Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft features rounds 2 and 3, with the New Orleans Saints holding the 42nd and 73rd overall picks. The Saints aim to bolster their offense around quarterback Tyler Shough while also addressing defensive needs.
Key points
Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft includes rounds 2 and 3.
New Orleans Saints hold the 42nd and 73rd overall picks.
Saints selected Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick.
Coach Kellen Moore aims to enhance the offense around Tyler Shough.
Top offensive prospects include Chris Bell and Germie Bernard.
New Orleans Saints
Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft continues with rounds 2 and 3 taking place on Friday evening. With their first round pick, the New Orleans Saints selected Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at eighth overall. The Saints come into Day 2 with picks in the second round (42nd overall) and third round (73rd) with five remaining choices in Day 3 on Saturday.
New Orleans will almost certainly address defensive needs at edge rusher, cornerback, and defensive tackle with their remaining picks. However, coach Kellen Moore will also draft to continue to improve his offense around quarterback Tyler Shough. Here are some of the top remaining offensive talents as the draft moves into Day 2.
Remember that Tyler Shough was throwing to the likes of Mason Tipton, Kevin Austin, Dante Pettis, and Ronnie Bell to end last season. Even with drafting Tyson and the return of Devaughn Vele and Ja'Lynn Polk from injury, it wouldn't be surprising to see New Orleans draft another wideout. There is still plenty of talent left at the position. Bell was a probable first round pick before a knee injury. Sarratt, Bernard, Stribling, Branch, and Boston could challenge for starting spots quickly. Several other receivers on the list could carve out immediate roles.
While the Saints need a deeper wide receiver depth chart, it would be surprising to see them add another with their second and probably even third round choices. However, some on this list could slip into the third day, where it's all about value, system fit, and upside potential.
New Orleans signed Travis Etienne early in free agency, significantly reducing the need to draft a running back early on. However, it didn't eliminate it completely. The status of Alvin Kamara beyond 2026 is definitely up in the air, while Kendre Miller has proven to be grotesquely undependable and Devin Neal is relatively unproven. It seems more likely that the Saints grab a running back they like in Day 3, but shouldn't be a shocker if they see one they like earlier and pull the trigger.
Both Penn State backs have the potential to be draft steals. Where each goes in this draft is worth watching closely. Washington likely goes early in round two. Players like Johnson, Coleman, Hemby, Black, Claiborne, and Taylor could go earlier than projected depending on a team's system and needs.
Delp certainly isn't as talented as his Georgia predecessor Brock Bowers, but brings a lot of value as a blocker and decent receiver. Stowers and Joly are bulked-up receivers who provide a major matchup problem for defenses. Wright is a similar athletic freak with developmental upside. Klare, Raridon, Royer, and Roush are a little closer to Delp in terms of a traditional in-line tight end.
New Orleans has Juwan Johnson and added Noah Fant in free agency. With other far more pressing needs, it would be surprising if the Saints drafted a tight end on the second day. If Kellen Moore identifies one that could improve his team's run blocking and provide a receiving threat though, they could target one of these tight ends in the middle rounds.
New Orleans is set at tackle with 2025 first round pick Kelvin Banks Jr. and 2024 first rounder Taliese Fuaga. The Saints also improved at guard with the big free agent addition of David Edwards and hopes for a return to health of center Erik McCoy. However, Cesar Ruiz is still on this team and overall depth is a concern.
Most of the players on this list are either interior linemen or projected to move inside. This is where the need is for the Saints, though a blocker with experience at multiple positions would be a bonus. New Orleans will likely address bigger needs (edge rusher, cornerback) with their second and third round picks. However, that could change if they see a lineman or one of these other offensive players they really like still on the board.