The New Orleans Saints remain in the top five picks for the 2026 NFL Draft as they enter their own bye week. Sitting at 2-8, there is some enthusiasm around the team after their strong performance against the Carolina Panthers in Week 10. Tyler Shough showed glimpses of why Kellen Moore was intrigued by him, and the defense stepped up on nearly every occasion.
In the first round, the Saints grabbed a defensive prospect that has consistently sat in the top five selections throughout the college football season when it comes to mock drafts.
“New Orleans’ pass rush remains the biggest downfall of the defense. They desperately need to get Chase Young some assistance off the edge, and Bain checks that box. His start to the season was phenomenal, and his versatility could be the perfect addition up front for the Saints.” – A to Z Sports
Cameron Jordan could be playing in his final campaign this season. If that’s the case, the need for a pass rusher opposite of Chase Young is even more vital for the Saints to acquire next offseason. Bain can immediately step in and play a notable role as a rookie. Love his versatility coming out of Miami.
“You can have your concerns about the size profile. Rushers who offer power and leverage move the needle for me because they can compress the pocket and reduce angles to the quarterback. Bain offers that in bunches, and I think in some ways the compact build plays to his advantage as a result. I love the intensity he plays with as well. He may not be a one-size-fits-all rusher for every scheme, but he’s the kind of cat I’d go out of my way to make some accommodations for to free him up to be his best self.” – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports
New Orleans Saints: Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma – DeLeone
With their second-round pick, New Orleans takes a swing to help out their young QB. Burks dealt with an injury last season, but he has stayed available more consistently this season for the Sooners. He’s got a smaller frame but possesses incredible speed and explosiveness.
I’d be interested in seeing Burks in a Kellen Moore unit, but the Saints do need more size at the position. Devaughn Vele will be an option next season, but his role has not been quite what some fans hoped for ahead of the campaign. Burks has unique potential and could fulfill a similar role as to what Rashid Shaheed did for them in recent seasons before getting dealt at this deadline.
The Green Bay Packers didn’t have much to lose this past offseason in terms of expiring deals. Cornerback Eric Stokes went to the Las Vegas Raiders, while defensive tackle TJ Slaton signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, and those were the big departures.
ESPN made a list of the top 25 pending free agents for next offseason, and three of them are Packers players — which shows the impact Green Bay can have going away. Bad news: They will not be able to keep everyone. Good news: They will receive compensatory draft picks in 2027 as a consequence.
The three players mentioned are linebacker Quay Walker, left tackle Rasheed Walker, and wide receiver Romeo Doubs. Above, let’s discuss what ESPN reported and what the Packers should do with each player.
What Jeremy Fowler reported: The Packers opened dialogue on an extension with Walker in the preseason but hit an impasse. It wouldn’t surprise if Green Bay tries again. He’s the type of player the Packers would try to keep.
What Jeremy Fowler reported: The expectation is that Walker hits free agency, where big money awaits even average tackles (Dan Moore Jr.’s four-year, $82 million deal with Tennessee last March is a prime example). One NFC executive says Walker is better than Moore and will get “paid paid” as a result. He’s a consistent three-year starter on a good team, and the Packers have found him to be a hard worker.
What Jeremy Fowler reported: Green Bay could bring him back, but that might be a challenge this close to free agency. He has played his way out of a bargain deal, serving as Green Bay’s No. 1 receiver throughout the first 10 weeks. Though teams don’t consider Doubs the type of field stretcher who must be double-teamed consistently, he gets open, he’s tough and he’s sure-handed.