Published on Feb. 18, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New Orleans Saints are one team that could take a big leap forward in 2026 after finishing the 2025 season at 6-11 under new head coach Kellen Moore. With the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Saints have the opportunity to add a blue-chip player to help improve their roster. Analysts have mocked several different positions to the Saints, including wide receiver, running back, cornerback, and edge rusher.

Why it matters

The Saints have several pressing needs on both offense and defense that they need to address in the 2026 draft. With the 8th overall pick, they have a chance to land an impact player who can help turn the team around after a disappointing 2025 season. The direction they go in the first round will be crucial to their success in 2026 and beyond.

The details

Analysts have mocked several different players to the Saints with the 8th overall pick, including wide receivers Makai Lemon (USC), Carnell Tate (Ohio State), and Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), running back Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame), cornerback Mansoor Delane (LSU), and edge rusher Cashius Howell (Texas A&M). The Saints have needs at several positions and could go in multiple directions with this pick.

The Saints finished the 2025 regular season at 6-11, capping Kellen Moore’s first season as head coach.The Saints hold the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The players

Kellen Moore

The head coach of the New Orleans Saints, who is entering his second season with the team in 2026.

Alvin Kamara

The veteran running back for the New Orleans Saints, who is in the final year of his current contract.

Kendre Miller

A running back for the New Orleans Saints who has not impressed early in his career.

Devin Neal

A running back for the New Orleans Saints who has not impressed early in his career.

Alontae Taylor

A cornerback for the New Orleans Saints who is set to become a free agent.

Kool-Aid McKinstry

The top cornerback for the New Orleans Saints after the expected departure of Alontae Taylor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying

“Lemon is one of the best wide receiver prospects in the 2026 draft class.”

— Tim Crean, ClutchPoints (ClutchPoints)

“Love boasts blazing speed, the ability to handle a heavy workload, and upside as a pass catcher.”

— Mike Renner, CBS Sports (CBS Sports)

“At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Tyson is electric with the ball in his hands.”

— Field Yates, ESPN (ESPN)

“The Saints could go in several directions here, but Howell makes sense because of the class’ drop-off at edge defender after him.”

— Gordon McGuinness, PFF (PFF)

What’s next

The Saints will have a chance to address their needs on both offense and defense with the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if a consensus forms around which position the Saints should target with this selection.

The takeaway

The Saints have several pressing needs to address in the 2026 draft, and their first-round pick at #8 overall will be crucial to their success next season. With options at wide receiver, running back, cornerback, and edge rusher, the Saints will have to carefully evaluate the top prospects and determine which player can make the biggest impact on their team.