Feb. 16, 2026, 6:55 a.m. CT

2026 provides some major opportunities for the New Orleans Saints that they have not seen since Drew Brees left. The ability to compete for the NFC South title once again is one, with the quarterback and head coach questions being answered for the time being. To do so, though, they will need to put together a masterful offseason plan and figure out how to utilize their resources correctly.

One of the most important components of that is building through the 2026 NFL Draft, as this allows them to bring in young core talent on smaller-scale deals, rather than what they will find in free agency. While free agency is no doubt also important, the draft is about supplementing the already laid-out plans and building through both talent and positions of need.

Predicting how they will go about this is a whole other challenge. PFSN Analyst Alec Elijah utilized their website’s mock draft simulator to play out the entire 2026 draft class. With those picks in, let’s grade each one made by the Saints based on how it would help the team.

Round 1, Pick No. 8: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Carnell Tate is one of the few options being floated around for the Saints in the first round, and he would make for an exceptionally fun pairing with former Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave. Having those two alongside Devaughn Vele, Ja’Lynn Polk, Bub Means, and company would make for a fun young receiving core. Tate brings a ton to the table and is an extremely reliable talent with good size and minimal injury history, which makes him a prime candidate at pick No. 8.

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Grade: A+

Round 2, Pick 42: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Cashius Howell is a player who has been back and forth a bit on draft boards, as his production in the 2025 and 2023 seasons was outstanding, but in other seasons, he was a bit streaky. He has promising pass-rushing traits and somewhat improved run defense, but a 19.4% missed tackle rate in 2023, then around 11-12% the last two seasons, and minimal versatility despite a smaller frame make him a little bit of a question mark. Regardless, Howell is a promising talent whom Brandon Staley may be able to get the best out of.

Grade: B

Round 3, Pick 73: RB Jonah Coleman, Washington

Jonah Coleman is a very fascinating running back prospect, and filling a positional need for New Orleans with this pick is a positive. It is hard to gauge his actual skill set, as he was getting mauled in the backfield in many cases due to a poor Washington offensive line. 562 of his 758 rushing yards in 2025 came after contact, which is a truly mind-boggling amount. He is highly explosive and has some decent versatility as a receiving option, along with pretty sure hands that have not fumbled often over the years.

Grade: B-

Round 4, Pick 132: CB Domani Jackson, Alabama

Domani Jackson is a very fun defensive back prospect who should go between rounds three and five. His production in counting stats does not tell the story of his capabilities whatsoever. In 2025, he was only targeted 21 times in 516 snaps, allowing 16 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. While the sample of plays where he was targeted is low, that indicates a strong ability to mirror wideouts and hold them off the stat sheets. He could be a very interesting cornerback option for the Saints in 2026.

Grade: A-

Round 4, Pick 136: OG Febechi Nwaiwu, Oklahoma

Febechi Nwaiwu being selected this late in a mock draft is rather interesting, as he is versatile, but also extremely dominant at the point of attack. In 2025, he played 845 snaps between both guard spots and center, not allowing a single sack, and only allowing two pressures and one penalty. He is truly a force of nature, and at 6-foot-4, 326 pounds, he has the frame to be a strong NFL interior offensive lineman for years to come.

Grade: A+

Round 5, Pick 148: TE Jack Endries, Texas

Jack Endries is a versatile option for New Orleans to consider, and while his production is not extremely impressive, his ability to play in various spots is fascinating. In 2025, he played 690 offensive snaps, 506 as an in-line, 128 from the slot, 43 out wide, and even 13 from the backfield. With good size at 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds, he could be a decent impact player; it is just a matter of finding the production from him.

Grade: C-

Round 5, Pick 170: OT Diego Pounds, Ole Miss

Drafting an offensive tackle with all the needs the Saints have is a bit of a weird one, but at the end of the day, talent outweighs positional need. Pounds is a very fun offensive lineman; his size at 6-foot-6 and 335 pounds is very positive, and while his run blocking leaves a bit to be desired, his pass protection is near-elite. In 2025, he did not give up a sack and had 16 pressures registered to his name along with two penalties in 1,076 snaps at left tackle. A solid potential backup tackle initially with starting upside, given some time to develop and find his footing in the run game.

Grade: C-

Round 6, Pick 189: WR Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech

Eric Rivers is a true enigma when it comes to pretty much everything so far in his collegiate career. He started as a walk-on defensive back at Memphis in 2021, redshirted in 2022 due to injury, transferred to Florida International, broke out, then looked solid at Georgia Tech in his last season before declaring. 2024 at Florida International was a truly impressive year for Rivers, posting 62 receptions for 1,172 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging 97.7 yards per game. 658 yards and 2 touchdowns with stronger competition in 2025 is also intriguing, so he could be a fun pickup despite a smaller frame.

Grade: B-