The Senior Bowl is underway, and with the Saints' selection history with the event, there are high odds they do the same in 2026.
It's finally Senior Bowl Week, which means it's an excellent time to start looking at some prospects. As many know, the New Orleans Saints have a long history of selecting prospects from the event. Just last year, 5 out of the 9 rookies in the Saints draft class, including QB Tyler Shough, were Senior Bowl participants.
The Saints could easily do this again in 2026.
Looking at the list of players attending the event, the Saints have a lot of options throughout the draft. So, for the three prospects I will talk about, one will be a second-round option, one a third-round option, and one a day-3 option.
Missouri EDGE Zion Young - Round 2
Starting with the early option in the draft, we have one player who fits what the Saints love. EDGE Zion Young is a versatile defensive lineman who can make plays against the pass rush and run defense. At 6-foot-5, he has great arm length and good strength. The speed isn't the best, but it has a bit of burst that can catch QBs by surprise.
On the Saints' defensive line, Young would fit perfectly. His high floor in run defense will have him play a similar role to Carl Granderson, and his pass rush potential could make him even better in that role.
Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez - Round 3
The next Senior Bowl prospect is LB Jacob Rodriguez. At Texas Tech, Rodriguez was one of the best linebackers in the country last season. He used to play QB and other offensive positions, and that shows when he plays linebacker. When he blitzes the QB, good luck to any RB that tries to block him because he looks like a pass rusher at times.
With the Saints, Rodriguez would be an excellent depth piece and maybe a starter in 2026. This depends on whether Demario Davis stays or leaves.
EDGE Gabe Jacas - Day 3
For the day 3 prospect, we are going back to the edge rushers. comparing what Zion Young brings to the table, Jacas is a bit different. He is 6-foot-3, plays with a mix of speed and power, and can play outside linebacker. Jacas has potential, but isn't there yet.
Yes, another EDGE prospect, but it makes sense for the Saints. If they do go with Young early, Jacas is a great compliment to him and brings something the Saints are missing.