What position groups should inspire confidence in New Orleans Saints’ fans heading into 2026? I set out to answer this question by ranking each offensive position. This was a difficult task, as each position has ample talent, yet some major questions.
The term “inspire confidence” is fairly ambiguous and will be perceived differently by every viewer. To clear it up, I’m basing this off how much I trust each unit. I’ll take into account the top-end talent, depth, and any other concerns that I have.
Obviously, plenty will change throughout the remainder of training camp and preseason; however, this is where things currently stand for the positions.
The running backs lead the way and inspire mass confidence among Saints fans.
1. RB
The Saints running back room is the perfect mix of reliability and explosiveness. Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara are the top-two backs and are primed for a dynamic season. The duo splitting snaps will help them stay healthy and have fresh legs throughout the year.
There isn’t a leading contender behind them, but Devin Neal, Kendre Miller, and Audric Estime all have potential and can produce when called upon. As a result, Saints fans should be encouraged by this group's depth and top-tier talent. It makes the running backs the clear choice for the number one slot.
2. WR
The wide receivers would rank first if this list was pure talent; however, their injury concerns push them down one position.
This unit has the highest potential on the roster. Chris Olave, Jordyn Tyson, and Devaughn Vele are a premier trio in the league, and they have promising, young players behind them in Bryce Lance and Barrion Brown. Even after the surprising retirement of Ja’Lynn Polk, it’s still a premier group and will play a key part in the Saints’ season. Fans should be optimistic and expect this group to perform in 2026.
3. TE
The Saints’ tight ends are a versatile unit who have options for every situation. Juwan Johnson is coming off a career-high 889 receiving yards and is a dynamic receiving threat. Additionally, they signed veteran Noah Fant and drafted Oscar Delp to complement him. They are a low-floor unit who have stayed relatively injury-free and are poised to have a major impact on the Saints’ offense.
4. QB
Some will say this is too low for the quarterbacks. Tyler Shough has sky-high potential in 2026, and Spencer Rattler is one of the top backups in the league. However, Shough had a relatively small sample size, only playing the back half of the season.
So, it’s wise to temper expectations and not proclaim him as a top-five quarterback in the league. Still, it’s an uber-exciting position, and could end up as arguably the top group on the team, but we need to see it for an extended period first.
5. OT
The offensive tackles are anchored by a young tandem in Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks. There aren’t any questions about them; they would rank far higher on this list if it was solely based on starters.
However, the depth is severely lacking, and the Saints could be in trouble if they get injured. Asim Richards was serviceable and is the projected backup, but he won’t inspire hope for the fanbase. So, the tackles have a bright outlook, but that could quickly change with one snap.
6. IOL
The Saints’ interior offensive line improved this offseason with the signing of David Edwards, but is still widely inconsistent. Center Erik McCoy is a star when healthy, but has struggled with his availability. Likewise, right guard Cesar Ruiz’s inconsistent play leaves concern. They drafted Jeremiah Wright to be his long-term replacement, but that likely isn’t a 2026 play. There’s still plenty of hope in the unit, but it ranks last in this instance.
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