The New Orleans Saints have the eighth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and with Tyler Shough looking like the future of the franchise, it's time to begin building a serious NFC South contender.
At eighth overall, there are a good number of options the Saints could go with. Edge rusher is a need with Cameron Jordan's uncertainty, and cornerback couldn't hurt with Alontae Taylor now gone.
But, according to ESPN's Katherine Terrell, the Saints have a 40% chance to take a different position, a wide receiver, with the eighth pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Saints predicted to have 40% chance to take WR with No. 8 pick
"Give a percentage chance the Saints go WR at No. 8... Around 40%," Terrell predicts. "WR remains a big need, but the Saints have positioned themselves to look at a few positions."
While the Saints are not predicted to have better than coin-flip odds to land a wide receiver with the eighth pick, this is still a significant chance that a WR is the pick.
Chris Olave is a good number one option, and the Saints also like Devaughn Vele. But, he's better suited as a number three receiver, not the number two he's currently slated as.
More: Carnell Tate is scheduled to visit with Saints among four other top-10 picking teams for 2026 NFL Draft
The Saints taking a WR with the No. 8 pick would not be a surprise at all. And with that pick, the Saints have three viable options.
Carnell Tate out of Ohio State would be a great choice, while Makai Lemon and Jordyn Tyson are also worth mentioning as possible options with the eighth pick.
Terrell gives the Saints a 40% chance to draft a wide receiver with the eighth pick, meaning that Saints fans should get familiar with Tate, Lemon, and Tyson, as they are very possible options with the No. 8 pick this year for New Orleans.
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