Saints’ biggest remaining Day 2 NFL Draft needs

By Ross Jackson

After landing a physical and dynamic playmaker for the offense, the New Orleans Saints now brace for Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, likely with defense on the mind.

In the debate between bolstering the defense and adding a weapon to the offense for second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, offense won out. After selecting Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the No. 8 overall selection in the first round, the Saints currently have two selections in the second day of the draft, with two major needs to consider.

EDGE Rusher

New Orleans could stand to add both a rotation pass rusher as well as someone that can contribute to, and ideally bolster, the team’s run defense. There are several promising names remaining on the board after the opening round, including options at various archetypes. From pass rush specialists to run defense merchants and all-around edge defenders, the Saints have no shortage of potential in addressing this area on Friday night.

Possible Options

Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell: Howell fell out of the first round despite leading the SEC in sacks last year with 11. A big reason why came down to his measurements. The Aggies pass rusher measured in with just 30 ¼-inch arms at the NFL Scouting Combine, but at his Pro Day, his arm length hit 31 inches. Teams will have to decipher which is true and which is worth the investment in a disruptive and athletic pass rusher. His 4.59-second 40-yard dash caught eyes at the Combine and his career production is promising with 26.5 sacks and 36 tackles for a loss over his five years of play.

Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas: Another productive (17 career sacks) and athletic pass rusher, Thomas does have some injury concerns. He missed multiple games in each the 2022, 2023 and 2025 seasons with various injuries including hamstring, high-ankle sprains and quad ailments. But when on the field, Thomas is a disruptive force with impressive bend and a nose for getting after the quarterback.

Missouri EDGE Zion Young: He may be more of an even-front player, but if the Saints want a physical presence that can both rush standing and with his hand in the dirt, the 6-foot-6, 267-pound end could be a promising asset.

Auburn EDGE Keyron Crawford: At 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds, Crawford is a perfect prototype for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. A potential third-round steal, the Auburn product is still relatively new to football having only started his playing career during his senior year of high school. Previously a basketball player, his agility, high motor and acceleration have all translated to the football field. He also checks the high-character box that the Saints have shown they care about strongly.

Michigan EDGE Jaishawn Barham: A former off-ball linebacker at Maryland, Barham’s fit expands beyond his ability to rush the passer and extends to his comfort dropping back in space. This makes him, like Crawford, a unique fit for Staley’s system. He only moved to edge rusher in Week 3 of the 2025 season, but has seen at least three sacks in three of his four collegiate years.

STAR/Slot Cornerback

Miami CB Keionte Scott: A favorite here at LouisianaSports.Net, Scott is a perfect fit for Staley’s secondary. He’s versatile, he’s athletic, he’s productive and he brings a high energy level to his group. He loaded up the stat sheet in 2025 playing almost an identical role to what he’d be asked to do in New Orleans. The 5-foot-11, 193-pound 4.33-second speedster is one of the can’t-miss players of the second day. He’s a perfect fit for New Orleans, which has an extensive track record of drafting Day 2 defensive backs.

Arizona CB Treydan Stukes: Another high-character, high-octane player that would be a great fit for Staley’s scheme. He has experience manning the slot, playing perimeter corner and has the speed and ball-tracking ability to play safety as well. With four interceptions last year and a three-year captain history, his blend of experience, leadership, production and versatility make him a safe bet despite an 2024 ACL injury in his past.

Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds: Though his 5-foot-8, 180-pound frame makes him a tough projection on the perimeter in the pros, Ponds’ athleticism, energy and relentless competitive edge make him a great option in the slot. He’s instinctive at the catch point with 36 career passes defended, has extensive special teams experience and comes from a Curt Cignetti-led Indiana program and culture that every NFL team should be looking to add talent from for their locker room.