2026 NFL Mock Draft: Saints Make Shocking Round 1 Pick to Add to Offense

The Saints can't afford to miss with the No. 8 pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft...

Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq hurdles over USC cornerback DeCarlos Nicholson as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints made the right decision by hiring Kellen Moore to be their head coach last offseason, but it was hard to tell early in the season, as Spencer Rattler was leading the Saints to loss after loss. But once the Saints turned to Tyler Shough as their starting quarterback, they began winning games.

In free agency, the Saints added players like Travis Etienne, David Edwards, and Kaden Elliss to bolster their roster. But they need to do more.

Now, they need to make the right moves in the NFL draft if they want a real chance to compete going forward.

Saints need to hit a home run with the No. 8 pick

Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore working on the sideline against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Saints hold the No. 8 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. With this selection, they should be able to land an impact starter. Players like Carnell Tate, Sonny Styles, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr. have all been mocked to the Saints at pick No. 8.

But there's also a chance the Saints want to take a different route. There should be plenty of intriguing draft prospects to choose from, especially if the other four players listed above are off the board by pick No. 8.

Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports recently put together a mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft. With the No. 8 pick in the first round, Pauline shockingly projected the Saints would select Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq to bolster their offense in a big way this offseason.

Saints predicted to land Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq

Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq (TE23) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

"The Saints need weapons as well as receivers," Pauline wrote. "Consider that 2025 was a strong draft, yet Colston Loveland was the 10th pick, and Tyler Warren came off the board soon after. Sadiq is rated higher than both of those tight ends."

This would be quite a shocking selection for the Saints, as Sadiq is almost never mocked this high. He doesn't play a valuable position, and he was never an other-worldly dominant tight end in college.

Sadiq has the traits to be a superstar, with elite speed and route-running ability, but it's hard to imagine the Saints taking a chance on him this high in the NFL draft.

In fact, it would be shocking to see anybody in the top 10 select Sadiq.

The Saints would likely land Tate instead of Sadiq in this particular scenario.