Highlighting dream targets for the Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft

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 Staley’s 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.

WR Makai Lemon, USC

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

Lemon’s 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.

DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State

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 Saints’ 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.

TE Sam Rousch, Stanford

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.

OG Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon

Oregon’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 Saints’ defensive front. His style of play would pair well with the team’s 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