5 hidden gems for the New Orleans Saints to pick in the 2026 NFL Draft who can help them reclaim NFC South
The New Orleans Saints want to get back into the postseason. Kellen Moore’s team took steps forward in 2025, but the 2026 NFL Draft can be a true launching point for his roster. Who are some under the radar options for their rookie class?
Value is the name of the game in the NFL Draft. For the New Orleans Saints, they have plenty of needs along both sides of their roster. That being said, they must simply find good football players throughout the three days of selections this week.
Finding under the radar talent in each round is important for every team, and the Saints have some options throughout the class to accomplish that task.
5 hidden gems for the Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft
Round 2: Treydan Stukes, DB, Arizona
This is one of my favorite prospect/team fits in the class. Stukes can flourish for Brandon Staley’s scheme on defense, and he would step in for Alontae Taylor, who departed in free agency. Stukes’ aggressive nature and coverage ability from the slot should entice the Saints on day two.
“Versatile defensive back thriving in zone coverage with 4.33-second forty-yard dash and elite 1.50 ten-split. Reads receivers’ leverage well. Can play nickel or safety. Injury history and tape inconsistency concern evaluators.” — A to Z Sports
Round 3/4: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame
Raridon’s vertical ability is arguably the best in this entire draft class. He is a smooth mover with the ball in his hands and can make a receiving impact as a rookie in the NFL. He’s been one of the quickest risers on offense in this class for a reason.
Round 3/4: De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
The Saints need more size at wide receiver, and Stribling provides that larger frame they should be on the lookout for in this draft. If New Orleans doesn’t attack WR early, Stribling is a seamless fit behind Chris Olave and will be versatile in Kellen Moore’s scheme.
“Smooth route runner with elite hands (1.7% drop rate) at 6’2″, 207 lbs. 4.37-second forty-yard dash speed. Can play X or slot, but marginal explosiveness limits deep-ball ceiling. Comparable to Michael Gallup.” — A to Z Sports
Round 5/6: Albert Regis, DT, Texas A&M
Nose tackle is an underrated need for New Orleans. Regis is powerful and uses his size to his advantage in the run game. Sometime on day three, the Saints could get a future starter at his position in the Aggies product.
“High-motor nose tackle with 4.88-second forty-yard dash and strong gap integrity. Limited pass-rush upside and lacks ideal frame at 6’3″. Projects as space-eater in even-front schemes, not interior disruptor.” — A to Z Sports
Round 6/7: Adam Randall, RB, Clemson
Randall has good hands for a running back and plays a powerful game. The Saints have valued that sort of profile in a backup RB, and he meshes nicely in a backfield that includes Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara as of now.
“The overall profile here is a developmental backup running back with a clear role as a short-yardage and goal-line weapon who also contributes on special teams. There is enough physical talent to justify investment, and the character and work ethic suggest he will maximize whatever opportunity he gets. But the late position switch, the limited tape at running back, and the real technical deficiencies in both pass protection and route-running precision cap his upside. Randall is a useful football player, not a difference-maker. At his best, he could carve out a long career as a valued number-two back in the right offense.” — NFL Draft Buzz
Who are your hidden gems for the Saints in this year’s draft class? Let us know via social media!
