Is drafting a top receiver at No. 8 a predictable move for the Saints, or will they find a game-changing playmaker?
The drumbeat is getting louder and louder. The New Orleans Saints seem more and more likely to draft a wide receiver early, in the second round of the NFL draft if not the first.
The Saints have made moves at other positions of need. New Orleans brought back Kaden Elliss to play linebacker after a stint with the Atlanta Falcons. They also brought in a 1,000-yard rusher from the Jacksonville Jaguars in Travis Etienne in addition to other signings. Even so, they have been suspiciously quiet at addressing the wide receiver position behind Chris Olave.
One writer believes that a wide receiver seems like the logical pick for the Saints at No. 8. Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox suggests that New Orleans is the "best fit" for Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Knox wrote the following of Tyson and the Saints.
"On paper and on film, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson is the most complete receiver in the 2026 draft class. He possesses an archetypal 6'2", 203-pound frame, great game speed, and a pro-ready skill set.
Tyson, when healthy, should be a quarterback-friendly, No. 1-type target.
'Tyson thrives at attacking angles and leverage. His routes are run with the intent to step on the defensive back's toes quickly," Dame Parson of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "His lateral agility and footwork are great in setting up defensive backs in off coverage at the apex of his route.'"
Carolina Panthers cornerback Mike Jackson (2) tackles New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele (14) during the second quarter at Caesars Superdome. Matthew Hinton-Imagn ImagesThe Saints do have some quality players in place at receiver behind Olave. Devaughn Vele was a positive surprise relative to where he was drafted a couple of seasons ago. That said, he has proven to be a solid third or fourth receiver option after a breakout season with the Denver Broncos and another good year with the Saints in 2025. He has yet to prove to be the best option as a No. 2 receiver.
Perhaps the Saints believe Ja'Lynn Polk will step into that type of role after signing him from the Patriots. Still, he is not a clear No. 2 option for the team either.
New Orleans could go with another receiver at No. 8. They could target USC's Biletnikoff winner, Makai Lemon, or Ohio State's Carnell Tate should he fall to the No. 8 pick. It's possible a late-first round graded receiver could fall to the Saints in the second round. However, the smart decision for the franchise seems to be adding another impact pass catcher in the draft.