That's a tough decision for the Saints.
While the mock draft community has decided to help Tyler Shough and Kellen Moore by selecting a receiver with the eighth overall pick, could landing the consensus number one safety be the better move?
That's the scenario explored by Bleacher Report and their scouting department in their latest three-round mock draft.
8. New Orleans Saints: S, Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Daniel Harms breaks down the pick and why it can help more than a receiver.
The New Orleans Saints already have two veteran safeties in place with Justin Reid and Julian Blackmon, along with Jonas Sanker, who impressed as a rookie.
However, Caleb Downs is a different caliber of talent, as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2026 class, according to the B/R Scouting Department.
"The Saints believe Tyler Shough can be their future at quarterback, while landing the best player in the draft to quarterback the defense can provide another major building block," Harms said. "Downs can play everywhere in the defensive backfield, giving coordinator Brandon Staley a high football IQ safety to pair with Reid and Sanker, and presenting the skill set to kick over the slot to cover, blitz and create havoc. The continued improvement of the roster gives head coach Kellen Moore and his staff the best opportunity to truly evaluate their setup. It never hurts to add a top talent, like Downs."
42. New Orleans Saints: WR Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
The second pick is where the Saints end up with more firepower for their passing offense by selecting the Tennessee wide receiver.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compares Brazzell II to Christian Watson (let's hope not, health-wise).
"Long-limbed “Z” receiver with the ability to create downfield for an offense thirsty to make more explosive plays outside. Brazzell’s 2025 tape shows the game slowing down for him, allowing the production to catch up with the traits. He builds to speed with long strides and dominates above the rim. He’s adept at using length and body control to capture air space against cornerbacks. He’s a more competent route runner than most field-stretcher types, but he needs to become more physical on contested targets underneath. Brazzell didn’t see many in-your-face press challenges this past season, but he’s likely to get an early taste of it as a pro. Two-high shells and zone-heavy looks can shrink his snap-to-snap impact, but the quick-strike potential is real."
73. New Orleans Saints: CB Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina
Adding Kilgore to replace Alontae Taylor is the ideal finish to the first three rounds for New Orleans. Zierlein is impressed with Kilgore's ability to play the "star" role in the secondary.
"Kilgore is a big, long defensive back with nickelback or down safety value depending on scheme fit. He's played an overhang "Star" role, covering slot receivers and supporting the run, but he’ll be at his best in the pros covering tight ends and containing run games near the box. He could see split-field safety snaps if a staff trusts him on the back end, but he will be better off paired with a rangy single-high safety. Missed tackles need to be cleaned up but his wingspan, agility and play strength should keep his tackle totals high from year to year. Kilgore has the traits, ball production and versatility to counter the burgeoning tight end craze, making him a likely Day 2 pick with early starting potential."