The New Orleans Saints addressed a massive need after selecting wide receiver Jordyn Tyson 8th overall. However, they do have other needs they need to address after finishing the season with six wins.
The Saints defense performed better than expected last season, but they need youth especially on the edge. With Cameron Jordan possibly at the end of his Saints tenure, pass rush becomes a priority in round two. The Saints did resign Chase Young and they still have Carl Granderson.
Defensive back is also a huge need. After losing Alontae Taylor to the Tennessee Titans, the Saints need someone to cover in the slot. Jonas Sanker and Justin Reid are still capable players at safety. Kool Aid-McKinstry and Quincy Riley played on the outside, but they are not as proven. An outside and/or a slot corner could be addressed in the upcoming rounds.
Other potential needs include guard and linebacker. With Demario Davis leaving in free agency to the New York Jets, the Saints could use potential at linebacker. Cesar Ruiz has been a consistent starter, but maybe the Saints could add competition there.
Best Edge Rushers Available
GettyZion Young is Mel Kiper’s best edge player available heading into round two.
Looking ahead to day two, there are still plenty of highly touted edge rushers available. Missouri edge Zion Young, who is currently the highest rated edge on Mel Kiper’s board, could easily be a target for the Saints. He creates pressure with brute force rather than with electric speed. With his schematic versatility, he can lineup in many variations and would be a great fit for the Saint’s evolving scheme. He earned a place on the All-SEC First Team last season.
Cashius Howell from Texas A&M is another prospect to keep in mind. However, he has a better athletic profile than his production may indicate. He got significantly better last year and won SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 after forcing 11.5 sacks. He could be a player that teams may covet early with hope to develop into an every down pass rusher.
T.J. Parker rates out as a powerful player although he lacks the elusiveness that many covet around the edge. In 2024, he had 11 sacks but his production fell off in 2025 with only 5 sacks. He’s a great run defender as shown by his consistent tackles for loss with 19.5 in 2024 and 9.5 in 2025.
Some other names of note: R Mason Thomas, Gabe Jacas, and Derrick Moore.
Defensive Backs Available in Day Two
GettyJermod McCoy shockingly fell to the second round.
Jermod McCoy was a surprise candidate to fall to the second round. PFF ranked him as the 17th overall prospect on their big board. He is also Mel Kiper’s highest ranked player and corner available heading into round two. Unfortunately, McCoy tore his ACL early in 2025 forcing him to miss the entire 2025 season. In 2024, McCoy had four interceptions and allowed a 53.6 passer rating in college. If the Saints want to overlook the injury concerns, they could be getting a steal in round two.
Avieon Terrell is another player that dropped out of the first round. While being the brother of rival Falcons shutdown corner A.J. Terrell, the other Terrell would add a physicality in press man coverage that would fit what the Saints are trying to do with their defense. He is a high IQ playmaker who excels in pass deflections and run defense.
Colton Hood profiles similarly to Terrell, but he lacks experience. Despite being graded as a fringe first round pick, Hood was not selected early. That being said, if the Saints want to add physicality to their defense, Hood can fill that role similarly in a press man scheme.
Other players to keep in mind: Brandon Cisse, D’Angelo Ponds, and Keionte Scott.
New Orleans Saints Remaining Needs after Round One