The New Orleans Saints were never expected to compete in 2025.
The team had a questionable, at best, quarterback situation, and it was the first year at the helm for head coach Kellen Moore. Predictably, the team did end up struggling, but there were some bright spots in the long season.
The Saints finished with a 6-11 record, which was perhaps a few more wins than many expected. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough ended up performing well for the most part, and the main focus for this offseason should be adding weapons.
The team still has Alvin Kamara at running back and Chris Olave at wide receiver. Both are solid weapons as long as they are healthy, but it wouldn’t hurt to add some young talent.
As a result, Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports recently published a new mock draft that has the Saints selecting Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate with the No. 8 pick in 2026.
Regarding Tate and the Saints, Easterling offered the following:
Chris Olave is a quality WR1 when healthy, but he’s struggled with injuries, and the Saints don’t have a quality option behind him after trading away Rashid Shaheed. Tate is a well-rounded prospect who can challenge Olave for the top spot on the depth chart.
As Easterling mentioned, the Saints don’t have a reliable receiver behind Olave after trading Rashid Shaheed. Devaughn Vele finished second on the team in catches and yards, and that just isn’t good enough.
Tate, meanwhile, was an explosive weapon on one of the best offenses in college football. Tate played in 11 games for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2025 and caught 51 passes for 875 yards and nine touchdowns.
Tate caught at least 50 passes in both of his final two collegiate seasons and was one of the best route-runners in the country. Tate has the speed to get open across the middle, but also has the size and skill to make contested catches.
If the Saints want to see if Shough is the franchise passer, they need to give him as many weapons as possible. It worked out for the Saints the last time they used an early draft pick on an Ohio State receiver, so who’s to say it won’t this time?
