The New Orleans Saints may have finished 6-11 in 2025, but don’t let that record fool you - they’re not as far off from contention as it might seem. In a division where the Carolina Panthers claimed a playoff spot with just an 8-9 mark, the NFC South is wide open. And if the Saints can land the right offensive weapon in the upcoming draft, they could quickly go from rebuilding to rebounding.
That’s the thinking behind Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest big board, where he highlighted two offensive playmakers who could be difference-makers in New Orleans: Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq. Both are dynamic, high-upside prospects with the kind of skill sets that could immediately elevate the Saints’ offense - and both could realistically be available when New Orleans picks at No. 8.
Let’s start with Tate, who slots in as the No. 8 prospect on Kiper’s board. Ohio State has become a factory for elite wide receivers - think Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and more recently, Emeka Egbuka.
Tate looks poised to join that lineage. This past season, he averaged a hefty 17.2 yards per catch, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays.
But it’s not just the big plays that stand out.
Tate is a technician. He runs crisp routes, has reliable hands, and his body control allows him to make tough catches in traffic or along the sideline.
Coaches love his willingness to block downfield - a trait that often separates good receivers from great ones at the next level. He did battle through a lower-body injury earlier in the year, which cost him some time, but his production and polish make him one of the most complete wideouts in this class.
If the Saints want to add a vertical threat to pair with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, Tate could be the guy. He brings a blend of size, speed, and savvy that would give whoever’s under center a reliable go-to option for years to come.
Then there’s Kenyon Sadiq, the No. 9 player on Kiper’s board, and a more unconventional option. Tight ends aren’t often taken in the Top 10 - it’s a position that doesn’t always carry that kind of draft capital - but Sadiq might be the exception.
He’s a matchup nightmare. At Oregon, Sadiq flashed elite athleticism, with the ability to hurdle defenders in the open field and turn short gains into chunk plays.
Nearly half of his yardage in 2025 came after the catch, which speaks to his vision, burst, and creativity once the ball is in his hands. At 6'5" and with rare quickness for his size, he’s a tough cover for linebackers and too physical for most defensive backs.
Sadiq also brings consistency - something that’s often hard to find at the tight end position coming out of college. He was a steady contributor all season and is widely projected to be the first tight end off the board. For a Saints offense that could use a versatile weapon in the middle of the field - someone who can line up in-line, in the slot, or even out wide - Sadiq checks a lot of boxes.
Of course, there are other variables at play. With Dante Moore returning to Oregon, the quarterback crop got a little thinner, and by the time pick No. 8 rolls around, several top-tier talents at other positions could already be gone. That might push New Orleans toward the best available playmaker - and both Tate and Sadiq fit that bill.
Whether the Saints opt for a field-stretching receiver or a do-it-all tight end, the message is clear: they’re not that far from turning things around. And if they nail this pick, the NFC South could be looking at a very different hierarchy in 2026.