An analyst blasts a surprising first-round defensive pick for the Saints, questioning the strategy amidst better offensive options available.
Mock draft season is in full swing in NFL media circles. The mock draft selections are not disappointing, at least in entertainment value.
One NFL analyst is disappointed in a New Orleans Saints prediction, though. John Sigler of Saints Wire strongly disagreed with the one pick made by Pro Football Focus. He reacted to the notion that the Saints might pick Cashius Howell in the first round.
"Frankly, there are other players available here who could do more to help the Saints in 2026. It's a shame they missed out on wide receiver Carnell Tate (the sixth pick) running back Jeremiyah Love (No. 7) but USC wide receiver Makai Lemon (No. 9) would give them another weapon who can win on contested catches. Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson (No. 11) would be a target, too. It's tough to believe the Saints would reach on Howell with those players available.
But this was a three-round mock draft, and McGuinness won us over with his second pick for the Saints. He had them double-dipping at Texas A&M by picking offensive lineman Chase Bisontis at 42nd overall. The two-year starter at left guard is arguably the best pass protector in the draft regardless of position. He would immediately start for the Saints between Kelvin Banks Jr. and Erik McCoy. His run blocking isn't as strong as his pass protection but if he can help keep Tyler Shough clean, we'll take it."
Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (10) is tackled by Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) during the second half of the first round game of the CFP National Playoff at Kyle Field. Jerome Miron-Imagn ImagesSurprisingly, Pro Football Focus' Gordon McGuinness has the Saints drafting back-to-back Texas A&M players. While both Bisontis and Howell are both talented players, going with the same school for consecutive picks would be a rarity.
Despite Howell's eye-opening 15.5 sack total over two seasons at Texas A&M, we haven't seen Howell being drafted in the Top 8 picks all that often. Certainly, we have not seen New Orleans as the team to draft the productive player.
It's possible that the Saints could draft defensive end in the first round. Nevertheless, it might be more likely New Orleans drafts a player like Miami's Rueben Bain Jr. than Howell with the No. 8 pick.
New Orleans is set up for what could be a franchise-changing draft, much like the one that sent Tyler Shough and Kelvin Banks Jr. to the Saints last offseason. They will look to make the right moves in the draft and free agency to secure a strong roster in 2026.