Who Dat Nation craves explosive playmakers and defensive disruptors. Will Tate ignite the offense or Bain Jr. anchor the trenches with pick No. 8?
We are hours away from fan chaos and selections of the 2026 NFL Draft set to kick off Thursday, April 23, in Pittsburgh. The atmosphere in New Orleans is a familiar mix of anxious hope and strategic debate. Holding the No. 8 overall pick, the Saints find themselves in a prime position to inject blue-chip talent into a roster that is balancing a veteran core with an emerging young identity.
Scanning the fan forums and local talk radio, the "Who Dat Nation" seems to have reached a consensus on the team’s biggest needs: explosive playmakers for the offense and a revitalized pass rush.
Round 1 (Pick 8): The Need for an "X" Factor
The overwhelming favorite among fans and mock drafts alike is Carnell Tate, the standout wide receiver from Ohio State. The logic is simple: pairing Tate with fellow Buckeye Chris Olave would give the Saints one of the most technical and dangerous receiving duos in the league.
However, there is a vocal segment of the fanbase clamoring for defensive reinforcements. If the Saints decide to bolster the trenches, Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. is the name on everyone’s lips. Fans remember the dominance of the 2006 draft class, and the idea of landing a cornerstone defensive end at No. 8 feels like a "best player available" move that New Orleans rarely passes up.
Round 2 (Pick 42): Secondary or Edge?
As we move into Friday's selections, the Who Dat Nation is eyeing the secondary. With rumors circulating about potential shifts in the defensive backfield, Mansoor Delane (LSU) is a popular local favorite. Keeping "Louisiana's own" in the state is always a hit with the fans, and Delane’s versatility fits the aggressive scheme New Orleans loves to run.
If the Saints go receiver in the first, expect them to target an edge rusher like David Bailey from Texas Tech here. He’s been a frequent flyer in Saints mock drafts over the last month, and fans are eager for a high-motor disruptor who can take the pressure off the interior.
Round 3 (Pick 73): Finding the Hidden Gem
By the third round, fans are looking for specific role players. A name gaining significant steam is Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt. Coming off a massive 2025 season where he led the FBS in receiving touchdowns, Sarratt is viewed as a "back-shoulder demon" who could provide a massive red-zone target for the offense.
Alternatively, some fans are calling for a linebacker to eventually succeed Demario Davis. While Danny Stutsman was added last year, a player like Kyle Rodriguez—a tackling machine out of Texas Tech—is seen as the kind of high-IQ defender who could learn the ropes under the Saints' veteran leadership.
The Expectations
The Who Dat Nation is ready for a splash. Whether it’s the offensive fireworks of Carnell Tate or the defensive grit of Rueben Bain Jr., the expectation for Thursday night is clear that the WhoDat Nation wants to a game-changer selected.