Saints' plan for Round 1 of 2026 NFL Draft involves two positions originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints are picking at No. 8 overall. With such a high pick, inside the top-10, the player New Orleans takes will be of great interest for the fanbase.
The Saints have some needs to address in the draft, but two positions have taken center stage for the No. 8 overall pick.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Saints have seemingly identified wide receiver and defensive line as the two spots to upgrade with this first-round pick.
"Defensive line is also an option here since the Saints have receivers they like on Day 2, such as De'Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss)," Fowler writes. "A pass rusher is also on the table for New Orleans."
Wide receiver is the obvious need for the Saints, as getting a better number two receiver to pair with Chris Olave is a must this offseason.
They didn't sign one in free agency, so the NFL Draft is the next best option. In the first-round, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, Ohio State's Carnell Tate, and USC's Makai Lemon are options with the No. 8 pick.
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But if the Saints decide to focus on the defensive line with this top-10 pick, they have some interesting options. Defensive tackle isn't likely in play, but edge rushers are very much a possibility.
Texas Tech's David Bailey, Ohio State's Arvell Reese, and Miami's Ruben Bain Jr. are the most likely options for the Saints inside the top-10 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Both the edge rusher and wide receiver pools of players with this No. 8 pick will be strong. As long as at least one of Jeremiyah Love, Sonny Styles, and Caleb Downs goes before pick No. 8, the Saints will be guaranteed to land one of these six players.
It's a good time for the Saints to need edge rusher and wide receiver help, as their options are strong, and they are likely to have their choice of a few options at this pick.
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