Saints Seek Top Receiver in NFL Draft

New Orleans looks to add pass-catching talent to bolster offense

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:42pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player making a catch, with the player's body and the ball broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the dynamic and fragmented nature of the sport.The Saints' search for a top receiver in the draft aims to bolster their passing attack and provide more weapons for veteran quarterback Drew Brees.New Orleans Today

The New Orleans Saints are expected to target a top wide receiver in the upcoming NFL Draft, as the team looks to add more pass-catching talent to complement their existing offensive weapons. Despite solid seasons from Chris Olave and Devaughn Vele, the Saints still have a need at the receiver position that they aim to address through the draft.

Why it matters

The Saints' passing attack struggled at times last season, and adding a dynamic receiver could help unlock the full potential of their offense. With Drew Brees nearing the end of his career, the team is focused on surrounding him with as much talent as possible for one last Super Bowl push.

The details

The Saints have the 18th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and many analysts believe they will use that selection to add a top wide receiver prospect. Names like Jordan Addison, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Quentin Johnston have all been linked to the Saints in mock drafts. The team is looking for a receiver who can stretch the field vertically and create mismatches for opposing defenses.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26.
  • The Saints hold the 18th overall pick in the first round.

The players

Chris Olave

A wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints who had a bounce-back season in 2025 after an injury-plagued 2024 campaign.

Devaughn Vele

A wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints who emerged as a reliable pass-catcher late in the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“We know we need to add more talent at the receiver position. It's a priority for us in this draft.”

— Mickey Loomis, General Manager, New Orleans Saints

What’s next

The Saints will closely evaluate the top receiver prospects leading up to the draft, and they are expected to make a selection at that position with their first-round pick.

The takeaway

The Saints' passing game has room for improvement, and the team is focused on adding a dynamic receiver in the upcoming draft to help take their offense to the next level and support veteran quarterback Drew Brees in his final seasons.