New Orleans trimmed its 2026 draft footprint to five picks, shedding a pair of Day-3 selections to Denver as part of the Devaughn Vele deal. The Saints’ current 2026 draft map sits at Round 1 (own), Round 2 (own), Round 3 (own), Round 5 (own) and Round 6 (own). They had already swapped a 2026 fourth to the Broncos earlier and sent a 2026 seventh to New England for Davon Godchaux, a move that could be offset by a compensatory fourth if Isaac Yiadom doesn’t start. The 2027 slate also shrank by a seventh-round pick headed to Denver in the Vele trade.

Looking ahead, New Orleans still owns most of its picks through 2028, as the league restricts deals beyond three years. By keeping most Day 1-2 capital intact but ceding some Day 3 depth, the Saints signal a push toward developing talent in-house while remaining competitive. Arch Manning talk looms among fans hoping for a 2026 pipeline, but the Saints’ current strategy centers on asset preservation, depth-building, and internal growth rather than a full teardown.

Khalen Saunders started for the Saints in Sunday’s preseason clash with the Jaguars, but the day ended with Saunders wearing Jaguars colors after a shock swap that also brings Luke Fortner back to New Orleans. The deal links Saunders to Jacksonville while Fortner returns to the Saints, reshaping the teams’ interior line depth in real time.

The 29-year-old Saunders is listed as DT2 in New Orleans behind Davon Godchaux, but he showed enough last season (43 tackles, 2 sacks, an interception) to earn another chance elsewhere. Fortner, a steady presence since 2022, has appeared in 51 games (34 starts) and will slot in as the Saints’ center after Will Clapp’s season-ending foot injury, giving New Orleans a familiar face at the position.

For Jacksonville, Saunders adds interior run-stopping depth and a veteran presence as they navigate the late stages of preseason roster decisions. The Saints’ return of Fortner completes the swap, signaling a strategic shuffling of depth up front for both teams as they weigh contract years and roster flexibility. The Sunday result feels like a full-speed audition that will influence both clubs’ short-term plans and longer-term depth charts.

The New Orleans Saints are entering a pivotal season with substantial changes to both their roster and coaching staff. As they prepare for the 2025 season, several key questions loom over their defensive positions, particularly in the front seven. The competition for the nose tackle spot is heating up, with Davon Godchaux, Khalen Saunders, and rookie Vernon Broughton among the candidates. Meanwhile, the defensive end positions are crowded, with veterans like Cameron Jordan and newcomers like Chase Young vying for roles in a potentially revamped defense.

Chase Young's shift from defensive end to outside linebacker raises questions about his ability to adapt and capitalize on the new scheme. His success may hinge on the effectiveness of the players ahead of him, particularly those like Jordan, who can create opportunities for pressure. Furthermore, the readiness of Pete Werner to take on a larger role as a linebacker could be crucial for the Saints' defensive stability. These questions will shape the Saints' defensive strategy as they aim to reclaim their position as a formidable force in the league.