The 2026 NFL Draft can be summarized in one question: How do teams perceive positional value? This is exemplified in Lance Zierlein’s recent mock draft, where the New Orleans Saints added USC wide receiver Makai Lemon. This is an excellent selection on the surface, but becomes questionable when positional value is factored in.
This isn’t a knock on Lemon. He’s an outstanding slot receiver who fits perfectly in the Saints offense and gives Tyler Shough a dynamic option. The problem is who they didn’t select. Linebacker Sonny Style, safety Caleb Downs and edge Rueben Bain were all available in Zierlein’s mock.
This clump of prospects are all graded similarly, what separates them is their position. Wide receiver is far deeper than any of the aforementioned groups. Because of this, it could benefit the Saints to wait on a pass catcher and address another need first.
The Saints need to go where the value is
Lemon is a good option at pick eight, but enticing options in similar roles are available in later rounds. For instance, Boston College wide receiver Lewis Bond is a similar archetype but will be available on day-three. Lemon is a better player, but both would heavily impact the offense.
This is vastly different for edge, safety and linebacker. The top talent is evident, but the quality significantly drops in later rounds. A majority of day three prospects are projects or specialized players who can only produce in one area.
With this factored in, the Saints can get a far more impactful haul if they wait on adding a receiver. They don’t have many gaping needs, but a majority of positions could use improvement or depth. Their roster simply needs more talent, which this strategy will help provide.
The cream of the crop receiver prospects will be challenging to pass up on, but Mickey Loomis should practice patient in round one and wait until the future days.