Kicking off with Saints Draft Picks 2026, New Orleans looks to strengthen its roster with a potentially game-changing class of players. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, the Saints must navigate a complex landscape of college talent, team needs, and potential trades.
From evaluating college performance and pro potential to analyzing draft picks by position, we’ll break down the Saints’ strategy and provide insight into what to expect from this year’s draft class.
Review of Saints 2026 Draft Picks Roster Moves and Potential Trades: Saints Draft Picks 2026
The New Orleans Saints are gearing up for the 2026 NFL season, and with it comes the anticipation of strategic roster moves and potential trades to bolster their team. As the draft approaches, speculation and analysis will be rampant regarding what direction the Saints will take with their picks. In this review, we will delve into the Saints’ 2026 draft picks roster moves and potential trades, examining the possible reasons behind these decisions and their implications for future seasons.
Potential Trades to Strengthen the Offense
The Saints’ offense has shown promise in recent seasons, but there is still room for improvement. Here are five potential trades that the Saints may engage in during the 2026 draft to strengthen their offense:
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Trade 1: Send a 2nd-round pick and WR Michael Thomas to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling and a 4th-round pick.
This trade would provide the Saints with a proven wide receiver in Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who averaged 17.3 yards per reception in 2025. The addition of Valdes-Scantling would create a formidable receiving corps with WR Chris Olave and WR Michael Thomas, who would be returning from injury. -
Trade 2: Acquire a 1st-round pick and TE T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions in exchange for QB Jameis Winston, a 3rd-round pick, and a 2027 2nd-round pick.
The Saints would be swapping a struggling quarterback for a talented tight end, who averaged 63.8 receiving yards per game in 2025. This trade would strengthen the Saints’ passing attack and provide a security blanket for QB Taysom Hill. -
Trade 3: Send CB Marshon Lattimore, a 5th-round pick, and a 2027 6th-round pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for WR Jerry Jeudy and a 2nd-round pick.
This trade would add a dynamic wide receiver in Jerry Jeudy, who averaged 13.9 yards per reception in 2025. The Saints would be sacrificing a solid cornerback in Marshon Lattimore but would gain a high-ceiling receiver to bolster their passing attack. -
Trade 4: Acquire a 2nd-round pick, a 3rd-round pick, and DT Michael Pierce from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for DE Marcus Davenport, a 2027 5th-round pick, and a 2028 5th-round pick.
The Saints would be strengthening their defensive line by acquiring a talented defensive tackle in Michael Pierce. This trade would be a cost-saving measure for the Saints while bolstering their run defense and interior pressure. -
Trade 5: Send TE Juwan Johnson, a 6th-round pick, and a 2027 7th-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for WR Breshad Perriman and a 3rd-round pick.
This trade would provide the Saints with a speedy wide receiver in Breshad Perriman, who averaged 12.2 yards per reception in 2025. The Saints would be sacrificing a solid tight end in Juwan Johnson but would gain a high-ceiling receiver to bolster their passing attack.
Potential Trades to Strengthen the Defense
The Saints’ defense has been a strength in recent seasons, but there may be room for improvement. Here are five potential trades that the Saints may engage in during the 2026 draft to strengthen their defense:
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Trade 1: Send S Malcolm Jenkins to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for S Derwin James and a 4th-round pick.
This trade would provide the Saints with a dominant safety in Derwin James, who averaged 9.3 tackles per game in 2025. The addition of James would solidify the Saints’ secondary and provide a shutdown safety in the slot. -
Trade 2: Acquire a 1st-round pick and LB Nick Vigil from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for LB Kwon Alexander and a 3rd-round pick.
The Saints would be swapping a struggling linebacker for a talented one in Nick Vigil, who averaged 7.5 tackles per game in 2025. This trade would strengthen the Saints’ linebacker corps and provide a physical presence in the middle of the field. -
Trade 3: Send CB Patrick Robinson to the New England Patriots in exchange for CB Stephon Gilmore and a 5th-round pick.
This trade would provide the Saints with a shutdown cornerback in Stephon Gilmore, who averaged 1.4 interceptions per game in 2025. The addition of Gilmore would solidify the Saints’ secondary and provide a physical presence in the slot. -
Trade 4: Send DE Cameron Jordan to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for DE DeMarcus Lawrence and a 3rd-round pick.
This trade would provide the Saints with a dominant defensive end in DeMarcus Lawrence, who averaged 8.5 sacks per season from 2016-2025. The addition of Lawrence would strengthen the Saints’ pass rush and provide a physical presence on the edge. -
Trade 5: Send LB Pete Werner to the Houston Texans in exchange for LB Benardrick McKinney and a 5th-round pick.
This trade would provide the Saints with a physical linebacker in Benardick McKinney, who averaged 8.1 tackles per game in 2025. The addition of McKinney would strengthen the Saints’ linebacker corps and provide a physical presence in the middle of the field.
Breaking Down Saints Draft Picks by Position
The Saints’ draft picks can be analyzed by position to determine their strategic approach and potential strengths. By examining the distribution of picks across offense, defense, and special teams, we can gain insights into the team’s priorities and expectations for the upcoming season.
Offense Draft Picks
The Saints’ offense draft picks are crucial for enhancing their passing and running game. Here’s a breakdown of the picks made for offense:
| Position | Round | Pick Number | Player Name |
|———–|——-|————-|————–|
| QB | 2nd | 37th | Michael |
| WR | 1st | 15th | Samuel |
| WR | 4th | 120th | Thompson |
| RB | 3rd | 83rd | Davis |
| OL | 1st | 5th | Johnson |
Successful player placements by position can be seen in the past:
– Michael Thomas (WR) has been a game-changer for the Saints, setting multiple franchise records for receptions.
– Drew Brees, a QB, led the Saints to numerous victories and holds multiple records, including the completion percentage record.
Defense Draft Picks
The Saints’ defense draft picks aim to strengthen their pass rush and secondary. Here’s a breakdown of the picks made for defense:
| Position | Round | Pick Number | Player Name |
|———–|——-|————-|————–|
| DT | 3rd | 82nd | Walker |
| DE | 1st | 19th | Robinson |
| LB | 2nd | 44th | Brown |
| CB | 4th | 110th | Martin |
| S | 5th | 145th | Harris |
In the past, player placements by position have made significant impacts:
– Junior Galette, a DE, contributed significantly to the Saints’ pass rush in the 2010s.
– Safety Marcus Williams has been a crucial part of the Saints’ secondary.
Special Teams Draft Picks
The Saints’ special teams draft picks look to enhance their punting, kick return, and coverage units. Here’s a breakdown of the picks made for special teams:
| Position | Round | Pick Number | Player Name |
|———–|——-|————-|————–|
| P | 5th | 141st | Wilson |
| K | 6th | 181st | Lee |
| KR | 7th | 221st | Brown |
| PR | 7th | 219th | Thompson |
Player placements by position for special teams have shown their importance in recent years:
– Punter Thomas Morstead has led the Saints to multiple top-tier special teams performances.
– Kick returner Darren Sproles set multiple franchise records for return yards and touchdowns.
Analysing Saints Draft Picks for Value and Depth Against NFL Teams’ Rosters
With the 2026 NFL draft picks complete, the New Orleans Saints have strengthened their roster, but the real task now begins – evaluating the picks for value and depth against the NFL teams’ rosters.
The Saints have made calculated moves, targeting players with the potential to make an immediate impact, as well as building for the future. The question is, how do these picks stack up against the rest of the NFL teams’ rosters?
Comparative Analysis of New Orleans Saints’ Draft Picks
To assess the value and depth of the Saints’ draft picks, we will compare them to the rosters of other NFL teams. We will examine the round, pick number, player name, and expected role for each of the Saints’ draft picks.
| Team | Round | Pick Number | Player Name | Expected Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | 1 | 10 | John Smith (WR) | Starting Wide Receiver |
| New Orleans Saints | 2 | 35 | Jane Doe (LB) | Starting Linebacker |
| New Orleans Saints | 3 | 78 | Jim Brown (DL) | Backup Defensive Lineman |
| New Orleans Saints | 4 | 118 | Jake Davis (CB) | Backup Cornerback |
Implications for the Saints’ Roster
The Saints’ draft picks have filled key voids in their roster, adding depth and competition to the wide receiving and linebacker positions. The presence of John Smith and Jane Doe at the top of their respective positions will undoubtedly strengthen the Saints’ offense and defense.
However, it is essential to note that the Saints’ front office has also made strategic moves to build for the future. The selection of Jim Brown and Jake Davis demonstrates the team’s willingness to invest in young talent, providing depth and flexibility to the roster.
Moreover, the Saints’ draft picks will also contribute to the team’s overall strength, particularly in the context of the NFC South division. With the likes of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons vying for supremacy, the Saints must continue to make savvy roster moves to remain competitive.
The Saints’ draft picks demonstrate a commitment to upgrading their roster and building for the future. While it remains to be seen how these players will perform on the field, one thing is certain: the Saints are positioning themselves for long-term success in the NFL.
Examining Saints Players Who Went Undrafted but Made Significant Contributions in 2026
The 2026 draft class for the New Orleans Saints brought a mix of talented players from various backgrounds, but there are also those who went undrafted, yet made significant contributions to the team. This under-the-radar group is often overlooked, but their determination and skills have earned them a place in the hearts of Saints fans. In this examination, we will delve into the stories of these unsung heroes and uncover what makes them successful despite going undrafted.
Undrafted Players’ Unique Skills
These individuals possess a distinct set of skills that set them apart from their drafted counterparts, making them valuable assets to their respective teams.
One notable example is Running Back Tyrik Turner, who went undrafted in 2026. Turner’s expertise lies in his exceptional elusiveness, agility, and ability to read defenses, allowing him to create holes and explosive plays on the field.
Another example is Wide Receiver Darius Jackson, who also went undrafted. Jackson’s unique combination of size, speed, and route-running skills makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders, allowing him to consistently rack up yards and touchdowns.
Lastly, there’s Linebacker Jaxson Lee, who went undrafted in 2026. Lee’s strength lies in his instincts, athleticism, and tackling skills, which enable him to diagnose and react to plays quickly, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field.
Factors Contributing to their Success
Several factors contribute to the success of undrafted players like Turner, Jackson, and Lee, including their unwavering work ethic, willingness to improve, and adaptability.
These players often come from non-traditional backgrounds, having grown up in humble homes or playing in small-time leagues, yet they’ve consistently demonstrated a strong drive to succeed and outwork their counterparts. They’ve had to earn their place, and their dedication has not gone unnoticed by coaches and teammates alike.
Their ability to adapt and adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL game has also played a significant role in their success. Undrafted players often have a chip on their shoulder, fueling their competitive spirit and motivating them to perform at the highest level.
Scholarships and Training Camp Performance
In many cases, undrafted players receive scholarships or participate in training camps, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills.
During these opportunities, they often demonstrate impressive speed, strength, and agility, which are honed through rigorous workouts and conditioning. They also have the chance to network and build relationships with coaches, scouts, and their peers, ultimately increasing their chances of being signed.
Evaluating Saints 2026 Draft Picks Using Advanced Statistics and Metrics
To effectively evaluate the performance of the Saints’ 2026 draft picks, we can utilize advanced metrics such as Expected Fantasy Points and Dominator Shares. These metrics provide a more comprehensive understanding of a player’s impact on their team’s success.
Expected Fantasy Points, Saints draft picks 2026
Expected Fantasy Points (XFP) is a statistical metric used to predict a player’s fantasy score in any given game. It takes into account various factors, including, but not limited to, the player’s past fantasy production, their role on their team, the strength of their opponents, and the expected game script. By using XFP, we can gain a deeper understanding of a player’s value and potential contribution to their team.
Dominator Shares
Dominator Shares (DS) measures a player’s involvement in their team’s plays, specifically those that result in a gain of 5 yards or more. This metric provides insight into a player’s impact on their team’s offense, allowing us to evaluate their potential as a high-usage player. By analyzing a player’s Dominator Shares, we can determine their capacity to drive their team’s success and make significant contributions to their offense.
Expected Fantasy Points (XFP) = (Expected passing yards) / (Expected passing attempts) + (Expected rushing yards) / (Expected rushing attempts)
This formula illustrates the calculation of expected fantasy points, which can be used to evaluate a player’s projected performance. By applying this formula to the Saints’ 2026 draft picks, we can gain a more accurate understanding of their potential to make significant contributions to their team’s offense.
Advanced Statistics and Metrics for the Saints’ 2026 Draft Picks
By analyzing the Saints’ 2026 draft picks using advanced metrics such as Expected Fantasy Points and Dominator Shares, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their potential performance and value to their team.
Example:
| Player | Expected Fantasy Points | Dominator Shares |
| — | — | — |
| Draft Pick 1 | 12.5 | 25% |
| Draft Pick 2 | 10.2 | 18% |
| Draft Pick 3 | 15.1 | 30% |
In this example, we can see that Draft Pick 1 has the highest expected fantasy points and dominator shares, indicating their potential to make significant contributions to the Saints’ offense. Draft Pick 2 has a lower expected fantasy point total but still has a decent dominator share, suggesting their potential to be a mid-to-high usage player. Draft Pick 3 has the highest dominator share but a lower expected fantasy point total, indicating their potential to be a high-usage player who may not always see a high fantasy point total.
By applying advanced statistics and metrics to the Saints’ 2026 draft picks, we can gain a more accurate understanding of their potential performance and value to their team, ultimately helping to inform our evaluations and decisions.
Creating a Saints 2026 Draft Picks Depth Chart to Visualize Strengths and Weaknesses
To better understand how the Saints 2026 draft picks will fit into the team’s overall strategy and roster, a depth chart is an essential tool. A well-designed depth chart can help visualize the strengths and weaknesses of the team, identify areas of improvement, and make informed decisions about future roster moves. In this section, we will explore the process of creating a Saints 2026 draft picks depth chart.
Designing an Interactive Depth Chart
An interactive depth chart can help visualize the expected roles of draft picks and identify potential areas of competition. To create an interactive depth chart, we will use HTML tables to organize the data and provide a clear visual representation of the team’s roster. The table will include the following columns:
- Position: This column will list the position each draft pick is expected to play.
- Player Name: This column will list the name of each draft pick.
- Expected Role: This column will describe the expected role of each draft pick on the team.
Here’s an example of how to create a depth chart to visualize draft picks’ roles:
| Position | Player Name | Expected Role |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Justin Herbert | Starting Quarterback |
| Running Back | Alvin Kamara | Lead Running Back |
| Wide Receiver | Michael Thomas | Starting Wide Receiver |
| Wide Receiver | Chris Olave | Backup Wide Receiver |
| Tight End | Adam Trautman | Starting Tight End |
This depth chart provides a clear visual representation of the team’s roster and helps to identify potential areas of competition. By using HTML tables and organizing the data in a clear and concise manner, we can create an interactive depth chart that is easy to understand and navigate.
Final Wrap-Up
In conclusion, Saints Draft Picks 2026 hold significant promise for the team’s future success. By understanding the draft process, team needs, and college talent, fans can get excited for what’s to come. Whether it’s a surprise first-round pick or a strategic trade, the 2026 draft will be one to watch for Saints enthusiasts.
Answers to Common Questions
Q: How many draft picks do the Saints have in 2026?
The Saints have a total of 10 draft picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including three first-round picks.
Q: What position do the Saints need to address most?
According to team needs, the Saints require upgrades at cornerback and wide receiver to strengthen their secondary and passing game.
Q: Who are some top college prospects for the Saints to consider?
The Saints may be interested in selecting players like top quarterback prospect, Bryce Young, and dominant defensive end, Will Anderson Jr.
Q: What’s the Saints’ strategy for addressing their roster needs in the 2026 draft?
The Saints are likely to adopt a balanced approach, selecting players who address specific needs and fill gaps in their roster with versatility and athleticism.
