The New Orleans Saints are preparing for a pivotal 2026 NFL Draft with the eighth overall pick and eight total selections at their disposal. After finishing the 2025 season with a 6-11 record but showing promise with the emergence of quarterback Tyler Shough, the Saints have clear needs to address as they build around their young signal-caller.
While the team made strategic moves in free agency, adding players like guard David Edwards, linebacker Kaden Elliss, tight end Noah Fant, and running back Travis Etienne Jr., several key positions remain priorities heading into draft weekend in Pittsburgh on April 23-25.
Wide Receiver: The Top Priority for the Saints
Wide receiver stands as one of the top three needs for New Orleans, as the Saints don't have another star wide receiver next to Chris Olave, who will be playing on his fifth-year option. This lack of depth at the position has become increasingly concerning for a team trying to support a developing quarterback.
Wide receivers Makai Lemon (USC) or Carnell Tate (Ohio State) would make sense in Round 1. The article estimates a 40% likelihood of selecting a wide receiver at that first slot, suggesting that Carnell Tate or Makai Lemon could be viable options. Both prospects have been frequently linked to the Saints in recent mock drafts, with analysts highlighting their ability to create immediate impact alongside Olave.
Head coach Kellen Moore has been vocal about his vision for the receiver room, emphasizing the importance of versatility and complementary skill sets. The Saints didn't add a significant wide receiver in free agency, making the draft the likely avenue for addressing this critical need.
Edge Rusher: Building the Pass Rush
Edge rusher ranks among the top three needs for the Saints. New Orleans does not have much depth at edge rusher, which by itself puts that position on the table. Chase Young and Carl Granderson are solid players, but not a great starting tandem. Both players are only under contract through 2027, which means the Saints need to start thinking about the future right now.
The situation is further complicated by the uncertain future of franchise sack leader Cameron Jordan, who remains unsigned as a free agent. Jordan got more playing time early in 2025 after Young missed the first five games of the season, but Young still finished with 10 sacks. While Young showed promise, the Saints need more depth and long-term solutions at the position.
Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. has been frequently mentioned as a potential target for New Orleans at pick eight. Analysts have praised his ability to impact the game both as a pass rusher and run defender, making him an ideal fit for the Saints' defensive scheme under coordinator Brandon Staley.
Cornerback: Strengthening the Secondary
Cornerback is identified as the third top need for the Saints. The secondary needs reinforcement, particularly after personnel changes from the previous season. The Saints may need to double-dip at defensive back in this year's draft, as Alontae Taylor's departure means the team needs a new full-time slot corner.
LSU's Mansoor Delane is widely regarded as the best cornerback in this year's draft class. He excels when playing press man coverage, but holds his own in zone as well. Delane projects as an immediate starter in the NFL who could develop into one of the league's best at the position. The hometown connection with the LSU product adds an intriguing storyline to the potential selection.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs has also been mentioned as a potential target who could provide immediate help to the Saints' secondary, though his position as a safety gives him a slightly different role than a pure cornerback.
Draft Strategy and Flexibility
The Saints have eight total picks: Nos. 8, 42, 73, 132, 136, 150, 172 and 190. This gives general manager Mickey Loomis and the front office flexibility to address multiple needs throughout the draft.
WR remains a big need, but the Saints have positioned themselves to where they could look at a few positions. Don't rule out pass rusher or other defensive positions after New Orleans signed several offensive free agents. The team's active free agency period has allowed them to avoid being forced into any particular selection, giving them the luxury of taking the best player available while still addressing needs.
Some analysts have suggested the Saints could consider trading down from the eighth pick to accumulate more draft capital, allowing them to address multiple needs while still landing quality talent. With several positions requiring attention, this strategy could maximize the team's ability to build depth across the roster.
Looking Ahead to Draft Day
As the draft approaches, the Saints find themselves in an enviable position with multiple quality prospects potentially available at pick eight. Whether they opt for an offensive weapon to support Shough, a defensive playmaker to bolster the pass rush, or a cornerback to lock down the secondary, New Orleans has the opportunity to add a franchise-altering talent.
The combination of their draft capital, improved salary cap situation, and young quarterback gives the Saints a foundation to build upon. How they navigate these three key positions—wide receiver, edge rusher, and cornerback—will likely determine whether the team can take the next step in their rebuild and compete for relevance in the competitive NFC South division.
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