Three Saints trade-up candidates

Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

By Ross Jackson

After a year of playing things patiently and letting the draft come to the team, the New Orleans Saints could look to be more active in this year’s NFL Draft trade market.

With the biggest question mark, quarterback, seemingly answered for the time being, the Saints could deploy an aggressive approach to build around their passer, last year’s second-round selection Tyler Shough.

While trading up from pick No. 8 would be a surprise, a potential move up from No. 42 in the second round doesn’t seem too farfetched, if the right player is available. This move could mean leaping back into the end of the first round but could also simply mean moving up earlier in the second round.

Here are three players that could potentially entice the Saints to make such a move.

Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor

If New Orleans isn’t able to land a top edge rusher at No. 8 overall, trading up to secure one of the top second-round grades at the position could be an option. Mesidor, who just turned 25 years old, is one of the draft’s most polished pass rushers from a technical standpoint. He wrangled 12.5 sacks last season opposite teammate and top-10 projected edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.

Akheem Mesidor being mocked in the 1st round despite his age and lack of athletic testing helps show just how good his film is: pic.twitter.com/j9tqCIgQ1I

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 23, 2026

Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq

The 6-foot-3, 241 pound tight end lit up the NFL Scouting Combine earlier in the offseason, however, his positional value could see him slip in the first round. With a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, 43.5-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump, Sadiq’s athleticism is undeniable.

As a receiver and blocker, he could be an impactful addition to the Saints’ offense. While taking him at No. 8 overall may be too rich for New Orleans, a sensible trade up should he fall far enough in the first round could present an opportunity.

The TD catch from #Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq was only a small sample of his dominant showing against Montana State. He kicked ass as a blocker on multiple plays and showed off his 41.5-inch vertical on a jet sweep as well.

Unreal athlete but he does the dirty work too on offense. pic.twitter.com/EMfgfPCoaC

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) August 31, 2025

Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion

This one may not require a trade up in the first round, but would likely at least necessitate moving up in the second. If Concepcion does not go off of the board at the end of Day 1, it might be hard to ignore the chance to work the phones overnight to get up nearer the top of Day 2 to land him.

An elite separator, Concepcion’s drops could impact his outlook, but with 61 receptions for 919 receiving yards and nine touchdown catches last year, the explosive wideout isn’t likely to see his stock fall much. Any opportunity to snag him in late round one or early round two would be a steal.