Mock draft mania continues as April unfolds. The end of the month brings the 2025 NFL Draft for the New Orleans Saints and the rest of the league.
Field Yates of ESPN recently ran a 2-round mock draft scenario with trades included. New Orleans took an aggressive quarterback swing with a deal on day two.
Saints' picks in latest mock draft
9. New Orleans Saints: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
I've said this about Stewart throughout the predraft process: The general manager who uses a high pick on him will need a lot of cachet. Stewart is a risky pick with exactly 1.5 sacks in each of his three collegiate seasons. Mickey Loomis fits that GM bill perfectly, though, and the Saints haven't been afraid of taking toolsy pass rushers in the first round in the past (including Payton Turner in 2021 and Marcus Davenport in 2018). This would be the ultimate big swing given Stewart's upside at the position. I see acceleration and power when I watch him play. -- Field Yates
Stewart has often been a selection in round one for New Orleans. Many mock drafts in recent months have married the physical specimen with the Saints' need for more pass rushing talent.
With their recent re-signing of Chase Young, I am unsure if a swing for a new edge rusher makes the most sense in round one. There's not one outside of Abdul Carter that feels particularly safe, and Stewart had limited collegiate production.
40. New Orleans Saints: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
The Saints need a receiver who brings more size and speed to the table than their current corps, and Higgins has plenty of both. He's 6-foot-4 and ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, traits that helped him to 1,183 yards and nine scores last season.
-- Field Yates
I'm a huge fan of Higgins' game and the fit with the Saints. They need a big-body wideout, and the Cyclone fits that bill. He's got size, burst, and jump ball catch ability. Derek Carr would enjoy throwing to Higgins next season.
A trade up for a quarterback
61. New Orleans Saints (via projected trade with WSH)
Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Derek Carr's contract restructure means he will stick in New Orleans for at least one more season, but nothing is guaranteed beyond that. Spencer Rattler flashed in his rookie season, but he's no sure thing as a 2024 fifth-rounder. Howard, though, is accurate and mobile. He threw 35 touchdown passes last season, and he ran for seven more scores.
-- Field Yates
Howard has been one of those tier two or three QB prospects who has seen his stock rise recently. Howard was believed by multiple CFB coaching staffs and played up to the bright lights of the College Football Playoff. He moves well in the pocket and made some downfield throws that pop on tape.
In Yates' scenario, New Orleans makes a jump up with multiple round three picks to grab Howard in the late second round. I won't be shocked whatsoever if the Saints take a QB fairly early in this year's draft, and I would imagine Howard will be an option on their radar. They've already met with both Quinn Ewers and Jaxson Dart as well.
Regardless, don't be shocked if the Saints leave the draft with another young option at the QB position.
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