Saints Eye Top Talent With 8th Overall Pick

New Orleans has multiple options to boost their roster in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:36pm

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The New Orleans Saints hold the 8th overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft after a challenging 6-11 season. Industry consensus points to the Saints targeting edge rushers, wide receivers, or safeties with their first-round selection, with players like David Bailey, Jordyn Tyson, Caleb Downs, and Rueben Bain Jr. frequently projected to the team in mock drafts.

Why it matters

This high draft position provides the Saints an opportunity to acquire an impact player who can contribute immediately, rather than a 'project pick'. The team must decide whether to focus on upgrading their offensive firepower or reinforcing the defense, with both avenues offering elite talent at positions of need.

The details

The Saints' 6-11 record in 2025 earned them the 8th overall pick, though the team finished strong with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough under center. New Orleans has multiple directions they could go, with edge rushers, wide receivers, and safeties seen as the primary targets based on pre-draft projections. Specific players like Texas Tech's David Bailey, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, Ohio State's Caleb Downs, and Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. have been consistently linked to the Saints in mock drafts.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.

The players

Tyler Shough

The Saints' rookie quarterback who helped the team finish strong in 2025.

David Bailey

An edge rusher from Texas Tech projected to be a top target for the Saints with the 8th overall pick.

Jordyn Tyson

A wide receiver from Arizona State considered a potential first-round option for the Saints.

Caleb Downs

A safety from Ohio State who has been frequently mocked to the Saints in the first round.

Rueben Bain Jr.

An edge rusher from Miami who is also seen as a possible target for New Orleans with the 8th pick.

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What they’re saying

“Industry consensus points to a select group of prospects for the 8th selection. With most 'experts' saying New Orleans will target edge rushers, wide receivers, or safeties.”

— Greg Atoms, Author

“The fundamental decision centers on upgrading the offensive firepower or reinforcing the defense. Draft strategy will dictate whether the priority is giving Shough another weapon, or applying pressure to opposing offenses.”

— Greg Atoms, Author

What’s next

The Saints will make their selection with the 8th overall pick during the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for late April 2026.

The takeaway

The Saints' high draft position provides them an opportunity to add an immediate impact player to their roster, whether that's an elite pass rusher, a dynamic wide receiver, or a ball-hawking safety. Their decision will shape the direction of the team's offseason as they look to bounce back from a challenging 2025 campaign.