New Orleans Saints take huge risk in latest mock draft that they probably cannot afford right now

The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and it's an important one for the New Orleans Saints. They hold a top ten pick. They also have more day two and three compensation than recent years. 

Regardless, their first-round selection must be a hit. They cannot afford to miss on that pick with a new head coach in the building. 

In Daniel Jeremiah's first mock draft for 2025, he gave the Saints a new pass rusher at the ninth pick. 

Saints take risk in round one

Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

The Saints continue to add young, athletic players to their defensive front. Williams played hurt all season long, but his tools are exceptional.

-- Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com

Williams is an intriguing pass rusher in this year's class. There is no doubting that. In fact, he may have the highest ceiling of almost any defender in the 2025 draft. 

That being said, taking him ninth overall is a major risk. His production at Georgia was limited, and New Orleans does not have a great track record at taking those type of edge rushers that have great traits and a need for development early in the first round. 

Williams would be another example of one of those picks, even if he is more talented than some of their prior picks at the position.

Mykel Williams is an elite raw athlete at edge rusher who leans on his strength to defeat the best talents that college football has to offer. His understanding in leverage once engaged in contact is phenomenal, as Williams will almost always break free, throwing offensive lineman around along the line of scrimmage.However, he needs to work on a trump card or two in terms of pass rush moves if he's going to be a special NFL player. NFL strength and athleticism will be much closer to his level, so he needs to improve on finessing his way past offensive lineman rather than engaging, locking himself up, just hoping his talent wins out. -- Travis May

Williams is ranked as the 18th overall prospect in the upcoming class, according to A to Z Sports' big board. 

It is unknown if Cameron Jordan will return next season, and Chase Young is a free agent currently. There is a major need at edge rusher, but Williams provides too many questions for me to take him in the top ten.