With the New Orleans Saints not having played a game yet, projections are the only way the draft order can be made going into Week 1. According to those projections, the Saints are set to select at pick 9 in the NFL Draft. So, for the first draft position of the season, that is what I’m going to go off of. Also, since it’s early in the college football and NFL year, the focus will be more on the Saints’ roster than the player.
Here are two potential selections that would make too much sense for the Saints at pick 9.
Texas EDGE Colin Simmons
If the Saints are selected in the top 10, EDGE has to be a priority. The Saints’ not adding a sure-thing starting pass rusher across from Chase Young is a worry, but the team believes in attacking that position with a committee instead. The group of Cam Jordan, Tyree Wilson, Anfernee Jennings, and even Kaden Elliss could do some damage in 2026, but that may not work out, and the long-term plan for that position is nonexistent.
So, at pick 9, Texas’ star pass rusher Colin Simmons must be the choice if he’s available. Simmons is extremely athletic, had 9 sacks in 2024 and 12 in 2025, can win in a number of different ways against offensive linemen, and is not a liability against the run. Simmons perfectly fits as that 3-4 OLB that the Saints could put across from Young, and the future on the defensive line would look much brighter than it currently is.
Oklahoma DT David Stone
Sticking with the defensive line, if the Saints don’t go with a pass rusher, I wouldn’t be shocked to see them pivot to a DT. Just like the EDGE group in this draft class, the DTs are extremely talented, and at the top of that list is David Stone. The big DT is an all-around defensive lineman who can make winning plays against the run and in pass rush. His versatility on the defensive line will make defensive coordinators in the NFL salivate at the idea of selecting him, and on the Saints’ defense, he could be an incredible addition.
Before getting to his fit, I do have to say one thing. If the Saints view Stone as a primary nose tackle, which could happen, they will likely not make this pick. Christen Miller is the future at that spot. Although if Miller ends up playing some 3-4 DE and doing well, that could make the pick a possibility.
If the Saints do view Stone as a potential 3-4 DE to put next to Miller, that would instantly create one of the most exciting DT groups in the NFL. Miller and Stone could make the Saints’ run defense elite.
