Why Saints should lean defense in NFL Draft

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints have an important NFL Draft on the horizon. After an award-winning class in 2025, following up with another strong cohort in 2026 could quickly accelerate the team’s competitive potential. 

While the temptation to build around the impressive start for quarterback Tyler Shough at the end of last season, it might make more sense for the Saints to lean heavily on the defensive side of the ball to start this year’s draft. 

There are several exciting offensive pieces the Saints could look to add in round one. Wide receivers Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon each bring their own explosive value that would complement the offense of head coach Kellen Moore. 

However, each brings their own level of concern, as well. Similarly, the opportunity to add an explosive running back like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is contested with the idea of investing premium draft capital in a non-premium position. 

With that, investing in defense may be the way to go. Sure, the team wouldn’t be adding a weapon for its young quarterback. But the right weapon on defense keeps games in reach, allowing Shough and the offense to remain competitive. And the right addition in defense helps to get the ball back in the offense’s hands at pivotal times. 

Therefore, the potential addition of an edge rusher like Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain Jr. or David Bailey may be more in tune with what New Orleans could look to pursue at No. 8 overall. 

The Saints do have a long-running track record of focusing on the trenches early in drafts, after all. 

An intriguing option here, as well, should each edge rusher be off the board by the time the team selects, is Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Unlike LSU’s Mansoor Delane, who should also be considered an option for New Orleans, Downs plays a non-premium position. 

In most defenses, that is. 

In the Crescent City, Downs could potentially take on the team’s STAR/nickel role. A role that would allow him to cover, defend the run and rush the passer, taking advantage of his expensive skill set. 

With that, Downs could be considered a premium commodity in the Saints’ defense, making him a more-than-viable possibility at the top of the draft. 

New Orleans did a lot of work on the offensive side of the football in free agency. The team bolstered its offensive line, added an explosive running back and could still add more weapons in the second and third days of the draft as well as free agency and the trade market. 

Starting with a defensive playmaker, one that could take over a game in the clutch, could be a wise way to kick things off when the April selection process begins.