NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Saints finally have their quarterback. After Tyler Shough took the reins as a second-round rookie in 2025, leading the team to a 5-4 record in his nine starts and posting a 91.3 passer rating, the franchise has a clear path forward. But the draft board on April 23 is a different story. To maximize Shough’s arm and Kellen Moore’s aggressive scheme, the Saints must ignore the defensive noise and snag an elite wide receiver with the No. 8 overall pick.
In 2025, Chris Olave looked like a man possessed. He hauled in 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns, rediscovering his elite form as soon as Shough stepped under center. However, the drop-off after Olave is steep. Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton have shown flashes—Vele grabbed 25 passes for 293 yards—but they aren’t the kind of threats that keep defensive coordinators awake at night. Shough averaged 216.7 passing yards per game last year, a number that likely climbs if defenses can’t double-team Olave on every third down. The stadium shook during Shough’s game-winning drive against the Titans last season, but those heroics aren’t sustainable without a legitimate WR2.
The Saints already fixed the backfield. By signing Travis Etienne to a four-year, $52 million deal this month, Mickey Loomis sent a loud message: Alvin Kamara’s time as the primary engine is fading. Etienne brings that “home run” speed from the backfield, but the perimeter remains thin. With new left guard David Edwards stabilizing the interior between Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks Jr., the foundation is set. Now, Shough needs a “X” receiver who can win those 50/50 balls in the red zone.
“We saw what Tyler can do when the pocket holds up. He’s a natural leader. Now it’s about giving him the keys to the Ferrari. We need guys who can win on the outside, period.”
— Cameron Jordan, Saints Defensive End
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has already linked Ohio State star Carnell Tate to the Saints at No. 8. It makes too much sense. Tate is a technician with 10 ¼-inch hands and zero drops on 66 targets last season for the Buckeyes. He caught 12 of 14 contested balls, exactly the kind of reliability Shough needs when the pressure turns up. If the board falls differently, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson or USC’s Makai Lemon provide high-ceiling alternatives. Tyson is an explosive vertical threat who could clear out the middle of the field for Juwan Johnson.
The Saints aren’t just one player away from a Super Bowl, but they are one playmaker away from an elite offense. Waiting until the second round to find Shough’s running mate is a risk this front office cannot afford. The 2026 draft is top-heavy with pass-catchers, and at No. 8, the “best player available” and “biggest team need” are finally the same thing.
