The New Orleans Saints' late-season surge brings them to the 2026 NFL Draft with a chance to build around second-year QB Tyler Shough. New Orleans' defense was a sum-of-its-parts strength last year, and the Saints are well-positioned to add at cornerback ...

The 2026 NFL Draft is expected to have plenty of fireworks. For the NFC South, that begins when the New Orleans Saints go on the clock at pick No. 8.

The New Orleans Saints saw Tyler Shough emerge as their potential franchise quarterback in 2025. They'll build around him in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson stands in the green room during the during the first round NFL football draft in Pittsburgh, Thursday, April 23, 2026. The New Orleans Saints picked up Jordyn Tyson as the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday.

Let's take a closer look at each of the Saints' 2026 draft picks as they're made.

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.

The order could be debated, but the New Orleans Saints entered this year’s NFL draft with three clear needs: Edge rusher, wide receiver and cornerback. They prioritized sparking the offense.

The New Orleans Saints are in a prime position in the draft for 2026, and there are plenty of rumors swirling regarding which direction they will go.