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NEW ORLEANS SAINTS — 2026 NFL DRAFT PREDICTION
(Draft is April 23-25 in Pittsburgh)
Their picks: 8, 42, 73, 132 (from SEA), 136 (comp), 150, 172 (from SEA), 190
Key FA context first:
The Saints signed Travis Etienne Jr., Noah Fant, David Edwards (G), Kaden Elliss (LB), and punter Ryan Wright this offseason. (National Today) Etienne takes RB off the board. Demario Davis departed for the Jets, leaving a leadership hole at linebacker (ESPN) , and Cameron Jordan hit free agency, which is a major need at edge rusher. (AtozSports)
Round 1 — Pick 8: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
The biggest debate is WR vs. EDGE. Wide receiver was the most frequently mocked position to the Saints in the first round (New Orleans Saints) , and with 51 receptions for 875 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2025, Tate has emerged as a top-3 WR prospect. (NFL Mocks) He projects as a perfect WR2 behind Chris Olave, as both are former Ohio State products. (NFL Mocks) With Etienne signed, they can afford to go receiver here instead of RB.
Round 2 — Pick 42: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
The Cameron Jordan replacement. Bain is described as one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the class, winning with explosive first-step quickness and natural leverage, with relentless energy that consistently collapses the pocket. (neworleanssaints) He's a great value at 42 if he slips past round 1.
Round 3 — Pick 73: Gabe Jacas, EDGE/OLB, Illinois
The Saints double-dip at pass rusher. Jacas can win with a mix of power and speed, isn't one-dimensional, and can attack tackles — his floor is not that of a designated pass rusher only. (Canal Street Chronicles) More EDGE depth behind Chase Young is a real need.
Round 4 — Pick 132 (from SEA): Ar'maj Reed-Adams, OG
Reed-Adams projects as a right guard who could develop alongside newly signed David Edwards (Louisiana Sports) , giving the Saints depth and competition along the interior line to protect Tyler Shough.
Round 4 — Pick 136 (comp): Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor
Cameron is an extremely smart receiver with strong hands on contested catches and is a threat all over the field — exactly what the Saints need as a partner for Olave. (Canal Street Chronicles)
Round 5 — Pick 150: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE
Lawrence has been consistently ascending throughout the draft process and could be a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley's system as a stand-up pass rusher that wins with speed, agility, and polish. (Louisiana Sports) Third EDGE in the draft — they need the depth badly.
Round 5 — Pick 172 (from SEA): Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Even with Etienne and Kamara on the roster, Kamara is aging. Allen is a physical short-yardage runner who lives for contact and would be a great complementary back and future depth piece. (Louisiana Sports)
Round 6 — Pick 190: Sam Roush, TE
Roush would slot in as TE2 immediately, offering Tyler Shough a safe option as a chain-mover who is very hard to bring down after the catch. (Canal Street Chronicles)
Summary of the haul:
The theme here is "build around Shough." WR1 in round 1, EDGE depth throughout the middle rounds, some OL and skill position depth late. The free agency signings (Etienne, Fant, Edwards) let them avoid desperation in early rounds at RB/TE/OG and focus on the two biggest remaining needs: a true WR2 and an edge rusher to replace Cam Jordan.

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