Which direction will the New Orleans Saints take with the No. 8 pick in the first round of the 2026 National Football League Draft?
Arguably, there are three routes New Orleans could/should take. The three are wide receiver, the edge or a cornerback. These are the team’s three biggest weaknesses right now after the first wave of free agency. Now, of course, the franchise could add elsewhere, but if the Saints go in a different direction with the No. 8 pick than any of these three, it would be the wrong move. New Orleans has a chance to add serious talent at No. 8. There will be a few good offensive linemen at the pick, for example, but the Saints’ offensive line is in a good position right now. Enough to not use the No. 8 pick on a lineman.
But, who should the Saints take? New Orleans was tabbed as the “favorite pick” for Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami at No. 8 by ESPN’s Matt Bowen.
“Edge Rueben Bain Jr. to the Saints,” Bowen wrote. “Height: 6-2 | Weight: 263. College: Miami. Where New Orleans could get him: Pick No. 8. There’s a need here to add a pass rusher in New Orleans, as veteran Cameron Jordan is still a free agent. Plus it’s an opportunity for coordinator Brandon Staley to add a potential game-wrecker for his defense.
The Saints would be wise to add Rueben Bain