The New Orleans Saints have set their sights on Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton with the 12th overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft after slipping out of the top 10. Hampton, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, led the nation with 11 forced incompletions this season, according to Pro Football Focus, and has compiled four interceptions and 23 passes defensed over 33 career games.
The choice came as the best available defender in a first round where the other top prospects included Miami quarterback Darian Mensah, Florida running back Jadan Baugh, and Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson. The Saints had targeted cornerback Mansoor Delane in 2026 but missed out, making Hampton an appealing alternative. Kool-Aid McKinstry, the team’s current corner, will be in a contract year next season, increasing the need for fresh talent in the secondary.
After free agency, the Saints are expected to focus on signing a veteran edge rusher, with names like Tuli Tuipulotu and Uchenna Nwosu linked to the team. Both players have connections to New Orleans defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, who drafted Tuipulotu with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023 and coached Nwosu in 2021. However, Staley's future with the Saints remains uncertain, as does the status of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
In the second round, with the 42nd pick, the Saints selected Kentucky defensive lineman Tavion Gadson. Gadson missed most of 2024 due to a knee injury but returned to form in 2025 and 2026, recording four tackles for loss, three sacks, and 13 quarterback pressures in six games this season. With Nathan Shepherd, Davon Godchaux, and Colby Wooden all entering free agency, and Bryan Bresee coming off a knee injury in a contract year, the Saints are looking to reinforce their defensive front.
The third round saw the Saints pick Texas offensive lineman Melvin Siani at 73. Siani brings versatility, having started at left tackle for Temple, right tackle for Wake Forest, and most recently right tackle for Texas. The Saints see him as a potential upgrade over Asim Richards and possibly a backup or replacement for Taliese Fuaga, who has struggled under Moore’s coaching staff. Siani’s experience could prove useful whether Fuaga rebounds or not.
Louisville running back Isaac Brown was the Saints’ fourth-round choice at pick 109. Brown’s style resembles De’Von Achane: undersized at 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds but explosive, averaging 7.5 yards per carry with at least one 70-yard rush in each of his three college seasons. With Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller both set to become free agents in 2027, Brown could add the big-play element the Saints offense has lacked.
In the fifth round, the Saints selected Indiana safety Amare Ferrell at pick 143. Ferrell has 10 career interceptions and has been a three-year starter. Though he has some issues with missed tackles, he has only been penalized twice in 2,000 career defensive snaps. Ferrell also has experience on special teams, having logged over 330 reps in the kicking game. The Saints’ secondary has struggled with interceptions this season, managing just one in their first five games until the New York Giants allowed three on Sunday.
For their sixth-round pick, number 182, the Saints chose Kansas State edge rusher Wendell Gregory, a prospect with high upside if he declares for the draft. Gregory was named Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year at Oklahoma State in 2025, recording 12 tackles for loss and four sacks. After transferring to Kansas State despite lucrative offers elsewhere, he has continued to perform well over six games. The Saints acquired this pick from the Los Angeles Chargers in last season’s Trevor Penning trade, as they traded away their original sixth- and seventh-round picks to add wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Devaughn Vele.
The mock draft reflects the Saints’ ongoing efforts to rebuild their defense and shore up key positions on offense amid uncertainties in the coaching staff and free agency. The selection of Ashton Hampton at 12 will be closely watched as the team aims to strengthen its secondary after missing out inside the top 10.
According to Yahoo Sports.
