As the New Orleans Saints prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, we take a look at the top 10 ranked players at various positions. The 2026 NFL Draft big board rankings are reflective of Bucky Brooks' top five prospects by position, ESPN's NFL Draft "Best Available" list, plus other consensus draft boards. To keep track of the latest NFL mock drafts for the Saints, check out Mock Draft Monday. Part of the Saints Path to the Draft presented by Cox.
Carnell Tate earned 2nd-Team AP All-American and 1st-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 after recording 51 receptions for a career-high 875 yards and nine touchdowns in 11 starts. He led the nation with five touchdown receptions on throws of 40 or more yards and led the Big Ten with six contested-catch touchdowns. Tate started 15 games for Ohio State’s national championship team in 2024, finishing with 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns. He played in all 13 games as a freshman in 2023 before becoming a full-time starter, finishing his collegiate career with 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Carnell Tate's Combine Results
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 192 | Arms: 31 3/4 | Hands: 10 1/4
40-yard Dash: 4.53 | 10-yard Split: 1.61 | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Tate is the #7 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (WR1) and is Bucky Brooks’ 2nd-ranked WR on his By Position 1.0. Tate could be the 6th OSU WR selected in the 1st round of the NFL Draft since 2022. Ohio State has had a WR selected in the 1st round of the NFL Draft in 4 straight years entering 2026, a common draft era record for WR at any school.
Lance Zierlein on Carnell Tate:
"Ascending “Z” receiver who continues to step out from the shadow of Ohio State teammate Jeremiah Smith. Tate has good size but would benefit from more play strength. He builds momentum quickly on intermediate and deep routes, utilizing speed and tempo to pressure cornerbacks. He can win over the top on verticals or separate over the first two levels with route savvy and separation burst. Tate tracks throws at top speed and makes his adjustments to run under them. He combines timing, body control and catch radius to dominate air space and consistently lands on the winning side of contested catches. Pass catching comes effortlessly with soft, strong hands and he consistently works back on throws to keep ballhawks from hawking. Tate displays rare polish for a player his age and has the talent to become a heralded pro within his first three seasons."
Makai Lemon won the 2025 Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver while earning 1st-Team AP All-American and 1st-Team All-Big Ten honors after recording 79 receptions for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. He ranked eighth in the FBS in receiving yards and tied for ninth in receiving touchdowns while posting four games with at least 150 receiving yards and a touchdown. Lemon led USC in receptions and receiving yards in both 2024 and 2025, recording 52 receptions for 764 yards in 2024 while earning Honorable Mention All-Big Ten at wide receiver and 3rd-Team All-Big Ten as a return specialist. After appearing in nine games as a reserve in 2023, he finished his collegiate career with 137 receptions for 2,008 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Makai Lemon's Combine Results
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 192 | Arms: 30 1/2 | Hands: 8 3/4
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Lemon is the #10 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (WR2) and is Bucky Brooks’ 3rd-ranked WR on his By Position 1.0. Lemon did not participate in athletic testing at the 2026 Combine.
Lance Zierlein on Makai Lemon:
"High-skill, high-volume slot receiver with average size but extraordinary ball skills. Lemon has room for refinement, but not much. He’s intelligent, confident and polished with the ability to make plays on all three levels. Tempo-driven route-runner who misdirects man coverage and separates out of turns but is fairly average after the catch. Quicker than fast, featuring early acceleration to open seam throws but flashes late burst when needed. More play strength is needed for NFL press and he needs to avoid rushing through multi-breaking routes. He’s an exceptional ball-tracker with excellent catch timing and few focus drops. He wins more combat catches than he loses. Lemon is a plug-and-play, quarterback-friendly talent with first-round value and Pro Bowl upside."
Jordyn Tyson earned 3rd-Team Associated Press All-American and 1st-Team All-Big 12 honors in both 2024 and 2025 while leading Arizona State in receiving in each season. He recorded 75 receptions for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 while being named Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, then added 61 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns in nine starts in 2025. Tyson began his career at Colorado in 2022, leading the team with 470 receiving yards as a true freshman before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He finished his collegiate career with 158 receptions for 2,282 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Jordyn Tyson's Combine Results
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 203 | Arms: 30 1/4 | Hands: 9 1/8
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: 26
Tyson is the #17 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (WR3) and is Bucky Brooks’ top-ranked WR on his By Position 1.0. Tyson did not test at the 2026 Combine (recovery from in-season hamstring injury) but he did tie for the most bench reps by a 2026 wideout and 1 shy of the wideout record of 27 (set by 4 players).
Lance Zierlein on Jordyn Tyson:
"Learning from Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward helped unlock Tyson’s production and elevated his draft stock. He’s added size and improved his route running over the last two years, showing he can align at all three receiver spots. He occasionally rushes the route but has the short-area quickness and contested-catch toughness to find chain-moving grabs in high-leverage moments. He’s not a blazer but has enough speed to work down the field. Also, he has the ball skills and body control to win above the rim with timing on 50/50 throws. Scouts say he puts in the time to absorb knowledge and hone his craft. A history of injuries might explain inconsistent competitiveness as a run blocker in 2025. The wiring, versatility and finishing talent point to a WR1 ceiling."
Denzel Boston earned 3rd-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 after leading Washington with 62 receptions for 881 yards and 11 touchdowns, finishing tied for ninth in the FBS in receiving touchdowns. He started 11 games in 2025 after starting all 13 games in 2024, when he recorded 63 receptions for 834 yards and nine touchdowns and earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition. Boston played in 14 games during Washington’s national runner-up season in 2023 before moving into a starting role the following year. He finished his collegiate career with 132 receptions for 1,781 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Denzel Boston's Combine Results
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 212 | Arms: 32 | Hands: 9 3/4
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: 35
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: 4.28 | Bench Press: DNP
Denzel Boston is the #18 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (WR4). Boston only participated in the vertical at the 2026 Combine.
Lance Zierlein on Denzel Boston:
"Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value."
KC Concepcion earned 1st-Team Associated Press All-American (All-Purpose) and 1st-Team All-SEC honors at wide receiver and all-purpose in 2025 while winning the Paul Hornung Award as the nation’s most versatile player after recording 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns at Texas A&M. He also returned two punts for touchdowns and started all 13 games. Concepcion previously played two seasons at NC State, earning Freshman All-American honors and ACC Rookie of the Year in 2023 after leading the team with 71 receptions for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished his collegiate career with 185 receptions for 2,218 yards and 25 receiving touchdowns, along with 431 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
KC Concepcion's Combine Results
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 196 | Arms: 30 1/4 | Hands: 9 1/4
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
KC Concepcion is the #33 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (WR6). Concepcion did not participate in athletic testing at the 2026 Combine.
Lance Zierlein on KC Concepcion:
"Concepcion offers immediate burst and separation into space. He’s elusive in beating press and getting into breaks with minimum damage from handsy coverage. While he has a one-speed approach, he can snap off routes with alarming suddenness, making him extremely difficult to match at leveraged break points. He’s instinctive against zone. He’s also a nightmare for man coverage on choice routes and near the goal line. He’s quicker than fast, with more value on utility throws utilizing run after catch. Concepcion’s ability to quickly uncover should be very appealing to teams with spotty protection and a young quarterback."
Omar Cooper Jr. earned 2nd-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025 after leading national champion Indiana with 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, finishing tied for third in the FBS in receiving touchdowns. He played in all 16 games with 14 starts during the championship season after recording 28 receptions for 594 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, when he ranked fourth in the FBS with a 21.2 yards-per-reception average. Cooper appeared in nine games with two starts in 2023 before becoming a full-time contributor over the next two seasons. He finished his collegiate career with 115 receptions for 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns.
Omar Cooper Jr.'s Combine Results
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 199 | Arms: 30 1/4 | Hands: 9 5/8
40-yard Dash: 4.42 | 10-yard Split: 1.55 | Vertical Jump: 37
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Omar Cooper Jr. is the #19 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (WR5).
Lance Zierlein on Omar Cooper Jr.:
"Big, strong target whose two-year rise is bolstered by translatable tape. While he was a full-time slot receiver in 2025, Cooper has played outside, as well. He can stem and drive past press with his strength. He has potent early acceleration to climb past nickelbacks into top position to challenge deep. His routes lack polish and he has average in-and-out quickness at break-points, but he’s rugged once the ball is in his hands. His ability to add yards after contact could earn Cooper more carries than we saw from him at Indiana. Fighting for catch space and blocking for the running game are areas where he needs improvement. Cooper is an ascending slot bully with Day 2 value."
Chris Brazzell II earned 3rd-Team Associated Press All-American and 1st-Team All-SEC honors in 2025 after leading Tennessee with 62 receptions for 1,017 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games. He previously played one season at Tennessee in 2024, recording 29 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games after transferring from Tulane. Brazzell earned Freshman All-American and 3rd-Team All-American Athletic Conference honors in 2023 after leading Tulane with 44 receptions for 711 yards and five touchdowns. He finished his collegiate career with 136 receptions for 2,072 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Chris Brazzell II's Combine Results
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 198 | Arms: 32 3/8 | Hands: 9
40-yard Dash: 4.37 | 10-yard Split: 1.52 | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Chris Brazzell is Bucky Brooks’ 5th-ranked WR on his By Position 1.0. Brazzell had the 2nd-largest wingspan of any wide receiver at the Combine since 2003 that also weighed less than 200 pounds.
Lance Zierlein on Chris Brazzell II:
"Long-limbed “Z” receiver with the ability to create downfield for an offense thirsty to make more explosive plays outside. Brazzell’s 2025 tape shows the game slowing down for him, allowing the production to catch up with the traits. He builds to speed with long strides and dominates above the rim. He’s adept at using length and body control to capture air space against cornerbacks. He’s a more competent route runner than most field-stretcher types, but he needs to become more physical on contested targets underneath. Brazzell didn’t see many in-your-face press challenges this past season, but he’s likely to get an early taste of it as a pro. Two-high shells and zone-heavy looks can shrink his snap-to-snap impact, but the quick-strike potential is real."
Chris Bell earned 1st-Team All-ACC honors in 2025 after leading Louisville with 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games before suffering a torn ACL late in the season. He started 13 games in 2024 and recorded 43 receptions for 737 yards and four touchdowns while averaging 17.1 yards per reception. Bell previously appeared in all 14 games with 11 starts in 2023 and played nine games as a reserve in 2022. He finished his collegiate career with 151 receptions for 2,166 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Chris Bell's Combine Results:
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 216 | Arms: 29 1/2 | Hands: 9 1/2
40-yard Dash: DNP | 10-yard Split: DNP | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Lance Zierlein on Chris Bell:
"Possession receiver coming off of his most productive year and a late-season ACL tear. Bell’s scores frequently came as a move target across the hashes, where he was able to use impressive build-up speed to eliminate angles and outrun everyone in the secondary to the paint. He’s average at eluding press and separating from tight man underneath. Improving his catch focus and positioning when contested will be critical. Bell lacks dynamic qualities and his ACL tear could impact his draft slotting, but he's a big, physical target with room to improve. He has a chance to become an average WR2/3 in time."
Zachariah Branch earned 2nd-Team All-SEC honors at wide receiver and 3rd-Team All-SEC All-Purpose recognition in 2025 after leading Georgia with 81 receptions for 811 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games. He previously played two seasons at USC, winning the Jet Award as the nation’s top returner and earning Freshman All-American and 1st-Team All-Pac-12 return specialist honors in 2023 after scoring touchdowns on both a punt return and kickoff return. Branch recorded 47 receptions for 503 yards in 12 games in 2024 before transferring to Georgia. He finished his collegiate career with 159 receptions for 1,634 yards and nine touchdowns.
Zachariah Branch's Combine Results
Height: 5-10 | Weight: 188 | Arms: 30 1/8 | Hands: 9
40-yard Dash: 4.37 | 10-yard Split: 1.59 | Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: 10-2 | 3-Cone: DNP | 20-yard Shuttle: DNP | Bench Press: DNP
Branch is the #50 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (WR10) and is Bucky Brooks’ 4th-ranked WR on his By Position 1.0. He measured and tested similarly to Brandin Cooks and Tavon Austin.
Lance Zierlein on Zachariah Branch:
"Slot receiver who can turn routine touches into explosive gains. Georgia prioritized quick touches at or behind the line of scrimmage to take advantage of Branch’s ability to slip tackles and add yards after catch. I expect to see more choice routes and deep crossers rolled into his workload as a pro. His routes are rushed and rounded, though. He will jump unnecessarily to make catches, which subjects him to added punishment from defenders. Branch is strong for his size and very tough. He could be pigeon-holed into a “manufactured touch” role, but he’s capable of more. He should help move the sticks and return punts before eventually settling in as a starting slot."
Malachi Fields recorded 36 receptions for 630 yards and five touchdowns in 12 starts at Notre Dame in 2025 after transferring from Virginia. He previously earned 3rd-Team All-ACC honors in 2024 after leading Virginia with 55 receptions for 808 yards and five touchdowns, one season after recording 58 receptions for 811 yards and five touchdowns while earning Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition in 2023. Fields appeared in 11 games as a freshman in 2021 and played one game in 2022 before his breakout seasons at Virginia. He finished his collegiate career with 165 receptions for 2,479 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Malachi Fields' Combine Results
Height: 6-4 1/2 | Weight: 218 | Arms: 32 1/8 | Hands: 9
40-yard Dash: 4.61 | 10-yard Split: 1.63 | Vertical Jump: 38
Broad Jump: 10-4 | 3-Cone: 6.98 | 20-yard Shuttle: 4.35 | Bench Press: DNP
Malachi Fields is the #44 overall prospect on Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 2.0 (WR7). Fields (4.61) ran the 2nd-slowest 40-yd dash among 2026 wideouts (4.64; Chase Roberts) and profiled similarly to former big-bodied NFL WRs Allen Robinson & Marques Colston.
Lance Zierlein on Malachi Fields:
"Boundary “X” receiver who uses elite size and strength to bully defensive backs. Notre Dame’s run-heavy approach and quarterback play slowed Fields’ production somewhat but his tape was filled with impressive moments. He’s best suited for an offense that allows him to get from Point A to Point B while using his frame/ball skills to dominate the work space and win in the air. He can be a slow starter versus press and lives on contested targets, but he moves the chains on tight-window throws and consistently tilts 50/50 balls in his direction outside the numbers. Fields might never be a star, but his traits, playing style and ball skills should make him a productive WR2 in time."
