The New Orleans Saints played the patient game in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and selected WR Jordyn Tyson with the 8th overall pick. The selection of Tyson fills one of their biggest roster needs, not only on offense but for the team as a whole. Following a first night that featured sixteen trades, there is still a lot of talent left on the board, and that benefits the Saints and their approach given the needs the team still has.
There are several key positions the Saints need to address. By selecting a wide receiver in round one, they can now turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. The Saints lost CB Alontae Taylor in free agency and DE Cam Jordan still remains unsigned. Additionally, LB Demario Davis departed for the New York Jets. While LB Kaden Ellis was signed, depth at the position can still be addressed.
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The Saints ahould now focus on edge rusher and the star role on defense. They could fill the star role by drafting a cornerback and moving a current player into that position, or by selecting someone who has experience playing it in college. While there are flexible options to fill the star role, there are fewer options at edge rusher, making it the bigger priority. Pairing Chase Young with another edge rusher to create a pass rush that complements the secondary is essential, similar to how the team prioritized complementing Chris Olave with the selection of Tyson.
The Saints also need depth at defensive tackle, as well as along the interior offensive line, which has dealt with injuries over the past few seasons, so adding another piece there would be significant. As for defensive tackle, you can never have too many.
Another position the Saints should consider addressing is running back. The team saw all of its primary rushers deal with injuries last season, and while they added Travis Etienne in free agency, it would not be surprising to see them make another addition to that room.
The remaining rounds of the NFL Draft will be exciting to watch, as there is still a lot of work left for the Saints to do and plenty of players to choose from.