Saints’ No. 8 overall selection primed for impactful addition

By Ross Jackson

Even though the New Orleans Saints were once in line for the No. 1 overall selection at one point during the 2025 season, their No. 8 overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft positions them perfectly to add an impact player. 

This year’s draft class is brimming with promising talent at the top of the talent pool. 

From fearsome edge rushers and versatile defenders to a game-breaker running back and a variety of playmaking pass-catchers, the players sitting atop this year’s selection process align well with the Saints’ desires. 

New Orleans may have starting talent at every position, but will still be looking to buoy those groups with an influx of youth and playmaking. 

Holding on to their selection rather than trading up or down, the Saints could see seven top talents go off the board and still have little to no issue landing a day one contributor. 

Players that would fit well for the Saints that are expected to be drafted early include:

• Edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami, Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey. 
• Wide receivers like Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson and USC’s Makai Lemon. 
• Versatile Ohio State defenders like linebacker Sonny Styles and safety Caleb Downs. 
• Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. 

Any of those nine players would become immediate and key contributors for the team. 

Considering that at least one player not named will go inside the top seven selection, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, at least three of them will be available should the Saints stand pat at No. 8. 

Then, with every offensive lineman that could potentially go early as well, another name would fall. 

The Saints may not have ended up with the No. 1 overall pick nor a top-five selection, but their spot in the draft is perfectly aligned for the team to continue building toward its next era.