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The New Orleans Saints are eyeing dream targets for the 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on prospects that align with their roster needs. Key player mentioned is EDGE David Bailey from Texas Tech.
Every year, analysts and media members put together ideal draft fits for each NFL team. These âperfect pairingsâ are typically based on roster needs, scheme fit, and the excitement of connecting a talented prospect with a franchise that makes sense on paper. More often than not, though, those dream scenarios never become reality, whether the player comes off the board too early, a team is picking too late, or a more urgent need changes the plan. The unpredictability of the draft is what makes projecting these matches so difficult, but itâs also what makes the process so entertaining.
Even so, there are always a few prospects who feel almost tailor-made for certain teams.
With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, I wanted to put together a list of dream targets for the New Orleans Saints, players the organization would love to see within reach, or prospects whose skill sets align perfectly with what this roster appears to need moving forward.
Texas Tech's David Bailey rushes the Kent State offense during a non-conference football game, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.
Since switching to a 3-4 scheme under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley, Bailey fits the exact mold of what you want in an edge rusher. With tremendous get-off and the speed to bend around the corner, Bailey would create havoc opposite Chase Young and give the Saints another dangerous presence off the edge.
The dream targets include several prospects, with EDGE David Bailey from Texas Tech highlighted as a key player.
The Saints are looking to fill various roster needs, particularly focusing on positions that align with their current scheme.
The 2026 NFL Draft is crucial for the Saints as it presents an opportunity to acquire talent that fits their future roster plans.
Projecting NFL Draft targets is challenging due to factors like player availability, team needs, and the unpredictability of the draft process.

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 06: Caleb Downs #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in action against the Indiana Hoosiers in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Another Brandon Staley scheme fit comes in the form of Downs, whose versatility makes him an ideal candidate for the STAR role in this defense, a position that has become increasingly important in Staleyâs system. His ability to play in multiple spots and impact both the run and pass game mirrors the type of hybrid usage seen with players like Jalen Ramsey and Derwin James.
Nov 7, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) scores a touchdown against Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Josh Fussell (13) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Lemonâs ability to dominate the middle of the field, combined with tremendous, short-area quickness and reliable hands, fits exactly what the Saints need at the wide receiver position. He provides a consistent chain-mover who can win in tight spaces and help solidify the short-intermediate passing game.
Kayden McDonald #98, Ohio State Buckeyes (Photo by CFP/Getty Images)
As a massive presence on the interior, McDonald would immediately project as a long-term answer at the nose tackle position, helping to solidify the Saintsâ run defense for years to come. His size and ability to anchor against double teams would give the front seven a dependable space-eater in the middle of the defense.
Sep 20, 2024; Syracuse, New York, USA; Stanford Cardinal tight end Sam Roush (86) makes a catch against the Syracuse Orange during the second half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
With the Saints already featuring two vertical threats at tight end in Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant, Rousch would add a much-needed physical presence on the edge. As a strong, fundamentally sound blocker, he would help propel the run game by setting the edge and creating more consistency on the perimeter, giving the offense a tougher identity.
OregonââŹâ˘s Emmanuel Pregnon, center, takes the field before the game against Oklahoma State at Autzen.
Pregnon brings an overwhelming presence at the line of scrimmage, consistently dictating terms to opposing defenders with his physicality. With tremendous power and the ability to play through initial contact, he projects as an ideal fit on the interior of the Saintsâ defensive front. His style of play would pair well with the teamâs emphasis on re-establishing physicality in the trenches, especially as the offense looks to support the run game with Travis Etienne Jr.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Dream targets for the New Orleans Saints