The New Orleans Saints are in the middle of another down season, currently sitting at 1-6 and things don’t look to get much easier with upcoming games against Super Bowl contenders Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Rams.
However, a silver lining is that the team will likely secure another high draft pick. With a strong 2026 NFL Draft, the Saints could set the groundwork to return to contention in the next few seasons.
One of the biggest questions heading into the 2026 NFL Draft is whether Spencer Rattler has shown enough for the Saints to skip taking a quarterback in Round 1. While Rattler has performed well, it’s tough to imagine New Orleans passing on a talent like Ty Simpson. He’s the most intelligent quarterback in this class, known for elite accuracy, quick decision-making, and natural leadership.Â
In the second round, the Saints give Ty Simpson a big, physical target in Washington wide receiver Denzel Boston. Boston could step in as an immediate replacement for Rashid Shaheed, who’s set to hit free agency after the season. He would also provide a much-needed red zone threat, something the Saints have been missing with only eight passing touchdowns on the year.
After spending their first two picks on offense, the Saints finally turn their attention to defense. Cornerback has been a major weakness this season, with top corner Kool-Aid McKinstry ranked just 45th in the league according to Pro Football Focus, and the secondary allowing opponents to complete 68% of their passes. Colorado’s DJ McKinney is a big, athletic corner with high upside and the potential to strengthen the Saints’ pass defense.
The Saints’ offensive line has been one of the team’s biggest weaknesses, largely due to the disappointing play of guard Cesar Ruiz. Iowa’s Kade Pieper is an impressive athlete who set program records for offensive guards with a 37-inch vertical jump and a 4.13 short shuttle. He’s also been dominant in pass protection, not allowing a single sack during his college career. Pieper could be a tremendous value pick and an immediate upgrade over Ruiz.
While starter Juwan Johnson is having a solid season, the Saints will need to add depth at tight end with Taysom Hill, Foster Moreau, and Jack Stoll all set to become free agents after the year. Baylor’s Michael Trigg is an athletic tight end with big-play ability in the passing game, averaging 15.5 yards per catch. He’s topped 60 receiving yards in four games this season, including a career-high 155 yards on October 4 against Kansas State.
With their final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Saints take one of the more intriguing late-round prospects in Texas linebacker Trey Moore. What makes Moore stand out is the elite production he showed in 2023 at UTSA, when he set a school record with 14 sacks. While his numbers haven’t reached that level since transferring to Texas, he still shows impressive burst off the edge and a relentless motor that could earn him a role in the Saints’ defensive rotation.