Drafting Carnell Tate, Building Around Tyler Shough A Winning New Orleans Saints NFL Draft Approach

The New Orleans Saints' 2026 NFL Draft strategy should center on building around quarterback Tyler Shough, even if the top two edge rushers are gone by pick eight. Host Ross Jackson argues that drafting Carnell Tate, a 6'3" Ohio State wide receiver with elite contested catch ability and route-running versatility, would be a perfect fit for Kellen Moore’s offense and a smart way to elevate Shough’s ceiling. Jackson dismisses concerns about Tate’s lack of a number-one receiver role, drawing a parallel to Justin Jefferson’s rise, and emphasizes that Tate’s ability to thrive in the intermediate and red zone areas makes him a high-impact addition. The episode then explores a four-round mock draft where the Saints trade up twice—first to select edge rusher Reuben Bain Jr. at eight, then to grab wide receiver Denzel Boston at 34. Additional moves target a dynamic running back (Jonah Coleman), a physical tight end (Oscar Delp), a star corner (Keontae Scott), and a disruptive interior defender (Demonte Capehart), all while preserving late-round value. The analysis concludes that the Saints can still build a competitive roster without sacrificing long-term flexibility, even if they don’t trade up—highlighting that patience and strategic use of capital matter more than immediate splash picks.