The New Orleans Saints were supposed the worst team in the NFL last season, but it never turned out to be that way. A lot of people thought that the 2026 NFL Draft was going to be a time where New Orleans was going to draft a quarterback. Instead, they are going to find other ways to fill out the roster.
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Jan 4, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Ronnie Bell (85) celebrates with quarterback Tyler Shough (6) and wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. (81) after a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
It appears as if they will ride with quarterback Tyler Shough heading into the 2026 season. He was named the starter in the middle of the season in place of Spencer Rattler. Head coach Kellen Moore has done a good job with his development up to this point. New Orleans finished with a 6-11 record last season. They will have the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Latest NFL Mock Draft Has the New Orleans Saints Finding a New Wide Receiver For Tyler Shough
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Nov 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) celebrates with tight end Walker Lyons (85) after catching a 32-yard touchdown pass against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Saints have wide receiver Chris Olave on the roster, but they could use another one on the roster to help out Shough. Mel Kiper of espn.com created his latest NFL mock draft and has New Orleans selecting wide receiver Makai Lemon from the USC Trojans eighth overall. Kiper said, “QuarterbackTyler Shough flashed down the stretch of his rookie season, but now the Saints must help him take the next step in Year 2. I had Arizona State’sJordyn Tyson to New Orleans inmy first mock draft, and though I’m sticking with the same position, I’m going with Lemon this time around. He attacks the ball in the air and would be a productive player for Shough after amassing 1,156 yards in 2025. Regardless of whetherChris Olave is in the team’s long-term plans, New Orleans could improve the offense with someone like Lemon running routes out of the slot.”
Lemon is 5’11” and weighs 195 lbs. He caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns, along with averaging 14.6 yards per reception. Lemon is projected to potential go in the Top 10. If he is on the board at eight, this would be a good choice for the Saints. There is also a world where Lemon is off the board by the time New Orleans is on the clock. The New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns are some other teams that could potentially draft him as well. The Saints can head in many different directions or maybe draft a different wide receiver if he is off the board.
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