EXCLUSIVE: Top College Prospect’s Camp Signals Interest in New Orleans Saints Due to Quarterback Situation, Offensive Trajectory
METAIRIE, La. – With just weeks remaining until the 2026 NFL Draft, the rumor mill surrounding the New Orleans Saints and the No. 8 overall pick is reaching a fever pitch. While LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane and Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate have been popular projections in mock drafts, sources indicate that a major curveball could be on the horizon.
Insiders close to the draft process suggest that a consensus top-5 talent—a player widely regarded as a “generational” prospect at his position—has quietly signaled a strong interest in landing in New Orleans. According to league sources who spoke with our newsroom on condition of anonymity, the player’s camp views the Saints not just as a fit, but as a premier destination due to the emergence of quarterback Tyler Shough and the innovative offensive system installed by head coach Kellen Moore.
While the Saints are keeping their cards close to the chest, the buzz surrounding this mutual interest has shifted the narrative of a draft that was previously viewed as defense-heavy at the top.
The Identity of the Mystery Target
Although the Saints have done their due diligence on a wide array of prospects, from Georgia tight end Oscar Delp to Texas Tech edge rusher Romello Height, the “mystery target” gaining steam in league circles is Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love .
Love, who will still be 20 years old on draft day, is widely viewed as the best skill-position player in the 2026 class. For months, it was assumed Love would be long gone before the Saints picked at No. 8, with many analysts projecting him to the Las Vegas Raiders or Carolina Panthers in the top five. However, recent shifts in quarterback-needy draft order have created a scenario where Love could slide into New Orleans’ lap.
But sliding is one thing; wanting to be there is another. Sources suggest that Love’s camp has looked at the Saints’ roster construction and sees an immediate opportunity to compete for a Super Bowl while becoming the face of the franchise’s next generation.
The Shough Effect: Why New Orleans is a Hot Spot
The primary catalyst for this interest appears to be second-year quarterback Tyler Shough. After being selected in the second round of the 2025 draft, Shough seized control of the offense, leading the Saints to wins in four of their final five games and proving he is the long-term answer under center .
For elite skill players entering the league, the quality of the quarterback is paramount. While Love is a “once-in-a-generation” runner, he is also an exceptional receiver out of the backfield. In Kellen Moore’s system—paired with a rising star like Shough—Love would not just be a running back; he would be a chess piece.
“The Saints finished last in the NFC South with a 6-11 record, but with the emergence of Tyler Shough, the fans and franchise are not in panic mode,” noted a recent Yahoo Sports draft preview . That stability is attractive to prospects who want to win immediately.
Furthermore, the Saints have aggressively fortified their offensive line to protect that investment. The signing of guard David Edwards to a four-year, $61 million contract signals a commitment to the run game . For a runner of Love’s caliber, the prospect of running behind a line anchored by Taliese Fuaga and Edwards is a dream scenario.
Why Love Fits the Saints’ “Competitive Window”
For the Saints, the interest is reciprocal. While the team has needs at edge rusher and cornerback, the departure of veteran running back Alvin Kamara eventually looms, and the recent signing of Travis Etienne Jr. does not preclude them from taking a superstar .
In fact, signing Etienne to a short-term deal gives the Saints flexibility. If Love is available at No. 8, the Saints could deploy a devastating committee of Etienne and Love in 2026 before handing the full-time keys to the rookie in 2027. This is the “best player available” strategy that successful franchises employ.
“Kyle Crabbs of A-to-Z Sports noted that the Saints adhere to a best-player-available strategy,” one report stated, highlighting that while Delane is a need, Love is a value .
The Defensive Backlog: What About Mansoor Delane?
Of course, the Saints still have glaring holes. The defense lost leader Demario Davis to the New York Jets and Alontae Taylor to the Tennessee Titans. LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, a lockdown corner who played in the Saints’ backyard, remains the logical “safe” pick .
However, sources indicate that the Saints’ front office views the cornerback class as deep. As The Advocate pointed out this week, “teams can very well find nickel cornerbacks later in the draft,” alleviating the pressure to reach for one at No. 8 .
If a talent like Love—or even Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate—is available, the Saints are expected to pivot to offense.
Other Scenarios: Wide Receiver or Pass Rush
If the Saints opt not to take a running back, the focus remains on surrounding Shough with weapons. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate is a popular pick in mock drafts, and ESPN’s Peter Schrager has recently mocked Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. to New Orleans to replace Cameron Jordan .
“The Saints could really use another wide receiver to give quarterback Tyler Shough more weapons,” reported The Advocate . However, the difference between Tate and the second tier of receivers (like Omar Cooper or Chris Brazzell II) is significant enough that the Saints might wait until Day 2 to address that spot if Love is on the board .
What Happens Next?
As the draft approaches on April 25, the Saints are hosting several top-30 visits. Notably, they have shown interest in special teams ace Zachariah Branch and tight end Oscar Delp, but the lack of a confirmed visit with Love suggests they are either trying to hide their interest or are confident he won’t be there .
For now, the NFL world is watching the draft order above New Orleans. If the first seven picks focus on quarterbacks and offensive tackles, the Saints will have a chance to select the best player in the draft. And if the whispers are true, Jeremiyah Love is ready to accept that call.
Stay tuned to this channel for more updates as we approach the 2026 NFL Draft.
