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NFL
Saints projected to draft Ohio State standout, just not WR Carnell Tate
TL;DR
The New Orleans Saints are projected to select Ohio State defensive back Caleb Downs with the No. 8 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, instead of wide receiver Carnell Tate.
Key points
- Saints have the No. 8 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Projected to draft Caleb Downs from Ohio State
- Carnell Tate is not the selection despite popular pairing
Mentioned in this story
Ohio State
Caleb DownsCarnell TateNew Orleans Saints
Saints projected to draft Ohio State standout, just not WR Carnell Tate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New Orleans Saints are entering the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 8 pick. While they are in a great spot to land an instant-impact player, there are plenty of avenues the team could go down.
One of the more popular pairings for the Saints leading up to the draft has been with an Ohio State playmaker in wide receiver Carnell Tate.
In ESPN's Peter Schragers latest mock draft, the Saints do go with an Ohio State player with the No. 8 pick, but it's not Tate. Instead, Schrager has the Saints taking defensive back Caleb Downs with this pick.
Saints projected to draft Caleb Downs at No. 8
"New Orleans needs a receiver, but it also lost a lot of talent on defense this offseason," Schrager writes. "... Brandon Staley got the most out of Derwin James Jr. in Los Angeles, and he can do the same for Downs in New Orleans."
The Saints do need defensive back help, especially in the wake of losing Alontae Taylor in free agency to the Tennessee Titans.
Q&A
Who are the New Orleans Saints expected to draft in 2026?
The Saints are projected to draft defensive back Caleb Downs with the No. 8 pick.
Why are the Saints not drafting Carnell Tate?
Despite being a popular choice, the Saints are opting for Caleb Downs instead of wide receiver Carnell Tate.
What position does Caleb Downs play?
Caleb Downs is a defensive back from Ohio State.
