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.
“We’ve got to be better, plain and simple. There’s no excuse for where we are right now. We need to hold ourselves accountable and make the necessary changes, because this isn’t acceptable.”
— Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres Forward
Buffalo Sabres fans, brace yourselves: change is coming. After yet another brutal defeat — a 5-2 loss to Utah followed by a 6-2 drubbing by the Colorado Avalanche — it’s clear that this team is nowhere near the contender they were supposed to be this season. And for fans who’ve waited 14 years for a playoff spot, the latest string of losses is a hard pill to swallow. With Buffalo’s record now at a dismal
Sabres in Crisis Mode: A Season on the Brink
The loss to the Avalanche capped off a disastrous five-game losing streak, with
The truth is, the Sabres have been in this situation for far too long. The fans are fed up, and even the players are starting to admit what’s been painfully obvious:
The End of the Line for Adams and Ruff?
At this point, there is no denying that accountability must fall on both
As Tuch stated, “There’s no excuse for where we are right now.” The Sabres have been left behind in a rapidly advancing NHL, and with another playoff-less season on the horizon, it’s time for ownership to act.
The Roster Shake-Up: Who’s Safe and Who’s Not?
But it’s not just the front office and coaching staff that needs to change. With this current Sabres team showing no signs of getting it together, nearly
The Sabres need to shed their past — and that means moving out players who aren’t contributing to the rebuild. It’s a painful reality, but every player needs to be held accountable
for this team’s continued failure. It’s no longer about potential or promises — it’s about delivering results, and if you’re not part of the solution, you’ll be part of the problem.
Buffalo’s Road to Redemption: How to Fix the Sabres?
So, what now for Buffalo? The road to redemption starts with tough decisions. Kevyn Adams will need to make bold moves to reshape the roster, bringing in fresh talent to bolster the lineup. The Sabres’ defense needs a complete overhaul, and the goaltending situation is looking more desperate by the day. The team can no longer afford to let mediocrity slip by — it’s time to build a
This won’t be an easy fix, but with the right moves, Buffalo could finally start to dig itself out of this hole. The fans deserve a competitive team, and the Sabres owe it to themselves to deliver.
Can the Sabres Turn It Around?
There’s no sugar-coating it — the Sabres’ current path is not sustainable. Another year of misery for Buffalo fans will simply not do. As the Sabres face the harsh reality of their worst season in recent memory, one thing is clear:
The time for change is now — and for the first time in years, it feels like the Sabres have no choice but to start fresh.