New Orleans Saints: 2026 NFL Draft Preview
How They Got Here
The Saints have been in NFL purgatory since Drew Brees retired in 2021. The 2024 season started with promise — a 2-0 start under Dennis Allen — before collapsing into a 5-12 finish that cost Allen his job in November (18-25 career record). DC Darren Rizzi finished the year as interim HC. The Derek Carr era (2023-2025) ended abruptly when Carr retired after a neck injury in preseason, citing health concerns and the desire to spend time with family. The Saints were left scrambling, initially trying to compete with Jameis Winston (who started 0-3) before trading for Bryce Young. The Young acquisition is a swing for the fences: he's only 24, was the #1 overall pick in 2023, and now has a fresh start in a new city. But he's also gone 5-20 as a starter in his career. The Saints are betting they can develop what Carolina couldn't. New coach Kliff Kingsbury — hired away from the Raiders OC position — is tasked with unlocking Young's potential.
Team Needs
The Saints hold the #10 overall pick after an unexpectedly turbulent 5-12 season. Derek Carr retired in March 2025 after a neck injury scare, leaving New Orleans without a starting quarterback. The desperation led them to trade a 2026 second-round pick to Carolina for Bryce Young in October — a reclamation project that GM Mickey Loomis hopes can salvage the franchise's future. Young went 3-6 as a starter for the Saints, flashing more promise than he did in Carolina (2,147 yards, 12 TDs, 7 INTs) but still far from a finished product. Now the Saints need to build around him — specifically, an offensive line that allowed 48 sacks and a defense that ranked 26th in points allowed.
Draft Outlook
The Saints' priority is clear: protect Bryce Young and give him a chance to succeed. The offensive line was a disaster in 2025, allowing 48 sacks and providing zero consistency at guard. Francis Mauigoa (OT) or Olaivavega Ioane (OG) would immediately upgrade the trenches. If the top linemen are gone by #10, Mansoor Delane (CB) fills a desperate secondary need — the Saints allowed the third-most passing yards in the NFL. This is a roster that's older than most (cap hell for years) but has enough pieces to compete if Young develops. The draft strategy should be: protect the quarterback, add defensive playmakers, and hope the Young bet pays off.
Top Prospect Fits
1. Francis Mauigoa
A three-year starter who allowed only 6 pressures in 2025 — the most dominant pass-protecting tackle in college football. At 6-5, 329 lbs, Mauigoa projects as an immediate starter at right tackle with All-Pro ceiling. The Saints' offensive line was a disaster (48 sacks allowed), and Mauigoa would immediately stabilize the right side. If he's available at #8 (depends on what happens in the top 7), he's the pick. Odds: +150 to go #8 (favorite).
2. Olaivavega Ioane
A violent interior lineman projected in the 12-20 range by most boards. At 6-4, 316 lbs, Ioane's bully-ball technique and nasty demeanor would transform the Saints' interior line. He allowed just 5 pressures in 2025 and graded out as PFF's top pass-blocking guard. If the tackles are gone, Ioane gives New Orleans a Day 1 starter at guard who would immediately improve protection for Bryce Young. Odds: +275 to go #8.
3. Mansoor Delane
A local product who allowed zero touchdowns in his breakout 2025 season at LSU. Delane would be a fan-favorite pick and fills a desperate need — the Saints allowed 4,412 passing yards (third-most in the NFL). His smooth coverage ability and scheme versatility make him a true CB1 who could transform the secondary. Slightly less pressing than offensive line, but the need is real. Odds: +350 to go #8.
4. Rueben Bain Jr.
If the Saints decide to address defense over offense, Bain is the pick. A relentless pass rusher who was a CFP standout, Bain's power and technique would give New Orleans the edge presence they've lacked since Cameron Jordan's decline. At 6-2, 250 lbs, he overcomes short arms with motor and violence. Less likely than OL given the sack totals, but in play. Odds: +500 to go #8.
Draft Strategy
The Saints are all-in on Bryce Young. They traded a premium pick to acquire him, hired Kliff Kingsbury to develop him, and now need to build an offense that can support him. That starts with the offensive line — 48 sacks allowed is unacceptable. Mauigoa or Ioane should be the pick, whichever is available. If both are gone (unlikely), Delane fills a defensive need while being a local product that would energize the fanbase. The secondary concern is that Mickey Loomis has put the Saints in cap hell for years, making this draft pick even more important — they can't afford to miss on premium talent. Young's development depends on protection, and protection depends on this pick. Take the lineman.
Betting Analysis
The #8 pick is one of the more predictable spots in the draft. Francis Mauigoa leads at +150, reflecting the obvious offensive line need. If Mauigoa goes earlier (possible to Cardinals at #3 or Browns at #6), Olaivavega Ioane (+275) becomes the target. Mansoor Delane (CB) sits at +350 as a defensive alternative. The Saints are also +200 to trade down from #8 — a live possibility if they want to accumulate picks for a roster that needs depth everywhere. The smart money is Mauigoa or Ioane — the Saints can't develop Young if he's running for his life every snap. Delane at +350 offers value if you believe the defensive needs outweigh the offensive line concerns, but that seems unlikely given the sack totals. The prop bet to watch: Saints to draft an offensive lineman in Round 1 at -165.
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