Finding the right fit in free agency might have been easier than hitting in the draft for the New Orleans Saints. But they need to avoid certain players.
And to get you ready for the upcoming annual selection meeting, here is their 2026 NFL Draft guide. Ahead of this crucial week, let’s look at the Saints’ picks, their biggest needs, potential targets, and recent draft history. The draft is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this year, with Round 1 kicking off on April 23. Rounds 2 and 3 happen on 24. The festivities wrap up with Rounds 4-7 on April 25.
Saints’ 2026 NFL Draft picks
The Saints have a solid group of picks, adding a second fourth-round pick just four spots after their first one. Also, they have two fifth-round selections. If they hit with their first couple of picks, this could be a momentum-building turnaround for the rebuild under second-year head coach Kellen Moore.
Round 1, Pick 8
Round 2, Pick 42
Round 3, Pick 73
Round 4, Pick 132
Round 4, Pick 136
Round 5, Pick 150
Round 5, Pick 172
Round 6, Pick 190
Saints’ 2026 NFL Draft needs and targets
WR: The Saints need a better helpmate for star wide receiver Chris Olave. And things are set up for them to have a chance to grab one in the No. 8 spot. They would probably love for Carnell Tate to fall into their lap. That would make this pick easy.
Tate brings the necessities to the league, according to NFL Draft Buzz.
“Tate is a polished, technically sound receiver who wins with precision, body control, and an understanding of coverage structures that most college wideouts simply do not possess,” NFL Draft Buzz wrote. “His game lives in the intermediate zones, in the way he manipulates leverage at the top of routes, in how he high-points throws over tight coverage, and in the dependability he brings on third down.
“He reminds me more of Chris Olave’s profile than Garrett Wilson’s coming out of Columbus. That is not an insult. That is a very good football player with a long career ahead of him.”
EDGE: It may be easy to pick a wide receiver at No. 8. However, it may not be so clear-cut if any of David Bailey, Rueben Bain Jr., or Arvell Reese are still on the board. Could the Saints let a talent like that pass by?
Considering the state of their edge rusher position, a guy like Bailey would be the likely pick if he’s available. He has what it takes, according to Pro Football Focus.
“Simply put, Bailey is one of the best edge defender prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it’s easy to see why,” John Owning wrote. “He offers rare first-step explosiveness, incredible upfield speed, and the ability to close like a heat-seeking missile. He has the rare ability to win inside, outside, or through opposing offensive tackles, giving him the high-end traits that could be developed into a double-digit-sack-per-year pass-rusher.
“That said, he isn’t a finished product. Even with the production and athleticism, his technical inconsistencies — particularly in his hand timing, counter sequencing, and pass-rush plan — could limit his ceiling early in his NFL career. And while his run-defense output looks strong on paper, the tape shows areas that NFL offensive lines will test immediately, especially his ability to stack-and-shed and anchor at the point of attack.”
CB: The player in the Saints’ sights at this position is LSU’s Mansoor Delane. And the pros outweigh the cons for Dalane, according to PFF.
Delane can use his long arms to get his hands on receivers early. And he also has the athletic ability, build, and mentality of a press cornerback. That’s a nice combination.
“Overall speed for the position is adequate,” Trevor Sikkema wrote. “Feisty run defender (though he does struggle to get off blocks/finish). Smooth with flipping his hips to stay sticky vs. vertical routes. Seems confident as a post-snap communication/matching-coverage player.”
As for weaknesses, Delane’s slender build could cause him problems with making tackles. Also, he doesn’t have the rare final gear to close in on passes in trailing situations.”
Recent draft history — top picks for the last five years
2025: OL Kelvin Banks, Texas (Round 1, pick 9)
2024: OL Taliese Fuaga, Oregon State (Round 1, 14)
2023: DT Bryan Bresee, Clemson (Round 1, 29)
2022: WR Chris Olave, Ohio State (Round 1, 11)
2021: DE Payton Turner, Houston (Round 1, 28)
Olave is the crown jewel of the last five years. He made the All-Pro second team in 2025 after catching 100 passes for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns.
Bresee has developed into a consistent starter over the past two seasons, though nothing spectacular. As for Fuaga, he has started 30 games in two NFL seasons.
As for Turner, he has been with the Saints for four years and has yet to draw a starting assignment.
If the Saints are going to make an impact in the win column this season, they will need to hit another Olave-type player in the 2026 draft. That’s one of the keys to getting things turned around.
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