NFL 2026 Draft Review: New Orleans Saints

Although the New Orleans Saints finished with a 6-11 record last season, the team is brimming with optimism for this season because they won four of their last five games. Plus, they only missed the NFL Playoffs by 2 games because the entire AFC South Division was woeful last year.

Making QB Tyler Shough the starting quarterback halfway during last season worked out for New Orleans because he still ended up throwing for over 2,000 yards. A full season of production this season could put him over 4,000 yards for this season. Plus, the Saints could be marching again with eight new selections in this year's NFL Draft.

Round 1, Pick 8: Jordyn Tyson - WR - Arizona State. 6'2", 203 lbs (61 rec, 711 yds, 11.7 yds/rec, 8 TD, 1 rush TD).

Tyson missed three games due to injury, but he still led the Sun Devils in receiving last season. Tyson will be given every opportunity to be the #2 WR in order to complement Chris Olave. Tyson uses his height well to shield defenders on 50/50 balls. If he adjusts quickly, then he will be catching plenty of touchdowns in the red zone.

Round 2, Pick 10: Christen Miller - DT - Georgia. 6'3", 321 lbs (23 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks).

Miller will definitely see time on the defensive line on running downs. He is able to take on double teams so that other defenders can be freed up to make plays.

Round 3, Pick 9: Oscar Delp - TE - Georgia. 6'5", 245 lbs (20 rec, 261 yds, 13.1 yds/rec, 1 TD).

Delp will be given time to develop as the third TE behind Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant. Taysom Hill decided not to return to New Orleans.

Round 4, Pick 32: Jeremiah Wright - OG - Auburn. 6'5", 331 lbs.

Wright will add depth to the interior of the Saints offensive line.

Round 4, Pick 36: Bryce Lance - WR - North Dakota State. 6'3", 204 lbs (75 rec, 1,071 yds, 17 TD).

Lance has the size in order to compete for playing time, specifically in the red zone. The amount of time that he will play will be dependent upon how quickly he adjusts from football in the FCS.

Round 5, Pick 32: Lorenzo Styles, Jr. - S - Ohio State. 6'0", 194 lbs (30 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 3 pass deflections, 1 kickoff return for TD).

Styles, Jr. adds depth and speed to the secondary after running a 4.27 40 at the NFL Combine. He has the type of speed that will help out at special teams as a returner. He returned two kickoffs for 116 yards with a kickoff return for a touchdown along with 1 punt return for 36 yards.

Round 6, Pick 9: Barion Brown - WR - LSU. 5'11", 177 lbs (53 rec, 532 yds, 10 yds/rec, 1 TD, 33 rush yds, 445 kick ret yds, 29.7 yds/ret, 1 kickoff return for TD).

Brown will compete for the starting returner spot on kickoffs. He could also see some time in the slot on offense.

Round 7, Pick 3: T.J. Hall - CB - Iowa. 6'1", 189 lbs (47 tackles, 1 INT, 10 pass deflections).

Hall could see some time against taller receivers in the red zone.

Overview: The Saints have potentially added players that will help them challenge for the AFC South Division title this season. Tyson could help take the passing game to a higher level this season. Miller will help out in run defense. Brown and Styles, Jr. will make waves on special teams. Grade: B+.