ESPN Anаlytіcѕ Reveаl Plаyer Moѕt Lіkely to be Drаfted by tһe Sаіntѕ

ESPN believes the Saints will add one of the top cornerbacks in the draft.

Earlier this week, ESPN released their NFL Draft Analyzer tool to help fans get an idea of how the 2025 NFL Draft will play out. You can see the odds of a player being available or the odds of them being selected at any pick, and ESPN believes one of the top corners in the draft has the highest chance to be selected by the Saints with the ninth pick.

This whole scenario is based upon the Saints sticking and picking at nine. Obviously, they could trade up (presumably for a QB) or trade back (which is something Mickey Loomis has rarely done) in the first round, which would change these odds.

According to ESPN's Draft Analyzer, former Michigan Wolverine CB, Will Johnson, is the most likely pick for the Saints at nine, coming in with a near-20% chance. Close behind are Arizona WR, Tetairoa McMillan, and Boise State RB, Ashton Jeanty, both with a 12% chance.

Will Johnson had an incredible 2023 season where he allowed a sub-50% completion percentage and gave up a total of 267 yards and no touchdowns while picking off four passes. He was one of the leaders of Michigan's national championship team, but he saw very limited action in 2024.

Johnson suffered from turf toe and a shoulder injury during the 2024 season, which caused him to play in just six games. During that time, Johnson allowed 16 of his 26 targets to be caught for 195 yards and no touchdowns. He also picked off a pair of passes. Johnson then missed Michigan's Pro Day with a hamstring injury, meaning he suffered three separate injuries in the span of half a year.

There's no doubt that Johnson is one of, if not the best corner in the draft when healthy, but after dealing with Marshon Lattimore's injuries over the past few seasons, it could discourage the Saints from taking the former Wolverine.

Anything can happen on draft day, but as of Thursday afternoon, ESPN's Draft Analyzer thinks there's a good shot Johnson ends up in the black and gold.