The secondary for the New Orleans Saints has plenty of unknown as they enter the offseason. Paulson Adebo is a free agent. Marshon Lattimore is no longer on the roster. Kool-Aid McKinstry showed flashes in 2024 but must continue to develop.
All in all, cornerback is a position with some question marks entering next season, as of now. The 2025 NFL Draft could change that for New Orleans if they attack the position early on.
In a recent top ten for the 2025 NFL draft in mock scenario form, New Orleans grabbed an impact defender in round one.
9. New Orleans Saints: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
After an injury-plagued season, some have forgotten just how good Johnson is. His long speed might just be average but his size, instincts, and ability to change direction is incredible. Johnson has a lot of Patrick Surtain Jr. in his game.
-- Ryan Roberts
Johnson is widely considered the second-best CB prospect in this year's class, behind Travis Hunter. Some may even prefer Johnson in that argument. That being said, he was banged up in 2024 and saw some more inconsistency in his play.
That being said, Johnson was a projected top ten pick entering the college football season. His traits and upside are immense at his size and speed.
A to Z's own Rob Gregson compared Johnson to perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
It's a hefty comparison when analyzing how successful Ramsey has been and still is, but the similarities are strong between Johnson and the future Hall of Famer. Not only does Johnson check the height-weight-speed box like Ramsey, but his versatility reminds of you of the All-Pro, as well as his gambler mentality.
-- Gregson
Johnson would immediately slot into a starting role in New Orleans, if selected in round one. From an athletic perspective, he would the closest player they've had to Marshon Lattimore, outside of Lattimore himself, in recent years.
Alontae Taylor could move back into the slot, with McKinstry as the other outside CB for the Saints. Those roles could be reversed, too.
It is unknown who will be their defensive coordinator at this point, so projecting those roles is cloud. Regardless, Johnson is a great selection at pick nine and should be on New Orleans' radar entering April.
-1731660110-q80.webp "Buffalo Bills bold predictions for Week 11 vs. Chiefs")