2026 NFL draft: List of New Orleans Saints' picks entering Week 14

You won't find many silver linings from losing 10 of your first 12 games. The New Orleans Saints are a flawed football team, and they'll need a lot of help to get back to respectability -- and if there's something to feel optimistic about, it's the high pick they're closing in on in the 2026 NFL draft. Adding a top-three talent from the college game could be transformative for either side of the ball.

With five games left, where are the Saints projected to pick? Here's a summary of their current draft selections, including a potential compensatory pick (via Tankathon).

New Orleans Saints' picks in 2026 NFL draft (Week 14)

• Round 1 (Projected pick No. 3)

• Round 2 (Projected pick No. 36)

• Round 3 (Projected pick No. 67)

• Round 4 (Projected pick No. 128, via Seattle Seahawks)

• Round 4 (Projected pick No. 138, compensatory)

• Round 5 (Projected pick No. 143)

• Round 5 (Projected pick No. 168, via Seattle Seahawks)

• Round 6 (Projected pick No. 184)

That's a good starting point, but this team needs more picks. They won't be getting any compensatory picks in 2026 for free agents possibly leaving in the spring like cornerback Alontae Taylor (remember, those don't convey until 2027), but they could reenter the trade market. And if you're curious, the compensatory fourth rounder the Saints are hoping for in 2026 hinges on how many snaps cornerback Isaac Yiadom plays. He's been on the field for 140 of their 732 defensive snaps (19.1%) and 87 of their 295 snaps on special teams (29.5%).

Underperforming veterans like right guard Cesar Ruiz, safety Justin Reid, and edge rusher Carl Granderson might draw some interest from teams with playbooks that better fit their strengths. We can't rule out an un-retirement from Derek Carr, and there will be teams looking for a starting quarterback by March. Trading Carr's contract could bring in a late-round pick (or two), so it's something to watch out for once we reach the offseason.

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL draft: List of New Orleans Saints' picks entering Week 14