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PFF Mock Draft Makes Surprisingly Bold Pick for Saints at No. 8
The New Orleans Saints have the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and a recent mock draft has them taking an unexpected edge rusher.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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The New Orleans Saints have the No. 8 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and a recent Pro Football Focus mock draft has them taking Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell, which is seen as a surprising and potentially risky pick for the Saints at that spot.
Why it matters
The Saints have needs at edge rusher with pending free agents Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis, but Howell is currently projected to be selected later in the first round, so taking him at No. 8 would be considered a reach. The Saints could look to address other positions of need like running back or wide receiver with that high draft pick.
The details
Pro Football Focus' Gordon McGuinness projected the Saints to select Cashius Howell, the edge rusher from Texas A&M, with the No. 8 overall pick. Howell had a strong 2025 season, earning a 90.3 PFF overall grade and a 19.9% pass-rush win rate. However, ESPN currently ranks Howell as the 26th overall prospect and 5th-best edge rusher in the class, suggesting he may be available later in the first round.
- The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April 2026.
The players
Cashius Howell
A defensive end from Texas A&M who is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Cameron Jordan
A veteran defensive end for the New Orleans Saints who is set to become a free agent.
Demario Davis
A veteran linebacker for the New Orleans Saints who is set to become a free agent.
Chase Young
A defensive end for the New Orleans Saints.
Carl Granderson
A defensive end for the New Orleans Saints.
What they’re saying
“No. 8. New Orleans Saints: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M. The Saints could go in several directions here, but Howell makes sense because of the class' drop-off at edge defender after him. He earned a 90.3 PFF overall grade and produced a 19.9 percent PFF pass-rush win rate in 2025, and he could form a formidable duo with Chase Young in New Orleans.”
— Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus Analyst (Pro Football Focus)
What’s next
The Saints will have to weigh the value of Cashius Howell against their other needs in the draft, such as running back and wide receiver, as they determine who to select with the No. 8 overall pick.
The takeaway
While Cashius Howell had a strong 2025 season at Texas A&M, taking him at No. 8 overall may be considered a reach by the Saints given his current draft projection. The Saints will need to carefully evaluate their options to determine the best use of their first-round pick to address their roster needs.
