Why Saints cannot lose with eighth overall pick in 2026 NFL Draft

The New Orleans Saints finished last in the NFC South with a 6-11 record. After such a season, their 2026 NFL Draft pick comes in at eighth overall.

This draft slot, picking behind the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and the Washington Commanders, the Saints' draft slot is in a fantastic spot.

There are three reasons why this spot is a good one for the Saints, all of which connect to reveal why this draft slot is so good for the Saints. These three reasons revolve around their needs, the players worth taking at that pick, and the needs of teams picking 1-7.

Saints in fantastic spot with eighth overall pick

First, according to ESPN's Katherine Terrell, the Saints' "Biggest remaining roster holes" are wide receiver or defensive end. With those two needs in mind, five players could all realistically be available for the Saints with the eighth overall pick.

At wide receiver, Ohio State's Carnell Tate, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson, and USC's Makai Lemon are all possibly going to make it to eighth overall. At DE, Texas Tech's David Bailey, and Miami's Ruben Bain Jr. could make it to the Saints draft pick.

If the Saints took one of those players, it would be a great way to begin the draft. That is five players, meaning that the Saints, to guarantee they land one of these players makes it to them, three other players would need to be selected.

Fortunately for the Saints, there are a few players with strong odds to go ahead of the Saints' pick at eighth overall. First, the Raiders are almost a lock to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Then, Ohio State's Arvell Reese, a linebacker/pass rusher, is a strong possibility to go earlier than the Saints' pick. Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is also getting a lot of buzz, with the Giants and Titans strongly linked to him.

More: Saints are predicted to draft Sonny Styles eighth overall

Those three going would already guarantee that the Saints land one of the WRs or DEs they're looking for. But there are a few others who could give the Saints plenty of options at their pick between the two biggest holes left on the roster.

Ohio State's Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles could also be top-7 picks. Offensive linemen in Miami's Francis Mauigoa, Utah's Spencer Fano, and Georgia's Monroe Freeling could all go before the eighth overall pick.

All-in-all, while it's not a very likely scenario, there is a chance that all five of Tate, Tyson, Lemon, Bain, and Bailey could be available at the Saints' draft pick.

One of those players is very likely to make it to the Saints' pick. And if one doesn't, they will have some very fun alternatives that shouldn't have made it to their draft slot, ready for the taking.

The players in the draft class this year, combined with the Saints' needs and the needs of the team's picking ahead of them, make the eighth overall pick a great one for New Orleans.

More Saints news:

• Chris Olave predicted to land massive contract extension this offseason
• The Marshon Lattimore trade has aged incredibly well for Saints
• Saints to sign David Edwards away from Bill on $61 million contract
• Travis Etienne Jr. agrees to Saints deal leaving Jaguars behind
• Saints get negative feedback on $52M Travis Etienne addition from ESPN
• Alvin Kamara might retire if trade rumors with Saints come true