NEW ORLEANS — The Saints are officially on the clock. After a free agency period that saw General Manager Mickey Loomis add veterans like Travis Etienne and Kaden Elliss, the focus turns to the 2026 NFL Draft. With the No. 8 overall pick, New Orleans has a rare chance to snag a blue-chip defender. The latest Pro Football Focus simulator just gave them exactly that, keeping a local star in Louisiana.
The Lockdown Choice at No. 8
The Saints didn’t hesitate. They stayed home and selected LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the eighth pick. Delane is the definition of a “blanket” defender. He thrived in the SEC, taking away half the field and forcing quarterbacks to look elsewhere. His 4.38-second 40-yard dash on Monday silenced any critics who doubted his vertical speed. He’s a press-coverage specialist who ruins timing at the line of scrimmage.
Head Coach Kellen Moore needs a secondary that can hold up while his new-look offense finds its rhythm. Delane provides that insurance. He’s rarely out of position and plays with a technical refinement that suggests he will start on Day 1. Getting a shutdown corner of this caliber at No. 8 feels like a massive victory for a team that struggled with consistency in the back end last season.
“He’s one of the top cornerbacks in a CB-rich draft. He excels in press coverage, altering release timing with punches and slides. Delane’s emergence over the past two years might be indicative of what’s to come, as he’s shown lockdown potential.”
— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com Draft Analyst
Beefing Up the Trenches
In the second round, the Saints shifted focus to the offensive line. At Pick No. 42, they grabbed Oregon Guard Emmanuel Pregnon. This wasn’t a glaring need, but you don’t pass on a 6-4, 314-pound mountain with his athletic traits. Pregnon dominated the Combine, posting elite numbers in the vertical and broad jumps. He brings a raw, explosive power to the interior that New Orleans has lacked. While his foot speed needs work, his ability to move defenders against their will is rare.
The middle rounds focused on depth and specific roles. Romello Height (Edge, Texas) arrived in the third round to boost the pass rush on third downs. While he only weighs 240 pounds, his “salesmanship” and first-step quickness make him a headache for offensive tackles in passing situations. He may not be a three-down player yet, but he’ll make his presence felt on obvious passing downs.
New Orleans also addressed the linebacker room with Bryce Boettcher (Oregon) and Aiden Fisher (Indiana). Boettcher is a former walk-on who plays with a relentless motor. He’s the type of player who makes a roster through special teams and eventually forces his way into the defensive rotation. Fisher offers similar value as a reliable tackler who rarely misses an assignment.
2026 Saints Mock Draft: Full Results
- Round 1, Pick 8: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
- Round 2, Pick 42: Emmanuel Pregnon, G, Oregon
- Round 3, Pick 73: Romello Height, EDGE, Texas
- Round 4, Pick 132: Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
- Round 4, Pick 136: Tim Keenan III, DI, Alabama
- Round 5, Pick 150: Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin
- Round 5, Pick 172: Aiden Fisher, LB, Indiana
- Round 6, Pick 190: Owen Heinecke, LB, Oklahoma
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
This draft haul signals a clear shift toward a more physical, defensive-minded identity. By pairing a premier corner like Delane with reinforced lines, the Saints are trying to bridge the gap in the NFC South. The addition of Tim Keenan III at Pick 136 provides a massive 300-plus pound anchor for the run defense, allowing the linebackers more freedom to flow to the ball. If these rookies hit, the Saints won’t just be fighting for a Wild Card spot; they’ll be legitimate contenders for the division crown. Expect the front office to look for a veteran wide receiver in the final wave of free agency to round out the roster before camp starts.
