Andrew Buller-Russ
The New Orleans Saints ended on a high note last season, winning four of their past five games. Now, the Saints are looking to take the next step in their development, and franchise quarterback Tyler Shough has an idea on how to do just that.
The Saints have eight selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, including three in the top 75 picks. Shough wants the Saints to use one of them on a receiver, his former college teammate at Louisville.
According to wide receiver draft prospect Chris Bell, Shough has been internally campaigning for the Saints to draft his old teammate.
“He said he wants me so bad, and he’s been pushing my name,” Bell said, via Sarandon Raboin of WHAS 11.
Bell is coming off a career-high 917 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 before tearing his ACL in November. He’s expected to be ready for the start of NFL training camp. Plus, he still had a strong season when catching passes from Shough in 2024, recording 737 yards and four touchdowns.
Now the two want their connection to continue in New Orleans. Bell is viewed as a potential late-first-round pick who will more likely be selected at some point on Day 2. Holding the eighth, 42nd, and 73rd picks, the Saints should have a good chance to land Bell on draft weekend.
Related: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After First Wave of Free Agency
