The New Orleans Saints enter NFL Draft week at a bold spot. They can build around second-year quarterback Tyler Shough starting with a top 10 pick. But will it be a wide receiver or running back at No. 8?
New Orleans can even address another popular position at eighth overall: Edge rusher, with Cameron Jordan facing a nebulous future with the franchise.
Regardless, the Saints have eight selections to make in the name of contending for the NFC South title. Head coach Kellen Moore handed New Orleans fans intrigue after winning their final four of the last five games.
These eight selections are capable of fueling a postseason return as the Saints address all their draft weekend needs.
Round 1, Pick 8: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
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The Saints have sparked theories they’ll trade this pick.
But we’ll predict they stay put and address a huge need here. Even if the Saints move up (which general manager Mickey Loomis has done before), grabbing offense is a high priority.
It starts with finally landing the successor for Alvin Kamara in Jeremiyah Love. The Notre Dame star is the most complete RB for this class and even could fall into the top five.
If the Saints hear about the New York Giants (No. 5) or Tennessee Titans (No. 4) wanting Love, a trade up should happen. Yet those teams can locate an edge rusher and wide receiver, respectively, more. So Love lands as a gift pick at No. 8.
Round 2, Pick 42: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
The younger brother of past Saints thorn AJ Terrell enters here for NO.
Terrell presents an inside/outside cornerback option with fluid athleticism and competitive energy like his older sibling. The Saints should love this stat: Terrell jarred eight fumbles during his career.
New Orleans needs new aggression on the defensive perimeter. Terrell is a great choice on day two.
Round 3, Pick 73: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Jordan’s situation persuades this selection.
Howell is undersized at under 6-foot-2 and carrying 253-pounds. But he’s a quick and bendy rusher with high sack production. He’ll need to enhance his hand arsenal at the point of attack and become more consistent at setting the edge here.
The Saints need edge help anyway even if Jordan opts back to the franchise. Howell either rises as Jordan’s replacement or immediate successor.
Round 4, Pick 132: WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
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Sarratt isn’t earning the pub or praise of fellow national champion teammate Omar Cooper Jr. But the Indiana wideout arrives as a new big target for Shough.
The WR earned the nickname “Waffle House” because he was always open. Moore should love his knack for pulling in contested catches against man coverage.
Sarratt drops to day three off his lack of speed. But the second-year QB gains a massive possession/red zone target in the 6-foot-2 Sarratt.
Round 4, Pick 136: WR Kevin Coleman Jr., Missouri
Loomis, Moore and the Saints go back-to-back with building the WR core up next to Chris Olave.
Sarratt comes in as the tall contested catch monster. Coleman increases the speed in this room.
Moore will weaponize Coleman’s slot fades, which is his go-to route. He gains the deep threat need here.
Round 5, Pick 150: IOL Jalen Farmer, Kentucky
New Orleans takes a big risk in addressing offensive line in the fifth round.
Except Farmer presents intriguing potential, especially after running a 4.93 time in the 40-yard dash. The 6-foot-5, 312-pounder shows violence when blocking downhill. Plus his 34.5-inch arm length allows him to control his blocks while creating running lanes.
He must become more cerebral at identifying twists and blitzes up the gap. But Moore should love his athleticism.
Round 5, Pick 172: CB Daylen Everette, Georgia
NO adds one more CB opposite of Terrell.
Everette falls to the fifth amid a deep CB draft class. He allowed too many easy pitch-and-catch throws in front him, hence the draft drop. But he hands the defense one more press coverage option.
He also swatted 13 pass breakups the last two seasons.
Round 6, Pick 190: TE Jack Endries, Texas
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The offensive-minded Moore closes the ’26 Saints draft addressing tight end.
He gains a possible Dallas Goedert here in Endries. The Texas target plays through contact and and can pluck high throws.
Enries even was a favorite option of Fernando Mendoza when both played for Cal.
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