Saints Weigh Offensive vs. Defensive Options in 2026 NFL Draft

New Orleans has flexibility at No. 8 overall after free agency moves

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:36pm

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The New Orleans Saints have several options with the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after addressing some needs in free agency. They could target a wide receiver like Carnell Tate or Makai Lemon to further support young quarterback Tyler Shough, or they could look to bolster their defense with an edge rusher like Rueben Bain Jr. or a cornerback like Mansoor Delane. The Saints have the flexibility to go in different directions with their first-round pick.

Why it matters

The Saints' offseason moves have given them options with the 8th overall pick, as they look to continue building around Shough while also addressing defensive needs. Their decision will signal the team's priorities heading into the 2026 season.

The details

The Saints have made some key free agent additions, signing tight end Noah Fant and re-signing linebacker Kaden Elliss. These moves have given them more flexibility with the 8th overall pick, as they no longer have to force a pick to address a specific need. Wide receivers Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon have been projected to the Saints, as they would provide another weapon for Shough. On the defensive side, edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and cornerback Mansoor Delane have also been linked to New Orleans, as they look to improve their pass rush and secondary.

  • The Saints hold the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Tyler Shough

The Saints' young quarterback who they are looking to build around.

Noah Fant

Tight end signed by the Saints in free agency to provide more offensive support.

Kaden Elliss

Linebacker re-signed by the Saints to bolster their defense.

Carnell Tate

Wide receiver prospect from Ohio State who has been linked to the Saints in mock drafts.

Makai Lemon

Wide receiver prospect from USC who has also been projected to the Saints in post-free agency mock drafts.

Rueben Bain Jr.

Edge rusher prospect from Miami who could help improve the Saints' pass rush.

Mansoor Delane

Cornerback prospect from LSU who could bolster the Saints' secondary.

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What they’re saying

“Although concerns about Bain's arm length are acknowledged, they are not viewed as disqualifying factors, and Renner believes pairing Bain with Chase Young could provide the Saints with a much younger and more formidable edge rush without waiting for urgency to dictate the need.”

— Mike Renner, CBS Sports

“He also emphasizes that Delane is a local talent who could improve the secondary immediately, adding a regional context to the pick without making it the sole focus.”

— Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports

What’s next

The Saints will make their selection with the 8th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 24th.

The takeaway

The Saints have flexibility with the 8th overall pick, as they can choose to further bolster their offense around Tyler Shough or address defensive needs in the secondary and pass rush. Their decision will be closely watched as an indicator of the team's priorities heading into the 2026 season.