3 final predictions for the New Orleans Saints with the 2026 NFL Draft now just days away
The New Orleans Saints have their plan ready. Will it involve surprises during the 2026 NFL Draft? head coach Kellen Moore saw his team improve over the course of the 2025 season, but now, there’s pressure to continue that development and create a strong long-term roster.
With the 2026 NFL Draft just a couple of days away at this point, it is worth taking a look at some final predictions for the New Orleans Saints.
I have revealed three predictions for the Saints’ draft plan under head coach Kellen Moore. It’s a blend of trends from the past, coupled with reports of their interest in certain players and positions over the past few months.
Saints pick a wide receiver in one of their first two picks
Between picks 8 and 42, I would be incredibly surprised if the Saints do not address their glaring need at wide receiver. With the eighth pick, Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson seem to be firmly in contention, depending on if both or either make it there.
If they go in a different direction at eight, possibly defensive back or pass rusher, it feels like New Orleans will go WR at 42nd overall. Chris Bell, Denzel Boston, Ted Hurst, among others are names mentioned around that range as the draft nears.
Kellen Moore adds offensive line depth on day three
The Saints have had visits with multiple offensive linemen, particularly on the interior, expected to go sometime on day three. After signing guard David Edwards, the roster issue at the position is not nearly as dire.
That being said, both Cesar Ruiz and Erik McCoy have dealt with injuries in recent seasons. New Orleans cannot lack interior OL depth again, so using at least one pick to improve it must happen. Wouldn’t surprise me if Moore actually takes a couple of later swings along the offensive line unit, either.
New Orleans improves kicking game with pick or UDFA signing
Charlie Smyth showed some exciting signs of a long-term NFL future last season. He proved he’s got the long distance leg to help bail out the offense with a few points if a drive ends shortly after getting onto the opponent’s side of the field.
At the same time, New Orleans has valued kicking competition in camp. That is actually how Smyth stuck with the Saints last season, with Blake Grupe as the incumbent starter. Grupe’s early struggles ushered in opportunities for Smyth, and he impressed plenty.
Regardless, adding another young kicker feels like an annual occurrence in some capacity for the Saints. That should continue in 2026.
