2026 NFL Draft Day 2 Preview | New Orleans Saints Outlook After First Round
With the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft behind us, the New Orleans Saints are set to make their next moves on Day 2 -- Friday, April 24, 2026 -- holding the 42nd and 73rd overall picks. This phase of the draft is poised to provide key additions that could shape the roster and address areas of need.
Recap of Day 1: A Strategic First Round Choice
The Saints used their opening first-round pick (No. 8 overall) to select wide receiver Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State. The move bolsters their receiving corps alongside established players such as Chris Olave and Trey Palmer, enhancing Head Coach Kellen Moore's offense with a dynamic weapon in the passing game.
This pick aligns with the Saints' philosophy under General Manager Mickey Loomis to find high-upside talent that fits their system without overreaching or moving drastically in draft position early on.
How to Watch Day 2
Round 2 and 3 action begins Friday, April 24, at 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT. Coverage is available on ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC, with streaming options through NFL+ and other league platforms. Fans can follow real-time updates and analysis via the Saints' official website and social media channels.
The Saints' selections at No. 42 and No. 73 place them in the mid-rounds with flexibility to either stand pat or explore trade opportunities depending on how the player board unfolds.
Key Roster Needs Going Into Day 2
The main areas the Saints are targeting following Day 1 are:
Offensive Tackle
The future of veteran Ryan Ramczyk remains a question mark, so bolstering the offensive line remains a priority. The Saints added depth during free agency but will be keen to draft one or more offensive tackles with starting potential. Early second-round prospects such as Blake Fisher (Notre Dame), Kingsley Suamataia (BYU), and Jordan Morgan (Arizona) could fit this need.
Edge Rusher
Though Carl Granderson and Payton Turner anchor the front seven, the Saints seek greater pass-rush firepower from additional edge defenders. The 2026 draft class is deep at this position, and players like Adisa Isaac (Penn State), Gabriel Murphy (UCLA), and Bralen Trice (Washington) might still be available at 42.
Defensive Backfield
With Marshon Lattimore still a top-tier corner but limited depth behind him, the Saints will consider adding versatile cornerbacks who can play multiple roles, including slot coverage. Similarly, depth and future planning at safety is important given Tyrann Mathieu's age.
Wide Receiver Depth
Though the Saints addressed wide receiver early, they still need reliable depth especially following the departure of Michael Thomas. If a value candidate is available late in the third round, another receiver pick could be in play.
Strategic Possibilities on Draft Night
Trade options remain on the table. The Saints may consider moving up in the second round if a coveted offensive tackle starts to fall or packaging picks to add more selections on Day 3.
Conversely, the team could trade back in the second or third round to accumulate more picks, giving greater flexibility in later rounds for developmental prospects.
Given the current roster, the Saints do not appear likely to target quarterback on Day 2, as Spencer Rattler remains the developmental signal-caller behind starter Derek Carr was not signed by the Saints (the article previously mentioned Derek Carr, which is incorrect for 2026; Carr is not on the Saints roster). The front office seems content to continue building around their existing quarterback group.
Coaching and Front Office Outlook
The Saints' coaching staff remains intact with Head Coach Kellen Moore, Offensive Coordinator Doug Nussmeier, Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley, and General Manager Mickey Loomis directing this draft class build. Their continuity provides a solid foundation for integrating rookies effectively.
Final Thoughts
The second and third rounds of the NFL Draft are crucial for the New Orleans Saints to add starting-caliber talent and depth at multiple positions. With two picks in the top 75, they have a valuable opportunity to fill the offensive tackle and edge rusher needs, plus enhance their defensive backfield and receiver corps.
As the draft unfolds on Friday night, fans should watch closely how the Saints' front office balances value and positional demand, with the potential for trades adding intrigue to the evening.
The 2026 draft class has the potential to be a significant step forward for New Orleans, adding youth and talent to sustain competitiveness in the NFC South.
Day 2 Draft Coverage: Friday, April 24 at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN, NFL Network, ABC, and NFL+
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the New Orleans Saints continue reshaping their roster with strategic picks on day two of the 2026 NFL Draft.
