The New Orleans Saints are in a prime position to make some strategic moves in the upcoming NFL Draft. With their patience in the 2025 Draft, they now have the opportunity to be more aggressive in the 2026 Draft, potentially trading up to secure a second first-round pick. This move could be inspired by teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and New York Giants, who have successfully traded up in previous drafts.
The Saints' current draft capital is quite valuable. Their second and third-round picks, Nos. 42 and 73, respectively, carry significant worth according to various trade value charts. For instance, on the Jimmy Johnson value chart, these picks are worth 705 points, while on the Rich Hill chart, they are worth 207 points. The Fitzgerald-Spielberger chart, however, presents a different picture, valuing these picks at 1,932 points. Despite the slight discrepancy, the Saints have the potential to make a significant leap into the first round.
The team's draft targets, such as Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion, Cashius Howell, and Akheem Mesidor, could be the reason for such a move. These players are highly regarded and could be among the top prospects available. However, the Saints might not need to trade up, as they are well-positioned to land an impact player in the second round. Nevertheless, General Manager Mickey Loomis has a history of being aggressive in trades, and if the right player is available late in the first round, the Saints might be tempted to make a move.
The Saints also have the flexibility to make less drastic trades within Day 2 of the draft, provided they can find willing trading partners. This approach has proven successful in the past, as the team trusted their board last year and made it work. Ultimately, the Saints' strategy in the 2026 Draft will depend on their evaluation of the talent available and their willingness to make bold moves to strengthen their roster.
