Saints’ success lowers Draft pick, lifts optimism

By Ross Jackson

After securing their second win of the season, the New Orleans Saints are no longer in line for the first overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

While that sounds like a negative, the truth is that with the more success the Saints find with their new starting quarterback, rookie Tyler Shough, the less necessary having the prized possession of the draft becomes.

During Sunday’s win, the Saints saw promise from Shough that has been rare among options at quarterback over the last few years. His ability to navigate the pocket, beat pressure, make good decisions with the ball and dial up the big play creates a sense of optimism at signal caller. Because of that, the fall out of the first position in the draft is palatable. As Shough improves, or proves for that matter, the need for a quarterback in the selection process dwindles.

New Orleans now holds the second overall selection after other struggling teams also landed Week 10 wins, such as the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.

If the Saints continue to improve throughout the remaining seven games of the season, they could play themselves into a top-five or top-10 selection depending on performances around the rest of the NFL.

New Orleans has a bye week next week, but the Tennessee Titans (1-8), Dolphins (2-7), Jets (2-7) and New York Giants (2-8) will all take the field. Wins from any number of that group will be helpful for New Orleans as they get back to action against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans in Week 12.

Even if the Saints were to fall back further in the draft, should the team remain around the top-seven, it could land a uniquely impactful player to build around Shough or bolster the defense in the first round.

Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese and safety Caleb Downs as well as Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. could all quickly transform their side of the ball by providing some elite playmaking. 

The Saints are far from playing themselves out of position to take a premium player that could accelerate the franchise’s rebuild. Not to mention what they could also achieve in the second round. That should allow them to use the bye week to self-scout and find ways to adjust and improve down the stretch without concern of draft position. That is, as long as Shough continues to perform well.