It may feel premature to talk about the 2027 NFL draft for the New Orleans Saints. However, with so many questions hovering around the team and some exciting, talented players having just wrapped up another weekend of college football, it’s hard not to consider the idea of future building blocks that could have a big impact on the team.
Many things will happen between now and the draft: wins, losses, shifts in draft placement, as well as free agency. All of which will change when the Saints select in the draft, who will be available and what positions end up being their biggest needs.
So for now, it’s all about exploring the top possibilities for the team as they stand today.
New Orleans (2-5) would hold the No. 10 overall selection, the team’s third-consecutive top-10 draft pick.
Here are some positions that make sense to address and some players that could make a difference.
Edge Rusher
While it’s becoming less of a need at the top of the position group with the stellar play of edge rusher Chase Young and Carl Granderson, but with veteran Cameron Jordan in what’s believed to be his final NFL year and recent acquisition Tyree Wilson not yet turning things around in his new environment, adding another top option could make a lot of sense for the team.
- Texas EDGE Colin Simmons
- South Carolina EDGE Dylan Stewart
- Alabama EDGE Yhonzae Pierre
- Ohio State ESGE Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (currently expected to be a second-round pick)
Playmaking Linebacker
The Saints added a new defensive leader in linebacker Kaden Elliss, bringing him back to New Orleans this past offseason. However they still lack a consistent playmaker at the second level alongside him.
Veteran Pete Werner has had some flashes, but has no guaranteed base salary on his deal next year. Meanwhile, second-year back Danny Stutsman is still looking to prove himself.
Adding another impact player in that area of the field would be a major win for New Orleans, who haven’t had multiple impact players at the position for quite some time.
- Georgia LB Chris Cole
Cornerback
The free agency addition of veteran corner Martin Emerson Jr. has proven the value of physical play at the cornerback position in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s system. Should the coaching staff hold going into 2027, the pursuit of another young, productive corner could be a big win for the club.
- Notre Dame CB Leonard Moore
- Clemson CB Ashton Hampton
- Georgia CB Ellis Robinson IV (pending knee injury versus Florida)
Running Back
This is another position the Saints have lacked consistent playmaking presence at for years. With star back Alvin Kamara in the twilight of his career in New Orleans, and with jury still out on the investment of Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency, and who has been injured in recent weeks, the team may be right back in the market for this position again.
There is a lot of talent at running back in this year’s draft, but nearly every top option is also managing injury, making the position a bit of a risk to invest in via the draft.
- Florida RB Jadan Baugh
- Missouri RB Ahmad Hardy (pending recovery from gunshot wound)
- Ole Miss RB Kewan Lacy (pending injury recovery)
- Missouri RB Jamal Roberts
Other Impactful Players
There are a number of additional positions worth to consider including defensive tackle, safety and tight end. But some of those positions also have young talent to continue to invest in, making the veteran route a bigger possibility in free agency. However, there are some very talented players that could give the team a jolt in the draft.
- Oregon TE Jamari Johnson
- LSU TE Trey’Dez Green
- Ole Miss DL Will Echoles
- Oregon DL A’Mauri Washington
- Georgia S K.J. Bolden
- Notre Dame S Brauntae Johnson
