{"id":870562,"date":"2026-04-20T10:54:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T10:54:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/870562\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T10:54:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T10:54:33","slug":"5-hidden-gems-for-the-new-orleans-saints-to-pick-in-the-2026-nfl-draft-who-can-help-them-reclaim-nfc-south","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/870562\/","title":{"rendered":"5 hidden gems for the New Orleans Saints to pick in the 2026 NFL Draft who can help them reclaim NFC South"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New Orleans Saints want to get back into the postseason. Kellen Moore\u2019s team took steps forward in 2025, but the 2026 NFL Draft can be a true launching point for his roster. Who are some under the radar options for their rookie class?<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"\"
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNov 8, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) celebrates after defeating the Kansas Jayhawks at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Value is the name of the game in the NFL Draft. For the New Orleans Saints, they have plenty of needs along both sides of their roster. That being said, they must simply find good football players throughout the three days of selections this week. <\/p>\n

Finding under the radar talent in each round is important for every team, and the Saints have some options throughout the class to accomplish that task. <\/p>\n

5 hidden gems for the Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft<\/p>\n

Round 2: Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona<\/p>\n

This is one of my favorite prospect\/team fits in the class. Stukes can flourish for Brandon Staley\u2019s scheme on defense, and he would step in for Alontae Taylor, who departed in free agency. Stukes\u2019 aggressive nature and coverage ability from the slot should entice the Saints on day two.<\/p>\n

\u201cVersatile defensive back thriving in zone coverage with 4.33-second forty-yard dash and elite 1.50 ten-split. Reads receivers\u2019 leverage well. Can play nickel or safety. Injury history and tape inconsistency concern evaluators.\u201d \u2014 A to Z Sports<\/p>\n

Treydan Stukes
#4 safety\/#1 nickel\/#38 overall (would be #26 without injuries)<\/p>\n

Defensive chess piece with top-tier movement skills & versatility. Injury history hurts his grade, but he\u2019s worth a top 50 pick if the medicals clear.<\/p>\n

\u2013 2,674 career snaps between safety (503), slot\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/lsMrs7aTxu<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) February 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Round 3\/4: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame<\/p>\n

Raridon\u2019s vertical ability is arguably the best in this entire draft class. He is a smooth mover with the ball in his hands and can make a receiving impact as a rookie in the NFL. He\u2019s been one of the quickest risers on offense in this class for a reason. <\/p>\n

Round 3\/4: De\u2019Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss<\/p>\n

The Saints need more size at wide receiver, and Stribling provides that larger frame they should be on the lookout for in this draft. If New Orleans doesn\u2019t attack WR early, Stribling is a seamless fit behind Chris Olave and will be versatile in Kellen Moore\u2019s scheme. <\/p>\n

\u201cSmooth route runner with elite hands (1.7% drop rate) at 6\u20192\u2033, 207 lbs. 4.37-second forty-yard dash speed. Can play X or slot, but marginal explosiveness limits deep-ball ceiling. Comparable to Michael Gallup.\u201d \u2014 A to Z Sports<\/p>\n

Round 5\/6: Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M<\/p>\n

Nose tackle is an underrated need for New Orleans. Regis is powerful and uses his size to his advantage in the run game. Sometime on day three, the Saints could get a future starter at his position in the Aggies product. <\/p>\n

\u201cHigh-motor nose tackle with 4.88-second forty-yard dash and strong gap integrity. Limited pass-rush upside and lacks ideal frame at 6\u20193\u2033. Projects as space-eater in even-front schemes, not interior disruptor.\u201d \u2014 A to Z Sports<\/p>\n

Round 6\/7: Adam Randall, RB, Clemson<\/p>\n

Randall has good hands for a running back and plays a powerful game. The Saints have valued that sort of profile in a backup RB, and he meshes nicely in a backfield that includes Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara as of now. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe overall profile here is a developmental backup running back with a clear role as a short-yardage and goal-line weapon who also contributes on special teams. There is enough physical talent to justify investment, and the character and work ethic suggest he will maximize whatever opportunity he gets. But the late position switch, the limited tape at running back, and the real technical deficiencies in both pass protection and route-running precision cap his upside. Randall is a useful football player, not a difference-maker. At his best, he could carve out a long career as a valued number-two back in the right offense.\u201d \u2014 NFL Draft Buzz<\/a><\/p>\n

Who are your hidden gems for the Saints in this year\u2019s draft class? Let us know via social media!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\"\"\t\t<\/p>\n

New Orleans Saints News<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t2026 NFL Draft prospects with surprising New Orleans Saints connections you probably didn\u2019t know they had\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

The 2026 NFL Draft is filled with players who have local ties to the New Orleans area, but there are also several prospects who have unique ties to the Saints organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n