See Where The Saints Will Select In The First Round Of The 2026 Draft

The 2025 NFL season is officially in the books for the New Orleans Saints. While the playoffs aren't in the cards this year, the offseason excitement is just getting started. Not just for the optimism many have for Head Coach Kellen Moore and QB Tyler Shough, but because we finally know exactly where the New Orleans Saints will be picking in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The NFL has officially locked in the first 18 picks of the first round now that the regular season has concluded, and for the Saints, the magic number is eight.

Another Top 10 Draft Pick For The New Orleans Saints

Landing at number eight overall puts New Orleans in a prime position to grab a blue-chip playmaker. Or do something to plug more holes on the roster.

While it might sound awesome to land a top 10 playmaker, the Saints might be more than one piece way from competing for an NFC South title. If the Saints think they can trade back from the 8th spot, and pick up a few more early draft picks, they might try for quantity over quality.

But what if they keep that number 8 pick...what could the Saints do? There are actually some interesting options.

Who Could Be Wearing The Fleur-De-Lis in 2026?

Now that we know the destination, the real question becomes...who could be the face of the franchise's future?

When you look at the board, there are some serious names that could fall right into the Saints' lap at number eight, including some heavy hitters on the defensive side of the ball. Local fans might be keeping their eyes on LSU standout cornerback Mansoor Delane, who would be a massive addition to the secondary (probably a reach at #8, but could be a late first round pick if the Saints trade back). But don't sleep on the pass rushers like Texas Tech's David Bailey.

But the Saints may also be saying goodbye to fan-favorite defensive end Cam Jordan, so adding a premiere edge rusher could be a major priority.

The Experts Weigh In On Team Needs

It's not just about who is available, but what this team desperately needs to compete in the NFC South again. The national media is already buzzing about the Saints' holes at wide receiver and defensive end. Which leaves many talking heads suggesting that this pick needs to be a homerun hitter who can contribute from day one.

We've already mentioned Texas Tech's David Bailey, who could be the defensive end pick for the Saints. He's not the top edge rusher on ESPN's board, but it looks like he might be the best available when the Saints draft at #8.

According to the latest ESPN board, the Saints could have their pick of wide receivers though.

Players like Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson or USC's Makai Lemon will both likely be available when the Saints pick. Unless one of them has an insane combine, and becomes a top 5 pick.

The Saints Could Trade Out Of Their Draft Spot

If the Saints feel like they could get more help by trading out of the 8th spot. They could move back just a few spots, and likely pick up an additional pick in the second or third round.

There are starters to be found in the second and third rounds of the draft, which means they could sacrifice a possible superstar player to add an extra starter.

But there's also the chance that the Saints go wild...fall in love with one of the top players in the draft, and trade their way up to take him. Someone like Auburn's Keldric Faulk, or Francis Mauigoa from Miami (FL)...the type of player who might not fall to #8 in the first round. Those are the types of players you might need to jump over other teams for.

The Saints Could Shock In The Draft

Then again, the Saints could stay right where they are...ignore their top needs, and took the "best player available"? Because there are some scenarios where that best player falls to them at the 8th pick, and they just snatch him up.

Which could land the Saints Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love in some mock drafts.

Love is rated as the best player on the board by multiple outlets. But its the NFL draft, which means teams will overvalue some positions, and underrate others. There could be two quarterbacks, who are rated under Love, but will get drafted way ahead of them, because of their position. If that happens, Love could slide to the Saints, and like CBS Sports said...Kellen Moore loves a running game.