The 2026 NFL Draft will be a vital night for the New Orleans Saints’ rebuild, and if they can do anything like the 2025 draft class, starters will be found in every round. Still, if New Orleans can secure a top pick in the draft, adding more top-end talent to the roster will accelerate the rebuild.
With New Orleans’ struggles this season, the team has a 2-8 record, and the focus is now on the Draft. Due to their win on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, the Saints are now out of the top pick, so what are the chances they get it back?
Odds of the Saints Getting the 2026 No. 1 Draft Pick
Per PFSN’s Playoff Predictor, which also shows the odds for the No. 1 pick, the Saints have a 16.30% chance to get that top pick. This puts New Orleans second in those odds, right behind the Tennessee Titans (28.30%), who currently have the top spot. The Cleveland Browns (11.70%) are behind the Saints.
Besides being able to pick the top player in the Draft, getting the No. 1 pick would be excellent for the Saints. QB Tyler Shough is showing great promise in his two starts so far this season, and if he can continue to develop, he may become the starter next season, making the QB position less of a focus in the Draft.
This would allow the Saints to listen to the offers from QB-needy teams for the top pick and could set up a perfect trade-back scenario. In addition, if the Saints have the top pick, they also prevent the Titans from selecting the player New Orleans wants.
Let’s say the QB is not a need for the Saints; they will join the Titans in the same scenario, so having a pick before them can secure New Orleans whoever they want.
Factor That Could Shatter New Orleans’ No. 1 Pick Dream
Now, the issue is the Saints’ remaining schedule. Additionally, according to the PFSN’s Playoff Predictor, New Orleans has the easiest remaining schedule in the league, and if Shough continues playing well, wins are in the team’s future.
This would easily knock the Saints out of the top pick, and possibly, even the top 5-10. Again, if this coaching staff and front office can replicate their performance from the 2025 draft in 2026, it won’t matter as much if the Saints have the top pick.