The NFL has unveiled the official order for the 2026 draft, and the New Orleans Saints find themselves with a solid arsenal of eight picks. This aligns with expectations and gives them a strategic edge as they look to build on last year's selections.
If the Saints hold on to all eight picks, it will be just one fewer than last year. The last time they wielded at least eight picks was back in 2015. While this could hint at a strategy favored by head coach Kellen Moore, we'll need more data to draw any firm conclusions.
Here's how the Saints' draft picks are lined up:
- Round 1, Pick No. 8
- Round 2, Pick No. 42
- Round 3, Pick No. 73
- Round 4, Pick No. 132 (From Seattle Seahawks)
- Round 4, Pick No. 136 (Compensatory)
- Round 5, Pick No. 150
- Round 5, Pick No. 172 (From Seattle Seahawks)
- Round 6, Pick No. 190
The trade involving Rashid Shaheed has positioned the Saints with two valuable picks in the fourth and fifth rounds from the Seahawks. This range has been fruitful for New Orleans in recent years, yielding talents like Quincy Riley, Danny Stutsman, and Jordan Howden.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a standout fourth-rounder from a few years back, also came from this range.
If the Saints can unearth another gem, their roster depth will be impressive. They also gained a compensatory fourth-round pick following the departure of cornerback Paulson Adebo to the Giants.
Although they could have had a trio of fourth-round picks, the Saints traded one to the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Devaughn Vele. His performance alongside Tyler Shough last season suggests that this move is paying off, even if initial reactions were mixed.
Additionally, their seventh-round pick for 2026 was traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for Davon Godchaux. This move reflects the Saints' strategic approach to building a competitive team for the upcoming season.