The New Orleans Saints officially know where they’re set to pick in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, and it’s a premium spot. In a draft-order release dated Jan. 5, 2026, the NFL listed the Saints at No. 8 overall after a 6-11 finish.
That clarity matters because it’s not a “wait-and-see” playoff pick and it finally answers the “where will the Saints pick in the 2026 NFL Draft” question that surely was at the top of Saints’ fans minds.
The Saints missed the postseason, meaning their first-round position is locked into the non-playoff range, where teams select 1 through 18 in reverse order of the standings.
Key details
- Saints’ first-round slot: No. 8
- Saints’ record: 6-11
- Draft dates/location: April 23-25 in Pittsburgh
- No. 1 overall: Las Vegas Raiders
Where Will The Saints Pick In The 2026 NFL Draft? No. 8 overall.
In the same announcement, the NFL confirmed the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 pick, with the first-round order described as “tentative” leaguewide because the playoff results still impact the back half of Round 1.
For New Orleans, though, the important part is simple: this is a true top-10 selection, and it creates immediate offseason pressure, on scouting, roster priorities, and whether the franchise wants to be aggressive in April.
A pick at No. 8 typically puts a team in range for multiple “premium-position” options (quarterback, offensive tackle, edge rusher, corner), or it can become a trade lever if another team wants to move up for a specific prospect.
What No. 8 Means for the Saints
Top-10 picks aren’t just about landing a player. They also shape an entire offseason calendar.
First, the Saints can attack the pre-draft process with a clearer target list. Instead of planning for 14 possible landing spots, they can realistically game out who might be available in the 7-10 range, which is where draft boards often start to split into tiers.
Second, No. 8 gives New Orleans optionality. If the Saints love a specific player, they may not need to move at all. If they see a cluster of similar grades, they can explore moving down a few spots for extra capital, the kind of move that can add Day 2 picks without sacrificing a first-round talent tier.
Third, it keeps the Saints in the national conversation for every major draft debate. Any time the league discusses “who could jump into the top 10,” New Orleans will be part of that math.
Previously, the Saints had been predicted to draft Arvell Reese out of Ohio State, and also Rueben Bain Jr of Miami. Both players signaled a need to add defensive pressure as the Saints begin to feel more secure in their future on offense with the rise of rookie QB Tyler Shough.
Why the Saints’ Slot Is Set While Others Can Move
The NFL’s draft-order procedures spell it out: non-playoff clubs select first, then playoff teams are slotted based on how far they advance, with the Super Bowl winner picking last.
That’s why the Saints’ No. 8 is firm, while the playoff portion of the order will continue to shift as January and February play out.
For New Orleans, the calendar is now straightforward: the league’s next big checkpoint is the draft itself, scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh
NFL Reveals Saints’ First-Round Draft Slot After 2025 Season Ends