Grading the Saints’ 2026 Draft Class

We are about a week past the 2026 NFL Draft, and the New Orleans Saints' draft class has gotten high praise around the NFL world. This type of praise is not normal for the Saints, but after last years success some trust has been given to GM Mickey Loomis, and the decisions made this draft were really good when looking at the consensus. Also, with the team needs in mind, the picks all made sense. 

So, I'm also going to give my own grades for the Saints' draft. Let's see how they did.

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Pick 8 - Jordyn Tyson

With the first pick in the Saints' draft, the team selected WR Jordyn Tyson. This felt like the likely pick going into draft day, and New Orleans got lucky that he dropped. With the Saints' WR need in mind and how talented Tyson is, this pick is going to get high praise from many, including myselft.

Grade - A

Pick 42 - Christien Miller

The belief going into day 2 was that the Saints would get an EDGE, but most of the options were off the board at 42. In the end, it may have been for the best because the Saints got a steal with DT Christien Miller. Although there is some projection with Miller, he is exactly what the Saints needed on their defensive line, and his addition will be great. 

Grade - B+

Pick 73 - Oscar Delp

Another surprise pick on day 2 was TE Oscar Delp at 73. TE was a need for the Saints, but selecting early was not really an idea pushed much; the value on the board was too good for the Saints to pass up. Now, there is a long-term option with Delp, and he can really unlock the offense.

Grade - A-

Pick 132 - Jeremiah Wright

Compared to the past two selections, Jeremiah Wright was an expected selection to the point I had him in nearly every mock draft. There were too many meetings between the player and team. 

For the pick, Wright has potential and needs to develop, and if this selection was made earlier, I would have been less of a fan, but New Orleans made it in the correct spot. Is it the best pick, no, but as I said, there is potential. 

Grade - B-

Pick 136 - Bryce Lance

Back to the shocking picks, the Saints went right back to WR, and stopped the slide of Bryce Lance. Not even mentioning his fit in the offense, I thought Lance was going to be a day 2 pick. The value was exceptional, and now, he brings big play threat that can really help the offense. 

The only aspect that does not make it an A+ pick is that the Saints already got a WR, and other positions could have been dealt with. 

Grade - A

Pick 172 - Lorenzo Styles Jr. 

The Saints needed to upgrade their special teams unit this draft, and adding Lorenzo Styles Jr. was a really good start in doing that. If he plays defense and can be a contributor, this pick would be exceptional, but if he just sticks on special teams, that is perfectly fine. 

Grade - B-

Pick 190 -  Barion Brown

Like with Styles Jr., Barion Brown was another special teams selection. The only difference is that I can see Brown get on the field during the game even if it's not on special teams. 

Grade - B

Pick 219 -  TJ Hall

It's hard to really expect a great pick in the 7th round, but the Saints did it. TJ Hall felt like a player that should not have been there, will be fighting for snaps on defense right away, and fits Brandon Staley's scheme so well. The fact that CB was a need for the Saints and they dealt with it in the 7th round is exceptional. 

Grade - A-

Overall Draft Grade - B+

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