Kellen Moore chooses Spencer Rattler replacement in recent 2026 NFL mock draft and potentially dooms long-term outlook for Tyler Shough

Even in October, NFL mock drafts are fun to take a glance at for many teams. Kellen Moore's New Orleans Saints team just got their first win, but they still sit at 1-4 with a projected top five selection in the 2026 draft. With that, they could look to select a new quarterback in round one.

Kellen Moore finds new starting quarterback in recent NFL mock draft

1. New Orleans Saints: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

"Spencer Rattler has outperformed expectations, but if they’re drafting this high, it should be assumed that Kellen Moore will want a quarterback to mold his team around. Mendoza is a big-armed, tall quarterback prospect with the tools to become the Saints’ savior." – Joe DeLeone, A to Z Sports

Mendoza is a fit in Moore's offense to me, too. He has one of the most impressive arms in the class when it comes to pushing the football down the field and also works well on time.

Moore's scheme rewards quarterbacks if they can find their pass catchers efficiently and quickly. There's space available naturally, but the QB must make their read and deliver on time in order for the receiver to have their best opportunity to make a play. Not to mention, Mendoza's accuracy has taken a step forward this season with Indiana as well.

"Both quarterbacks, Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza, continue to put up some of the most impressive numbers in the country ranking 5th and 1st respectively in passer rating on the season. Both head coaches are red hot in the win-loss columns, with Dan Lanning posting an 18-1 record and Curtis Cignetti sitting at 16-2 over the last two seasons alone." -- Travis May