One of the rumblings surrounding the New Orleans Saints heading into the 2026 NFL Draft is the possibility of the team moving up in the first round.
As it stands, the Saints hold the eighth-overall pick. While the team could certainly land a good prospect with that pick, there might be an inclination to move up.
In a previous piece here on Heavy, the possibility of moving up to land the third pick in the NFL Draft was explored. But that situation might be pushing it a bit. There might actually be a more willing trade partner that could allow the Saints to move up a couple of spots.
That trade partner could be the Cleveland Browns.
According to insider Jason La Canfora, the Browns could have an itchy trigger finger heading into Thursday’s first round. In an interview with Casino Guru, the notable insider believes the Browns could make a stunning draft-day deal.
“The Browns currently hold the sixth overall pick. It’s far from certain they will use it. Even with a second first-round pick already in their control, with all of their needs and the way this top five likely unfolds, multiple execs told me they could see Cleveland dropping out of the top 10 entirely.”
That sounds like an opportunity the Saints could take advantage of. In that regard, the sixth pick might very well be on the table.
As La Canfora noted, the Browns are “years” away from competing. Plus, their penchant for trading down could give them an opportunity to still land a fantastic player at #8, while allowing the Saints to move up and target a player they covet.
Saints Could Target Receiver at #6
The name that’s been most linked to the Saints is wide receiver Carnell Tate. Heavy has covered that link extensively, making it seem like Tate is the player New Orleans would like to land.
However, most mock drafts, including Tankathon, figure Tate could go to the Browns at #6. But if the Saints moved up, that could mean taking the Ohio State wide-out with that pick.
That situation depends, of course, on the other teams ahead of New Orleans not targeting Tate. If someone else were to take Tate ahead of the sixth selection, the Saints might not be willing to trade up.
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Draft Day Surprise Could Encourage New Orleans to Make a Deal
Another potential target was running back Jeremiyah Love. However, his Heisman nomination catapulted him into the top five. Love projects as the #4 pick, going to the Tennessee Titans.
But perhaps a draft day surprise, with the first five teams passing on Love, could spur the Saints to move up to #6 and grab Love.
Now that would be an interesting pick. A backfield featuring Love and free-agent signing Travis Etienne Jr. could give second-year QB Tyler Shough plenty of options to run the football.
This entire conversation hinges on the Browns’ willingness to make a deal and the Saints having picks that the Browns would like. That is assuming that this draft day deal could be picks-for-picks.
It will be interesting to see what happens, as there really isn’t much certainty beyond the first-overall selection.
Saints Might Find Trade Partner to Move Up in NFL Draft