Before we even get to Day 3, it is important to understand how the Saints set the tone in the first three rounds. Because winning late in the draft only matters if your early foundation makes sense.
Round 1, Pick 8: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The Saints came into this draft needing more firepower on offense, and at pick 8 they addressed it immediately with Jordyn Tyson. This pick signals a clear commitment to surrounding their offense with dynamic playmakers. Tyson brings explosiveness, route-running ability, and the upside to become a true WR1. This is a tone-setting selection that says the Saints want to score and keep up with the elite offenses in the league.
Round 2, Pick 42: Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
At pick 42, the Saints turned their attention to the defensive line with Christen Miller. Coming out of Georgia, Miller brings toughness, physicality, and experience playing in a high-level defensive system. This is a classic Saints pick, reinforcing the trenches with a player who can rotate early and develop into a consistent contributor. It balances the offensive splash from Round 1 with a foundational defensive piece.
Round 3, Pick 73: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
With pick 73, the Saints continued to build offensive versatility by adding tight end Oscar Delp. This selection adds another layer to their offense, giving them flexibility in formations and matchups. Delp has the ability to contribute as both a receiver and a blocker, which fits perfectly with a modern NFL offense that values tight ends who can do it all. At this point in the draft, the Saints have added weapons and reinforced the trenches, setting themselves up to attack Day 3 with value and precision.
Now, this is where teams either separate themselves or waste opportunities. Day 3 is about value, depth, and finding players who outperform their draft position. This is how the Saints can win it.
Round 4, Pick 132: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
The Saints missed out on safety early, and there is a real chance a player like Keionte Scott would be off the board by this point. That makes this pick critical. Genesis Smith brings speed, clocking a 4.48 in the 40-yard dash, along with strong instincts on the back end. He plays fast because he sees the game quickly, and that is what gives him real upside. In the fourth round, this is exactly the kind of player you target. If he develops properly, this could end up being one of the steals of the draft.
Round 4, Pick 136: Billy Schrauth, G, Notre Dame
This is one of those picks that may not generate headlines but could be extremely important for the Saints. Billy Schrauth has been outstanding in pass protection, allowing zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and only two hurries in seven games. Over his entire college career, he has given up just three sacks. The Saints need competition on the interior offensive line, especially with Cesar Ruiz and the need for depth behind their new left guard. Schrauth has experience at both guard spots, which adds to his value. This is how you quietly build a strong offensive line.
Round 5, Pick 150: Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M
Taurean York may not have the ideal height at 5 foot 10, but the Saints have never been afraid to bet on production over measurables. This is the same organization that once thrived with Sam Mills, a 5 foot 9 linebacker who became a five-time Pro Bowler. York brings a 90 PFF coverage grade, which directly addresses one of the Saints’ weaknesses at linebacker. In today’s NFL, coverage ability at that position is critical. This is a smart, calculated swing that could pay off in a big way.
Round 5, Pick 172: Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Even with Travis Etienne in the backfield, the Saints needed to add depth at running back. Kaytron Allen fits perfectly as a complementary piece. He is a physical runner who thrives in short-yardage situations, consistently falling forward and creating yards after contact. While he may not have elite breakaway speed, that is not his role. He projects as a reliable committee back who adds toughness and balance to the running back room.
Round 6, Pick 190: Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
This is the type of pick that can define a successful Day 3. Jeff Caldwell brings rare traits at 6 foot 5 with a 4.31 40-yard dash. The Saints have added plenty of offensive weapons, but they were still missing a true burner. They missed out on players like Chris Brazell, Ted Hurst, and Zachariah Branch, all of whom bring elite speed. Caldwell gives them that element. Even if he is raw, this is the round where you take a chance on elite athleticism. If he develops, he could become a dangerous deep threat and a perfect complement to the rest of the offense.
This is how you win Day 3. You find value, you address needs, and you take calculated swings on upside. If even a few of these players hit, the Saints walk away from this draft in a much stronger position than they started.
