Saints could luck into a top NFL Draft pass rusher

By Ross Jackson

Selecting inside the top-10 of the NFL Draft offers a real chance to add a difference-maker for a franchise. The New Orleans Saints will select No. 8 overall in the 2026 selection process and should strongly consider adding that talent to their edge rusher room. 

Even with a chance to bring back defensive end Cameron Jordan for the 2026 season, adding more talent to the group alongside starters Chase Young and Carl Granderson would be a beneficial investment with the chance to pay off massively in the future. 

New Orleans has a chance to add that difference-maker inside the top-10 if one of two prospects falls: Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. or Texas Tech’s David Bailey. 

While Bain’s measurements tend to dominate conversation around him, his production and play on tape make it undeniable that he’s an elite talent. 

His 9.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for a loss in 2025 show his ability to contribute both as a pass rusher and against the run, a key element that is overlooked for many outside pass rushers. His all-around ability as a defensive end makes him a more complete prospect than is usually available at the position in the draft. 

Bailey, whose stellar performance at the NFL Scouting Combine already feels like a distant memory with how quickly the news cycle churns, is a pass rush specialist that tied for the lead in the nation in 2025 with 14.5 sacks. He also led the Big 12 in tackles for a loss with 19.5. Both were career highs. 

New Orleans should be looking to add impact at premium positions with the No. 8 overall selection. Outside of quarterback, which is on a promising trajectory, the next-most important position in football is either edge rusher or blindside tackle. 

Last season, the Saints addressed blindside tackle. If the board falls favorably, they could be in position to address the next premium spot in the defensive edge. 

Either of these players falling would be an absolute gift for New Orleans. Other premium positions like cornerback (LSU’s Mansoor Delane) and wide receiver (Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson or USC’s Makai Lemon) fill out the remaining premium positions, offering strong options should Bain and Bailey not make it to No. 8.