The confetti from Super Bowl LX has barely hit the ground, and the New Orleans Saints are already planning for next year. Because the NFL machine never stops.

With the 2025 NFL season officially in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts immediately to NFL free agency (starts March 9th) and then the 2026 NFL Draft. For New Orleans fans, its all about how the Saints can climb back into the contender conversation.

New Orleans finished a rocky campaign at 6-11, securing the number eight overall pick for the upcoming draft. But the season didn’t feel as bad as a 6-11 record looks. After rookie quarterback Tyler Shough provided a spark of hope late in the year, the mission for the front office is now painfully obvious…get this man some help.

New Orleans Saints Top Roster Needs for 2026

The consensus across the league is that the Saints must prioritize explosive playmakers to support Shough’s development. While Chris Olave remains a cornerstone, the lack of depth at wide receiver, and the aging legs of Alvin Kamara, have made the offense predictable at times.

Adding a physical pass-catcher, or a dynamic back who can thrive in Kellen Moore’s system, is the most likely path forward. General Manager Mickey Loomis will have to balance these offensive needs against a defensive line that may see significant turnover if veteran stars decide to move on this spring…or if the Saints decide they don’t need them anymore.

Early 2026 NFL Mock Draft Predictions

Recent projections from mock draft outlets show a clear trend: offensive players are the priority. Both CBS Sports and AtoZ Sports have the Saints landing Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at the eighth spot to eventually succeed Kamara. This feels like it could be an absolute STEAL for the Saints. Since many experts have Love listed as the “best talent” in the draft.

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

You might ask “why would the best player fall to 8th overall?” and that is a valid question. The answer has more to do about lining up NEEDS. The Vegas Raiders have the top pick in the draft, but they took a running back in the first round last year, so they don’t need him. The New York Jets have the second overall pick, and they have Breece Hall at the top of their depth chart. If you roll through the other teams ahead of the Saints, they all have investments in running backs right now, and have bigger NEEDS at other positions. The Saints might luck out by being exactly where they are in the draft.

Other experts are looking toward the perimeter, as Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates both project Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson to New Orleans. This focus on a “7-11” style deep threat like Tyson aligns with the need for a physical red zone target to take the pressure off Olave.

Defensive Alternatives and Interior Depth

While the offensive hype is loud, some analysts believe the trenches are where the real work begins. Sporting News and Sports Illustrated have both floated Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey as a “no-brainer” if he falls to number eight. Which is fair. Because the Saints could go “best player available”, and if Love is gone, that probably means a player like Bailey is available. But there’s a better chance Bailey gets drafted before the Saints pick, than Love getting picked in the top 5.

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Deeper in the draft, the Saints are projected to look for interior protection with Auburn center Connor Lew in the third round. Which probably wouldn’t hurt Tyler Shough’s feelings to get a little protection.

Whether it is a home-run hitter like Love or a brick wall on the line, the goal remains the same…loading the roster with enough talent to turn those flashes of potential into a playoff run.

Every Saints First Round NFL Draft Trade Since 2010