough
New Orleans Saints: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma – DeLeone
With their second-round pick, New Orleans takes a swing to help out their young QB. Burks dealt with an injury last season, but he has stayed available more consistently this season for the Sooners. He's got a smaller frame but possesses incredible speed and explosiveness.
"Burks enters the conversation as a classic slot receiver whose calling card is creating separation through route-running precision and initial burst rather than winning contested catches. His ability to threaten defenses vertically while maintaining the quickness to operate underneath makes him an ideal fit for offenses that prioritize getting playmakers the ball in space." -- NFL Draft Buzz
I'd be interested in seeing Burks in a Kellen Moore unit, but the Saints do need more size at the position. Devaughn Vele will be an option next season, but his role has not been quite what some fans hoped for ahead of the campaign. Burks has unique potential and could fulfill a similar role as to what Rashid Shaheed did for them in recent seasons before getting dealt at this deadline.
NFL Legend Jon Batiste Unexpectedly Defends Geno Smith Amid Intense Backlash: “What’s Happening to Geno Smith Is an Injustice to Football” – His Statement Immediately Sends Raiders Nation Into an Uproar
Las Vegas, Nevada – November 13, 2025 – Amid swirling controversy surrounding Geno Smith’s potential return to the field, a powerful and unexpected voice has risen to defend the embattled quarterback. Renowned musician Jon Batiste, a figure not typically associated with the Las Vegas Raiders, has become an unlikely champion for Smith at a time when the veteran signal-caller's future with the Raiders hangs in the balance.
Smith, who has been sidelined with an injury, has faced mounting criticism regarding his readiness for the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs. As the debate intensifies, a significant portion of Raiders fans and analysts are skeptical about his return. Questions surrounding his full recovery have been raised, with many wondering if he is truly fit to lead the Raiders back into contention. The team’s backup quarterback, QB2, has also impressed during Smith’s absence, earning the trust of both the coaching staff and fans. With this in mind, some fear that Smith’s return is being driven more by the weight of expectation than actual physical preparedness.
Enter Jon Batiste, the larger-than-life musician who has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, even on issues outside of his usual domain. In a rare statement regarding Smith, Batiste expressed his support with a powerful message that instantly resonated across the sports world.
“What’s happening to Geno Smith is an injustice to football,” Batiste declared, his voice filled with passion and conviction. “People forget that this man has battled back from the brink of obscurity, proven himself time and time again, and now faces unjust scrutiny. You don’t judge a warrior just because he’s faced setbacks.”
Batiste’s words quickly reverberated through social media, sparking a wave of support for Smith from Raiders fans and analysts alike. The statement was shared thousands of times, with many fans thanking Batiste for his bold defense of their quarterback. It was a reminder of Smith’s resilience, his journey from backup to Pro Bowler, and his unwavering commitment to the Raiders’ Super Bowl aspirations.
The timing of Batiste’s remarks could not have been more crucial. With uncertainty hanging over Smith’s return, his injury, and the team’s playoff hopes, Batiste’s impassioned defense has altered the narrative. The conversation has shifted from skepticism to loyalty, with Raiders Nation rallying behind Smith, not just as a player, but as a symbol of perseverance and leadership.
As Batiste aptly put it, “This is not the time for blame — this is the time for loyalty.” His words have not only helped shift the perspective on Smith’s injury but have also galvanized a fan base that was once divided.
The upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs has now become much more than a simple football match. It is a test of Smith’s physical readiness, yes, but also a deeper test of faith. The Raiders will face their division rivals with more than just playoff implications on the line. They will be fighting for the belief in their leader, and as Batiste’s stirring words suggest, this battle is about far more than X’s and O’s—it’s about loyalty, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of a quarterback who has proven time and time again that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
With Batiste’s unexpected support echoing through the halls of Raiders Nation, one thing is certain: this team stands united behind Geno Smith. The rest, as they say, will be history.
