8 possible 2026 first round picks for the Saints

By Ross Jackson

The New Orleans Saints are set with the No. 8 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Last year, the team selected No. 9 overall and landed a potential franchise left tackle. This year, they’ll look to repeat their success, not just at No. 8 but across the six rounds in which the team has selections. 

Focusing on the first round and in honor of the No. 8 spot, here are eight prospects the Saints could land when they are on the clock for the first time in day one of the 2026 selection process. 

1. Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey

Adding another elite edge rusher alongside Chase Young, Carl Grandeson and potential Cam Jordan in 2026 would be a major win for New Orleans. The first round offers some top-tier options like Bailey, who tied for the college football lead in sacks this year with 14.5. 

2. Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr. 

It’s very unlikely that Bain falls far enough for New Orleans to take advantage, but if he does, he could be an interesting option. Some teams may view him as more of an interior player at the next level because of his size, which could cause him to slip more than expected. But he’s an elite pass rusher and if that were to happen, the Saints would be very lucky. 

3. LSU CB Mansoor Delane

The Saints may not have Alontae Taylor back next season, as teams will be interested in him on the open market. If New Orleans were to experience the misfortune of him heading elsewhere, investing in another top talent cornerback would give the team a chance to move 2025 draft pick Quincy Riley into the slot. Riley has experience on the inside from college and enjoys the style of play there. Having Delane and Kool-Aid McKinstry in the outside with Riley prowling the middle could help the Saints absorb the potential loss of Taylor. 

4. Ohio State S Caleb Downs

Downs could be the perfect addition to defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s group. After hitting with safety Jonas Sanker in the 2025 draft, landing Downs could compound the victory at safety. Staley’s history with elite players at the position warrants straddling him with top talent when available. 

5. Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love

The Saints’ run game left much to be desired in 2025. Adding a game-breaker like Love could help them address that and turn that area of the game, which is growing in importance as the NFL game shifts and evolves, into a strength. If New Orleans adds talent to its offensive line in free agency, this could be a logical next step. 

6. Ohio State WR Carnell Tate

Tate is an elite pass-catcher with all of the desired physical traits to translate to the next level. Partnering him up with fellow Ohio State product and wideout Chris Olave could be a dream come true for quarterback Tyler Shough, who turned role players and late additions at the position into playmakers by season’s end. 

7. Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson

Much like Tate, Tyson would add another elite presence to the passing game for New Orleans. He’s physical and plays with the desired mentality of a true X-receiver. He would, like Tate, provide the perfect complement to Olave. 

8. Clemson DL Peter Woods

New Orleans needs to add talent in the defensive interior and Woods is the best option in the upcoming draft. It’s not a position they need to sprint for, but should the board fall in such a way that the Clemson interior defender is the best player available, he’d absolutely be a worthy acquisition to help bolster the Saints’ run defense and interior disruption up front.