The New Orleans Saints built a strong 2026 NFL Draft class. Kellen Moore looks to improve on his first year as the team’s head coach. This group of rookies and a key trade may make a massive difference.

The New Orleans Saints are rallying around young quarterback Tyler Shough. They proved exactly that premise with their decisions in the 2026 NFL Draft.

What grades would I give each decision they made during this year’s draft?

Round 1, Pick 8: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

Adding Tyson to this passing game makes a ton of sense for Kellen Moore. Tyson has all of the makings for a top WR in an offensive unit and Pro Bowl potential. The medical concerns clearly did not scare off New Orleans' contingency. 

Shough now has two exciting wideouts with Tyson and Chris Olave. With the other selections in this class, the future at WR is really bright for New Orleans.

GRADE: A-

Round 2, Pick 42: DT Christen Miller, Georgia

Miller is a physical defensive lineman who can immediately improve the run stopping aspect of New Orleans’ defense next season. He’s a toolsy player who has not reached his ceiling yet, and Brandon Staley can help him reach it in the future.

GRADE: B+

Round 3, Pick 73: TE Oscar Delp, Georgia

The Saints selected Georgia Bulldogs tight end Oscar Delp with the 73rd overall pick in this year's draft. Delp is an ultra-physical offensive weapon who many believe can build on his lackluster college production with development in the pros. 

GRADE: B

Round 4, Pick 132: RG Jeremiah Wright, Auburn

Wright is an absolute mauler on the inside of the offensive line. His pass protection must improve, but he is immediate depth for the guard spots for the Saints. They needed that desperately after multiple injuries forced backups into the starting lineup in front of Tyler Shough and the rushing attack for the Saints.

GRADE: B-

Round 4, Pick 136: WR Bryce Lance, North Dakota State

Lance was not expected to make it to this point of the draft, and he provides some size that the WR has been lacking for the Saints. Awesome value. Lance can help Shoug hpush the ball downfield even more often going forward.

GRADE: A

Round 5, Pick 172: CB Lorenzo Styles Jr., Ohio State

“As a senior, Styles was a starting nickel for the Buckeyes defense the majority of the time, and his athleticism flashed at times, but also but him with over aggressiveness leading to missed tackles. Styles put up a 4.27 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and will always be one of the better athletes on any team. A former track sprinter who will likely find his calling on special teams first in the NFL.” — A to Z Sports

Another depth player for the Saints secondary. He has elite speed and is the brother of Sonny Styles, who was drafted in the top ten.

GRADE: C

Round 6, Pick 190: WR Barion Brown, LSU

Another wide receiver is bold from New Orleans, but they saw Brown’s energetic value on special teams. He has been one of the best returners in college football during his career, and he’s explosive with the ball in his hands.

GRADE: C+

Round 7, Pick 219: CB TJ Hall Jr., Iowa

Gritty defensive back joins the Saints defense here. Hall is a great tackler and is not afraid of physicality in the secondary. His man coverage skills are still rather raw, but he makes sense as depth for Staley’s unit on the back end. Hall can also make plays on special teams.

GRADE: B-

Tyree Wilson trade

The Saints add a physically gifted piece who will try to prove he is better than he has shown so far in his pro career so far. As a former top ten pick, it’s clear that there’s physical ability in Wilson’s profile.

Given the price of the acquisition, I like the choice by New Orleans. Wilson gets a fresh start with DC Brandon Staley. It only costed a day three pick swap – and makes the Saints’ decision to not draft a pass rusher make more sense.

GRADE: B

All in all, this was a productive draft process for New Orleans. The Saints were clearly focused on helping Tyler Shough on offense and addressing defensive depth. Kellen Moore’s team will look to get back into the playoff hunt in 2026.