With the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints find themselves in a prime position to add a game-changing talent. The big question is which direction they'll go, with edge rusher, wide receiver, and cornerback all being major needs.

An intriguing prediction is now making the rounds, courtesy of an AFC South scout speaking to ESPN's Matt Miller. The scout forecasts the Saints will bypass a tempting local prospect—LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane—to instead select a "blue-chip" talent in Tennessee's Jermod McCoy.

"Rarely do you find true blue-chip cornerbacks, and when one falls to you, it's an easy decision to take them off the board," the scout stated. The endorsement hinges on McCoy's recovery from a torn ACL that sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, but the scout is betting on a return to his 2024 form, when he was considered "the best cornerback in the nation."

That 2024 campaign was indeed special. McCoy showcased elite ball skills with four interceptions and seven passes defended, living up to the shutdown corner hype. While the missed season introduces an element of risk, his recent pro day performance—where he blazed a 4.39-second 40-yard dash—signals his explosive athleticism is back.

Choosing McCoy over the local standout Delane would be a surprise, but the potential reward is immense. If his knee holds up and he regains his 2024 dominance, the Saints would be securing an elite defensive cornerstone at a pivotal spot in the draft, a move that could reshape their secondary for years to come.