Saints’ first-round position offers little downfall

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints hold the No. 8 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. As the league’s Scouting Combine gets under way, one universal truth should become clear about the Saints’ positioning in the first round. 

There are very few wrong choices for New Orleans in the opening round. 

Sure, draft picks don’t pan out. Whether drafted No. 1 or No. 250 or later, there’s always risk involved in any player acquisition. 

But for New Orleans, who is selecting inside the top 10 for the second consecutive year, there’s little concern to be had about selecting a player that doesn’t make sense. 

Need an edge rusher? Elite prospects like Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. and Texas Tech’s David Bailey could fall to them. How about an offensive playmaker? Between Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love and a trio of talented wide receivers, one should be in reach for the Saints. 

If the team wants an elite, disruptive defender, Ohio State offers a group of talented options in linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles along with safety Caleb Downs. 

The Saints are in prime position to reliably go for the best player available in the first round and feel strong about their process. Something general manager Mickey Loomis said during the team’s end of year press conference that he would be happy to do. 

“I think the depth of this draft class right now looks pretty good and I think we’re going to be in a position to kind of take the best player that’s available that can impact our team,” he said.  “As opposed to ‘We have to have this position or that position.’ Obviously, there’ll be positions that we prefer, but I don’t think we’re going to be in a position where we have to get a particular position.”