A position of need that should be dealt with, but will it?
One of the most worrying parts of the New Orleans Saints roster going into last training camp was the CB. After moving on from Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore, there were way too many questions with this group, and in the 2025 season, they really didn't make anyone feel comfortable. Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley both made some good plays, but there were way too many low moments that cost the Saints games. Alontae Taylor was the same way, but now, he is no longer on the roster.
So, with Taylor gone, the Saints have McKinstry as CB1, but he has not proven himself in that position yet. Riley would be CB2, and as of now, he is really at the CB3 level, but could grow into that position. Then, the Saints do not have a certified slot CB, but maybe a safety like Jonas Sanker could step in.
The Saints can't go into training camp with this current group, and with the draft coming up, that needs to be an area to find some answers.
Looking at a potential Saints draft plan regarding the CB position, the Saints have options in every round. Starting with the high-level investments, which would be at 8, there are two names: Caleb Downs and Mansoor Delane. Downs would be a safety/slot option that can be moved throughout the defense, and Delane would be automatically CB1.
If the Saints end up going a different direction at 8, or if both of those players are off the board, there are still some great options on day 2. In the second round, Miami CB Kieonte Scott stands out as a potential option for New Orleans. He would be the immediate starting slot, and with his excellent ability to blitz, Brandon Staley will love him on his defense. For the third round pick, it would be Malik Muhammad. In Texas, Muhammad was a premier zone CB, which fits really well in Staley's scheme. Also, Saints Pass Game Coordinator Terry Joseph was his coach at Texas for two seasons.
It's not the end of the world if the Saints don't address the CB position on day 1 or 2, but this would need to happen for the pass defense to be fine in 2026. First, at least one of the day 3 picks should be on a CB. Even better would be one pick on a slot and one on an outside CB. But, if they do only select one, the Saints would have to go out and get a veteran who could start, just in case that player is not ready.