Canal Street Chronicles
After losing another game this season, the New Orleans Saints could have moved up a bit in the draft order. Instead, luck was not on their side, and the team is still currently set to select at pick 5.
There may not be a bigger riser in the 2026 draft than Ohio State’s Arvell Reese. This dynamic player has burst onto the scene as one of the top defensive players in the country. He is an absolutely dominant linebacker who seems to be everywhere, but has started to become a real threat off the edge. This type of positional versatility is not normal, and the last time we may have seen a player with this type of athleticism was Isaiah Simmons in 2020. Yes, that pick did not work out, but many reasons besides his on-field talent caused that to happen. If Reese can show the ability to play in a pro scheme, any defensive coordinator in the NFL will dream of adding him to their team. Reese is 6-foot-4, fast, insanely strong, and has excellent length. There are many times on tape where Reese either pushes a blocker straight into the QB or throws a blocker completely out of the picture.
Looking at this selection from the Saints’ perspective, picking Arvell Reese could be the answer for two different (or both?) positions. Demario Davis is nearing the end of his career in the NFL, and although there is some hope that Danny Stutsman could develop into a potential successor, we may not know that answer until next season. Reese has all the tools to fill the role Davis will leave, and until that retirement happens, a potential group of Reese, Davis, Werner, and Stutsman would be excellent. Now, if Reese can develop more as an edge rusher, the Saints could be getting that much pass rush help they are going to be looking for. Arvell Reese could be the perfect 3-4 OLB in a Brandon Staley scheme.
As the title says, this is the Ohio State edition of Saints 2026 Draft Position, but this time, we will be going over to the offense. Before the season, WR Carnell Tate was projected to be selected around the 2nd round, but so far this season, he has outplayed those expectations. I tend to throw around the term “QB’s best friend” a bit too much, but I have to use it again with Tate. He can adjust to any pass, make on-the-sideline catches look easy, and secure the ball in contested situations. Last week, Tate had a beautiful toe-drag catch on the sideline that just proved further how NFL-ready he is. Adding these traits to his already great route running, deep threat ability, and skilled blocking makes Tate one of the best receivers in a stacked 2026 class. Currently, the young WR is projected to be closer to a mid-first round pick, but if he continues making plays all season, there’s a really good chance he can become...
