How to Watch Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft and the Saints’ Pick Time

The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and it was a spectacle for the ages. A record-breaking crowd of 320,000 fans packed Pittsburgh to witness history, setting a new standard for attendance. For the New Orleans Saints, Night 1 was a calculated victory. By selecting Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at pick No. 8, the franchise addressed a glaring need for a true No. 1 target. But the work is far from over. As the dust settles on a thrilling Thursday, all eyes turn to Day 2—a critical juncture where championships are often built. For the Saints, Friday night represents a golden opportunity to reshape their roster depth. With seven picks remaining and a front office that loves to maneuver, this is where the real draft magic happens. Here is your complete guide to watching Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, including the exact time the Saints will be on the clock and expert analysis on what to expect.

When and Where to Watch Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft

Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT) from the iconic stage in Pittsburgh. This session covers Rounds 2 and 3, and for the Saints, it is the most pivotal window of the entire weekend. Here is the breakdown of the broadcast details:

• TV Channels: ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC will all carry live coverage. ABC will offer a more streamlined, family-friendly broadcast, while ESPN and NFL Network provide deeper draft analytics and war-room access.
• Streaming Options: You can watch via NFL+ (mobile and tablet), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, or Sling TV. All major streaming services carrying ESPN or NFL Network will have the full Day 2 broadcast.
• Radio: Westwood One will provide national radio coverage, and the Saints’ official radio network, led by Mike Hoss and Deuce McAllister, will offer local analysis during pick breaks.

The format for Day 2 is notably faster than Round 1. Teams have 7 minutes per pick in Round 2 and 5 minutes per pick in Round 3. This compressed clock means the action will be relentless, and trade negotiations will happen in real-time on the floor.

New Orleans Saints’ Exact Pick Times and Draft Capital

After selecting Jordyn Tyson at No. 8 overall, the Saints enter Day 2 with substantial flexibility. New Orleans currently holds the 40th overall pick (Round 2) and the 71st overall pick (Round 3). Based on the standard 7-minute clock for Round 2, here is the projected window for the Saints’ first selection on Friday:

• Saints’ Pick No. 40 (Round 2): Approximately 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM ET (depending on trade activity ahead of them). This is the prime slot for New Orleans to land a top-tier prospect at a position of need.
• Saints’ Pick No. 71 (Round 3): Approximately 10:30 PM – 11:00 PM ET. This pick could be used to target a falling talent or as trade bait to move up.

Critical Context: The Saints were rumored to be aggressively exploring a trade-up during Round 1, likely targeting an offensive tackle or a defensive playmaker. However, the front office held firm. As a result, New Orleans still possesses its full cache of Day 2 picks. General Manager Mickey Loomis is notorious for moving around the board. With seven total picks remaining (including compensatory selections), the Saints have the ammunition to package picks to jump into the late second round or even the top of the third. Don’t be surprised if New Orleans trades up from No. 40 to secure a specific target.

Expert Analysis: What Positions Will the Saints Target on Day 2?

With Jordyn Tyson now in the fold, the Saints’ offensive skill positions look dramatically different. Tyson, a dynamic route-runner with elite separation skills, instantly becomes the primary weapon. This shift fundamentally alters New Orleans’ draft board for Day 2. It would be a shock to see a wide receiver selected before Round 4. Instead, the focus will shift to the trenches and the defensive backfield. Here are the three most likely positions the Saints will target:

1. Offensive Tackle (Priority No. 1)
The Saints need a long-term solution at left tackle. Ryan Ramczyk’s health remains a concern, and Trevor Penning has not yet solidified the blindside. The second round is rich with offensive tackle talent. Names like Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas), if he slides, or Will Campbell (LSU) could be available. Expect New Orleans to aggressively pursue a tackle who can start immediately. If they trade up, it will likely be for a tackle.

2. Edge Rusher / Defensive Line
Carl Granderson is a solid starter, but the Saints need a dynamic pass-rush complement. With Cameron Jordan entering the twilight of his career, a young edge rusher is a must. Prospects like J.T. Tuimoloau (Ohio State) or Bralen Trice (Washington) fit the Saints’ aggressive 4-3 scheme. A disruptive defensive tackle who can push the pocket from the interior is also a strong possibility.

3. Cornerback or Safety
The Saints secondary is aging. Marshon Lattimore is elite, but the depth behind him is thin. A versatile cornerback who can play outside or in the slot—such as Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama)—would be a home run at pick No. 40. A rangy safety who can cover tight ends is another need, especially with Marcus Maye’s future uncertain.

Dark Horse Prediction: The Saints could also target a tight end. Juwan Johnson is a free agent after 2026, and the offense under new coordinator Klint Kubiak will use heavy 12-personnel (two tight ends). A blocker-receiver hybrid like Cade Stover (Ohio State) fits perfectly.

Predictions for the Saints’ Day 2 Strategy

Based on the first-round action and the Saints’ historical tendencies, here are three bold predictions for Friday night in Pittsburgh:

Prediction 1: The Saints Trade Up in Round 2
Mickey Loomis loves to trade up for a falling talent. If a top-tier offensive tackle like J.C. Latham (Alabama) or a cornerback like Nate Wiggins (Clemson) slides past pick No. 30, expect New Orleans to package picks No. 40 and No. 71 to jump into the early 30s. The Saints are not afraid to mortgage future picks for immediate impact, but this year, they have the capital to do it without damaging next year’s draft.

Prediction 2: No Wide Receiver Until Round 5
Despite the depth at receiver in this class, the Saints will bypass the position on Day 2. With Tyson, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed already on the roster, the team will prioritize the line of scrimmage. A receiver in the fifth round (like a deep threat or a slot specialist) makes more sense than spending a premium pick on a luxury.

Prediction 3: A Defensive Back Falls Into Their Lap at No. 71
In the third round, the Saints will likely find a starting-caliber defensive back. The 2026 cornerback class is deep, and teams often prioritize offensive linemen early. New Orleans could snag a player like D.J. James (Auburn) or Cooper DeJean (Iowa)—a versatile defensive back who can play safety or nickel. This would be exceptional value and fill a key rotational need.

One thing is certain: the Saints will be aggressive. They have the picks, the needs, and the front-office philosophy to make Friday night a franchise-altering session. The crowd in Pittsburgh will be electric, and the Saints’ war room will be buzzing.

Conclusion: Why Day 2 Defines the Saints’ 2026 Season

Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft gave the Saints a superstar in Jordyn Tyson. But Day 2 will determine whether this team is a playoff contender or a pretender. The margin between winning the NFC South and missing the postseason often comes down to the players selected in Rounds 2 and 3. For New Orleans, the pressure is on to find starters at offensive tackle, edge rusher, and defensive back. With a record-setting crowd in Pittsburgh providing a raucous atmosphere, and the Saints holding seven picks in their pocket, Friday night promises to be a chess match of epic proportions.

Set your alarms for 7:00 PM ET on April 24. Watch the clock tick down toward pick No. 40. And keep your phone ready—because in the Saints’ draft room, trades happen fast. This is the night where the foundation of the next great Saints team will be laid. Don’t miss a single snap of the action.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.