There might be some exciting players going early in the NFL draft this year. That doesn't mean that the New Orleans Saints need to panic and push for a trade up, even for a player like David Bailey.
With the draft, leading many across the league to get a little crazy with the mock drafts. One, by ESPN's Bill Barnwell, features only trades and has the New Orleans Saints trading up to the third overall pick. It's a move that he projects would cost the team the eighth pick, the 73rd pick, and their 2027 second-round pick.
All for Texas Tech edge rusher Bailey. While an elite prospect, he isn't worth that kind of leap by the Saints. It's reminiscent of a move the team made in 1999, when they gave up all six of their draft picks that year for running back Ricky Williams, and that was only for the fifth overall selection. By all intents and purposes, there's still a chance that Bailey could fall to the Saints at eight, making the trade-up scenario even less likely. However, that doesn't mean that there won't be any trades.
If anything, the Saints should trade down in the first round
The Saints should really avoid the idea of trading up. If anything, they should trade down. Going up in the draft, even if it isn't as high as the third-overall pick, is going to be very expensive. They could still have to give up their second or third round pick. It would suit New Orleans best if they were careful with their draft capital. Trading up at this stage seems reckless and is something the team has historically paid too much for.
Trading down would have the exact opposite effect. In that scenario, they would be gaining draft picks. That only means more players for the team to work with heading into 2026, the second year of their rebuild. If he's hoping to fast-track it, a trade down might be something that general manager Mickey Loomis should consider.
Although the team could always just stay put, because they still have a shot at a generational player with the eighth pick. Depending on how the first few teams go, players like Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate or Miami edge rusher Rubain Bain could be available. Perhaps even Bailey, as stated before. Jeremiyah Love, star running back out of Notre Dame, could even be on the board still.
The options are endless, really, and that's with the picks they have right now. New Orleans shouldn't take the opportunity they have at hand lightly.