With the 2026 NFL Draft months away, a lot can change during that time, but some insight can still be made. Examining every direction for the New Orleans Saints reveals some ways in which they can win the draft.
Draft Arvell Reese, Even if a Trade-Up Needs To Happen
This is probably the simplest avenue the Saints can take, but it needs to be said. According to the current draft positions per PFSN’s Playoff Predictor, New Orleans is projected to select second overall. If this remains true, there is a chance the Tennessee Titans will select Arvell Reese at #1; however, if they don’t or trade back, Reese is the must-draft player for the Saints.
His fit in DC Brandon Staley’s scheme is perfect, and the Saints need an edge rusher to put opposite of Chase Young. In addition, Reese is arguably the best player in the draft and would legitimately transform the Saints’ defense.
Now, if New Orleans does win more games, their draft position will fall back a bit, and Reese may be out of reach. Although the idea is fear-inducing due to the team’s trade-up history, the Saints would need to consider a move up, unless it includes a future first-round pick.
Trade Back With a QB-Needy Team
In the scenario where the Titans select Reese at #1, it would be a prime opportunity for the Saints to trade back with a team that needs a quarterback. Again, New Orleans’ draft position could change, but as of now, being at #2 is an excellent scenario.
The New York Jets have a war chest of picks ready to be used, and they are hungry for a franchise QB. Fernando Mendoza, who is ranked first in PFSN’s CFB QB Impact Metric, is the top signal caller in the draft.
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This would then give the Saints either two first-round picks in 2026 or one first-round pick in 2026 and one in the 2027 class, which is expected to be loaded.
No Trading Up
The Saints not trading up is somewhat contradictory in light of the Reese scenario, where it could happen, but that is a special case. If that does not happen, New Orleans needs to stick and pick wherever they select, even if they get knocked out of the top 5.
This draft class is overall weaker, but for the Saints, it’s actually filled with positions they need. Therefore, staying at each pick and targeting positions of need throughout the roster will be a better approach.