2026 NFL Draft: 3 prospects Saints should avoid in Round 1

As for production, Bain has always been an active pressure player, posting 67 in 2025, but only picking up 9.5 sacks across 16 total games. In 38 games at Miami, he had 20.5, which is acceptable but not outstanding. His run defense will no doubt make him a high ceiling player, but the Saints could be looking for something more at pick eight.

Makai Lemon, WR, USC

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Makai Lemon #6 of the Southern California Trojans reacts after a catch during a 26-21 Trojans win at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

As an active member of the group of Saints followers who believes they should consider wide receiver in the first two rounds, I like the positional value and concept of taking one round one. Carnell Tate and Jordyn Tyson are both talented players to consider at pick No. 8, and there are lots of options in the second round at No. 42. However, Makai Lemon has concerns to take into account, especially when it comes to a fit with the Saints more than anything.

His measurements are a big part of that, as he is a sub-six-foot wideout with sub-nine-inch hands, despite having a good weight profile at 192 pounds. Even at this size, he ran a roughly 4.48-4.53 40-yard dash at his pro day, which is solid, but at that size, less than impressive. It does show in his game at times, as his separation throughout the stem of routes is hit or miss.

Monroe Freeling, LT, Georgia

AUBURN, ALABAMA - OCTOBER 11: Monroe Freeling #57 of the Georgia Bulldogs blocks Chris Murray #3 of the Auburn Tigers during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on October 11, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This is not a commonly mocked pick so far for the Saints, but his meteoric rise during the pre-draft process has put him in that range. He is a bit of the opposite compared to Lemon, as he has outstanding size for his position and tested highly in his reps.

The issue with Freeling is a bit more shown in his tape than the measurables, and has been called into question by various scouts previously. That being his hand placement and run blocking. Yes, he is very proficient at protecting the passer in most cases, which is great, truly. The problem is that he struggles to set himself into a position where he can make strong blocks to create gaps, primarily because of technique and hand placement, trying to make up for lesser lateral agility with a lean.

While this is more a technical concern than a physical or production one, it is a major setback, and one a team would have to heavily invest coaching resources into fixing. The Saints have looked at tackles during this pre-draft process, but avoiding Freeling and opting for other options, preferably at other positions, would be optimal.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: 3 prospects Saints should avoid in Round 1