Saints target wide receiver, cornerback, and edge rusher with draft. Key prospects like Chris Bell could boost offense, but value at other positions looms.
The New Orleans Saints are set for an eventful NFL draft. It will be an important one.
New Orleans enters the draft with several needs to fill after being limited in what moves it could make. The limiting factor? The salary cap.
After adding key players at running back, linebacker and tight end, the team still has needs elsewhere. New Orleans Saints insider and ESPN writer Katherine Terrell discussed the Saints' needs heading into the NFL draft. Unsurprisingly, Terrell labeled wide receiver, cornerback and edge rusher as the Saints' top needs.
"The Saints don't have another star wide receiver next to Chris Olave, who will be playing on his fifth-year option. The Saints have a young starting quarterback in Tyler Shough, so it would make sense to surround him with more talent. They already filled multiple needs in free agency, but they did not sign a free agent receiver. Plus, they lost slot cornerback Alontae Taylor to the Titans, opening a void, and could also use another pass rusher since franchise sack leader Cameron Jordan is still a free agent."
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller provided a potential post-first round pick for the team. He made his prediction known ahead of April's 2026 NFL draft.
"Prospect to fill a need outside Round 1: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville. Want to help Shough? Pair him with his former teammate. Bell is recovering from a torn ACL, but his tape shows examples of him running away from coverage after using his size (6-foot-2, 222 pounds) to body defenders and make tough catches."
New Orleans Saints tight end Moliki Matavao (80) runs with the ball after a made catch against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Steve Roberts-Imagn ImagesHow the Saints choose to allocate their draft picks will be interesting. New Orleans could go with wide receiver at No. 8, but depending on who is available some might view it as a reach. Then again, if they opt to target another position, the Saints will need to settle for a less known receiver in the second round or beyond barring a trade up to find another talented player.
Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain is an interesting option for the team as is Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. Styles' position flexibility could make him a valuable asset. The Saints will have to weigh their potential upside against the possibility of losing out on their top pick at wide receiver. Then there's the cornerback need that they will need to fill, but might not find great value for in the first round.
It will be a pivotal draft for the Saints, but an exciting one. They will look to make the right selections in April.