By Ross Jackson
This year’s NFL Draft is expected to be one with a strong mid-round class that begins to drop off part way through Day 3. For a team like the New Orleans Saints, which holds four combined fourth and fifth-round selections, that means finding a way to invest as soon as possible will be important.
The Saints’ history of late-round success has taken a bit of a hit in recent years, though 2025’s draft class has a chance to correct the path, but the team’s fourth-round success is promising. That success could continue in 2026 as the Saints weigh trading up or staying put.
New Orleans has made just 18 selections in the first round since general manager Mickey Loomis assumed his role. His first draft was the 2003 draft. Since then, the team’s history of draft mid-round picks (Rounds 3-5) is as follows:
Third: 22 selections
Fourth: 18 selections
Fifth: 22 selections
Of the 18 fourth-round selections, linemen Jahri Evans and Jermon Bushrod received the most accolades but the team also landed solid contributors in C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive tackle David Onyemata (while they were on the roster, at least).
The team has recently seen success with 2025 draft picks linebacker Danny Stutsman and cornerback Quincy Riley, both of whom are expected to step into larger roles this year. RIley had already become a starter early in the 2025 season.
There were some pitfalls in the round as well, of course. Tackle Rick Leonard will be a long-time stain on the team’s drafting record. But sensible swings at players with traits to like, such as wide receiver Nick Toon and offensive lineman Nick Saldiveri at least show some calculated risks.
Two quarterbacks, Ian Book and Jake Haener, were also selected. Neither were expected to become starters in the league, but also didn’t hang around very long as backups.
With a pair of fourth-round picks available in this year’s draft (Nos. 132 and 136) and two fifth-round selections (Nos. 150 and 172), the Saints could look to continue their rebound in the round with multiple swings.
Packaging both fifth-round picks or adding in their lone sixth (No. 190 overall) could get them another shot in the fourth as well. Taking advantage of rounds 1-4 in this year’s draft may be necessary, and the Saints have the fodder available to take advantage of that opportunity.
While it may mean fewer players to potentially hit, raising the floor of the class by taking more players within the top-150 allows the team to make more high-percentage shots.
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