Failing to draft a cornerback could leave the Saints' pass defense vulnerable and jeopardize their entire 2026 season.
Free agency is still ongoing, but because it is in the slow, later stages, the remaining free agents available are not the best. There is still some talent, but teams are now focusing on the NFL Draft to find rookies to address any remaining roster needs. In the New Orleans Saints' case, this is exactly what they need to do as well.
Right now, the Saints' top needs are WR, EDGE, and CB. With the #8 overall selection, New Orleans should be able to attack one of these positions of need, but the one that could be forgotten about in the rest of the draft, if not addressed, is CB. The loss of Alontae Taylor will not impact the outside corner group, and once again in 2026, the Saints are likely to go with Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley, which is perfectly fine. Both players have the potential to be great starters in the NFL, and a full offseason with Brandon Staley's scheme should help with their development, but betting on that is scary.
Last season, the Saints' pass defense was not great, but it was the first year with Staley, so that is understandable. The CBs had to learn a new scheme, and Riley was a rookie, but 2026 has to be different. Both players need to play better. The issue is that relying on that growth could be a major mistake. There is nowhere near a gaurentee that McKinstry and/or Riley will improve in 2026, and because the Saints are missing a third CB option, an outcome of these CBs still struggling could derail the season.
To make sure that does not happen, the Saints need to invest in CB once again. The slot spot has been the focus of many, but one of the Saints' many safeties could fill that role. Getting a CB there would add some flexibility and be a good depth option to fill in at outside corner if needed, but just getting a rookie, like last year with Riley, who can be that third outside corner that steps in when needed, would be a smart decision.
The Saints do not need to invest high draft capital to make this happen. Using one of the day 3 picks as a bit of a dart throw in the CB room could go a long way for the roster, but coming away from this draft without any picks used on a CB could be a major mistake. The only way not selecting one would be a fine outcome is if the Saints sign a starting veteran CB in free agency post-draft. If that also doesn't happen, you should be worried about the pass defense.