In recent weeks, the 2026 NFL Draft has not been a focus for the New Orleans Saints because of the team’s success. With QB Tyler Shough and HC Kellen Moore improving each week, the future is bright, but one more excellent draft class could complete the rebuild.
Even with the win on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, the Saints’ draft position did not change, so if the season ended today, they would be selecting No. 8 overall.
Round 1, No. 8: Makai Lemon, WR, USC
Listed at 5-foot-11, but plays like he is much taller.
A physical catcher.
Dangerous after the catch.
Always seems to be open.
Can adjust to any throw and secure the ball.
Lemon is also the No. 5-ranked WR in PFSN’s CFB WR Impact Metric.
Round 2, No. 42: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas Tech
A bit of an undersized EDGE.
Has longer arms for his height.
Very athletic.
An exceptional pass rusher.
Needs to improve run defense.
Can drop back in coverage and play as an OLB.
According to PFSN’s CFB EDGE Impact Metric, Height is fifth in splash plays among EDGEs.
Round 3, No. 73: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame
Was Notre Dame’s backup RB this season.
Still has RB1 talent.
A very strong runner that defenders bounce off of.
Kick-return ability.
Really good in space.
Big play ability due to his speed.
Has averaged 11 touchdowns this season per PFSN’s CFB RB Impact Metric, despite his status as a backup RB.
Round 4, No. 131: Devon Marshall, CB, NC State
Really good in zone coverage.
Great recovery when beaten.
Excellent at getting hands on ball.
Undersized at 5’11”.
Looking at PFSN’s CFB CB Impact Metric, Marshall is ranked first in pass breakups (13).
Round 4, No. 137: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
Would initially serve as excellent EDGE depth.
Excellent arm length.
Can win with speed, power, or his different pass-rush moves.
Will leave tackles in the dust and blow up a play almost right away.
Round 5, No. 150: Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
Reads plays very well.
Great run stopper.
Has 17 career forced fumbles, an NCAA FBS record for forced fumbles in a career.
Reliable tackler.
Third in defensive snaps among LBs on the season, per PFSN’s CFB LB Impact Metric.
Round 5, No. 172: Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss
6-foot-8; yes, that tall.
Very athletic for his size.
Dominates offensive linemen with his power.
Round 6, No. 187: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
Senior Bowl attendee.
Really strong pass catcher in the middle of the field.
Also a good blocker.
Third in defensive snaps among LBs on the season, per PFSN’s CFB LB Impact Metric.
Round 5, No. 172: Zxavian Harris, DT, Ole Miss
6-foot-8; yes, that tall.
Very athletic for his size.
Dominates offensive linemen with his power.
Round 6, No. 187: Sam Roush, TE, Stanford
Senior Bowl attendee.
Really strong pass catcher in the middle of the field.
Also a good blocker.
