Saints Eye Aggressive Trade-Up as Arvell Reese Emerges as Draft Target

The final hours leading into the 2026 NFL Draft have already begun to shape expectations for a first round filled with potential movement. While Las Vegas Raiders are widely projected to select Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall, much of the intrigue begins immediately after, where the rest of the order remains fluid and unpredictable.

At No. 2, the New York Jets are expected to target a pass rusher, with names such as Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr. all in consideration. According to reporting from NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah, Bailey is the projected selection due to his status as the most polished edge defender in the class.

That decision sets up a critical pivot point at No. 3, where the Arizona Cardinals hold a pick that could shape the early direction of the draft. What happens next may not involve Arizona staying put at all.

One projected scenario has the draft’s first major trade, with Arizona potentially sliding back while another team moves aggressively to secure a defensive cornerstone.

1. Cardinals Positioned as Draft Trade Hub

Arizona enters the draft with flexibility but also uncertainty, creating conditions that often lead to trade activity. With multiple roster needs and no clear franchise quarterback available at the top, the team’s approach remains open-ended. The possibility of a trade down from No. 3 has gained traction in league discussions. Moving back would allow the Cardinals to accumulate additional draft capital, potentially targeting future quarterback classes or multiple roster upgrades. One name still linked to Arizona if they remain in place is Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, a player viewed as one of the most dynamic offensive talents in the class. However, the broader draft landscape suggests flexibility remains the priority. With several teams reportedly interested in moving into the top tier, Arizona is viewed as the most logical trade partner if a deal is to materialize early in the first round.

2. Saints Projected Aggressive Move for Reese

A key development in recent projections involves the New Orleans Saints, who are reportedly positioned as the most aggressive suitor for a trade-up. The target is Ohio State linebacker/edge prospect Arvell Reese. Reese has emerged as one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the draft due to his rare physical traits and versatility. Though still developing technically as a pass rusher, his upside has drawn significant attention from teams seeking long-term defensive impact. NFL analysts have suggested that New Orleans views Reese as a potential cornerstone player. His athletic profile and projection as a high-impact defender make him a candidate worth moving up for despite the cost. To secure him, the Saints would likely need to part with future draft capital, including a potential first-round pick in 2027. That level of investment underscores how highly they value his long-term ceiling.

3. Strategic Calculations Shape Draft Board

The willingness of teams to trade future assets is influenced heavily by the outlook for upcoming draft classes. The 2027 quarterback class, in particular, is expected to be significantly stronger than this year’s group. Prospects such as Arch Manning are already generating substantial anticipation, shaping how front offices approach long-term planning. For some teams, preserving flexibility for that class is as important as immediate draft gains. For the Saints, however, the evaluation is different. Believing they may have found a long-term answer in Tyler Shough, the organization appears more willing to invest heavily in defensive talent now rather than preserve picks for future uncertainty. Meanwhile, Arizona’s position remains equally strategic. A trade back would align with their long-term search for a franchise quarterback, allowing them to stockpile resources for future drafts.