Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
By Ross Jackson
The New Orleans Saints are scheduled to start their 2026 NFL Draft class with the No. 8 overall selection. However, the team has a total of eight selections over the course of the draft, including three in the top-75 and five picks in Day 2.
With those selections, these are the five needs the club should look to address from starting talent to depth and competition.
1. Create a clear path forward in the slot.
While adding weapons to various areas of the roster will be imperative, the Saints’ biggest remaining roster void is the one left by the departure of cornerback Alontae Taylor. With defensive coordinator Brandon Staley still at the helm, the STAR/slot role is a foundational one. The Saints don’t necessarily need to draft someone specifically for that role, but by even adding a boundary cornerback, they would at least have a clear vision for how to address the position. That is a must for the Saints’ draft weekend.
2. Continue building around quarterback Tyler Shough.
Whether with a top-tier talent at wide receiver, tight end, running back or any combination of the three, adding more weapons on the offensive side of the ball is an opportunity the Saints cannot miss during this draft. With a deep and very talented crop of wideouts in this year’s selection process, the Saints should take a swing or two at the position. Doing so as early as No. 8 overall would guarantee the team maximizes their impact potential with Shough leading the way.
3. Add another productive edge rusher.
Opposite top defensive end Chase Young, the Saints are currently without a key member of the position’s rotation. Defensive leader Cameron Jordan remains a free agent, leaving an undeniable gap for the group. Landing another player that can rotate with pass rushers Carl Granderson and Chris Rumph II would help to keep the trajectory of the Saints’ defense and pass rusher heading in the right direction.
4. Acquire depth and competition on the offensive line.
Offensive lines across the NFL are always going to have to manage some degree of injury. It’s much easier to do that with reliable depth. New Orleans has made a few investments along the unit already, but shouldn’t stop at free agency. This draft could present a chance to land a mid- or late-round offensive lineman or two that can develop over time and help to bolster the depth and competition along the offensive trenches.
5. Keep investing in the run game.
At best, the Saints’ top two running backs are on the roster together in 2026. Newly-signed back Travis Etienne Jr. has a four-year deal that includes an off-ramp after the second year and Alvin Kamara is in a contract year. Continuing to invest in talent at this position is a must. It’s a position that includes a high-injury rate and one that could see more turnover in less than a calendar year. Finding impact play at the position in this year’s draft would open up some much-needed flexibility for the franchise and would allow it to continue supporting its quarterback with a strong run game.
