Saints 7-round mock draft: New Orleans lands game changer on defense and helps out their QB of the future

Round 2, Pick 40: Jonah Savaiinaea, IOL, Arizona

The offensive line was quite inconsistent for New Orleans this season. Due to injuries inside, it is tough to project how the entire OL will look next season. Lucas Patrick may not have a starting spot. 

Savaiinaea is a plug and play option at guard as a rookie. 

Round 3, Pick 71: Savion Williams, WR, TCU

Williams is a big-body wide receiver target with elite speed. The Saints have needed a larger WR target over the past couple of years, and he fits that bill. 

Alongside Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, I'd like the addition of Williams to create a fun, young trio of receivers for their offense. 

Round 3, Pick 90: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame

Watts is arguably one of the more underrated secondary prospects in this class. Landing him late in round three would be a great value pick, and he would compete for a starting role immediately for the Saints. 

Round 4, Pick 111: Anthony Belton, OT, N.C. State

Belton is a massive offensive line prospect who could go as early as late round two. In this mock draft, he slides to round four, and the Saints take advantage. They need depth along the entire OL, even after positive development for Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning. 

Round 4, Pick 128: Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech

The Saints need more cornerbacks in the room, especially depending on the future of Paulson Adebo in New Orleans. Coming off a serious injury, he's a free agent who could or could not return next season. 

Regardless, more help in the secondary is necessary for the Saints.

Round 6, Pick 183: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami

Love Arroyo's value in the passing game. He's a downfield passing target that would join a tight end room that hasn't proven too much when it comes to upside.  

Round 7, Pick 253: Raheim Sanders, RB, South Carolina

Sanders had a nice final season with the Gamecocks. He's a proven SEC running back that rushes with power and balance. Late on day three, he's a good swing to take for running back depth in New Orleans. They cannot rely on Kendre Miller staying healthy next season.

This mock draft addresses needs, while also understanding "best player available value" for the Saints. 

New Orleans will have plenty of big decisions to make this offseason, and the 2025 NFL Draft is a major domino for their future.