The Saints Are Picking 8th in This Year’s NFL Draft. The Last 10 Picks at No. 8 Were …
From Jack Conklin in 2016 to Tetairoa McMillan last year, the No. 8 spot has quietly produced a mix of cornerstone players, high-end talent, and a few cautionary tales.
With the New Orleans Saints holding that same position, history offers more than just trivia—it offers clues.
Let’s go in reverse.
2025 — Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
A towering, smooth route-runner with elite ball skills, McMillan entered the league with WR1 expectations. It’s still early, but his size and catch radius already hint at a future as a quarterback’s best friend.
2024 — Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
Polished, reliable, and explosive when needed. Odunze wasted no time proving he belonged, showing flashes of becoming a true No. 1 option at the next level.
2023 — Bijan Robinson (RB, Texas)
One of the most complete running back prospects in years. Robinson brought versatility, vision, and elite athleticism to the league—and instantly became a focal point of his offense.
2022 — Drake London (WR, USC)
Big-bodied and physical, London quickly established himself as a go-to target. His ability to win contested catches makes him a nightmare matchup.
2021 — Jaycee Horn (CB, South Carolina)
An aggressive, lockdown corner when healthy. Injuries slowed his start, but his upside as a true CB1 is undeniable.
2020 — Isaiah Simmons (LB, Clemson)
A hybrid defender with rare athleticism. His career has been a bit of a positional puzzle, but his versatility still makes him a valuable chess piece.
2019 — T.J. Hockenson (TE, Iowa)
A modern tight end who can block and dominate in the passing game. Hockenson has developed into one of the more reliable players at his position.
2018 — Roquan Smith (LB, Georgia)
Arguably the gold standard of this group. Smith became an All-Pro leader—fast, instinctive, and the heartbeat of a defense.
2017 — Christian McCaffrey (RB, Stanford)
A game-changer. McCaffrey redefined offensive versatility, becoming one of the most dangerous dual-threat weapons in the NFL.
2016 — Jack Conklin (OT, Michigan State)
A dominant tackle who made an immediate impact, earning All-Pro honors early in his career and anchoring offensive lines with physicality.
So what does this mean for New Orleans?
If history says anything, it’s this: No. 8 is a premium talent slot.
You’re not just getting a starter—you’re often landing:
- A future Pro Bowler
- A scheme-defining weapon
- Or the centerpiece of a rebuild
For the Saints, the pattern leans heavily toward playmakers and tone-setters—running backs, wide receivers, defensive leaders. That could hint at targeting a dynamic offensive weapon or a defensive anchor.
One thing is clear:
Misses are rare here. Impact is expected.
And if the trend holds, the Saints aren’t just picking at No. 8…
They’re picking a difference-maker.
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