The New Orleans Saints could go a lot of ways in the 2025 NFL Draft.
With a top-10 pick and holes throughout the roster, there is no guarantee of the Saints' selection with the ninth overall pick. As the draft quickly approaches and news about the team's future at quarterback being uncertain, it may be time for a full reset in New Orleans.
Round 1, Pick 9 - QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
It's hard to predict the Saints going with Shedeur Sanders ninth overall, but the reveal of Derek Carr's injury puts the quarterback situation in New Orleans from bad to very bad. Sanders' stock has fallen in recent weeks, with multiple teams inside the top 10 signing veteran quarterbacks and other teams seemingly choosing to draft high-end prospects over the quarterback. With it becoming increasingly more likely that the former Colorado Buffaloes standout makes his way to the ninth pick, I have Kellen Moore getting his signal caller of the future.
Sanders is a pocket passer at heart. While he has the athleticism to extend plays and make something out of nothing, he's at the top of his game when he's in the pocket. Sanders is a willing passer and will take a hit to deliver, and he does so with extreme accuracy. In 2024, Sanders set a school record by completing 74% of his passes.
Round 2, Pick 40 - OT Josh Conerly Jr, Oregon
With the Saints securing their quarterback of the future, it is important to protect him. Despite positive performances from their 2024 first-round selection, Taliese Fuaga and positive growth from Trevor Penning, the offensive line in New Orleans struggled immensely due to injuries. The Saints didn't seek out much help in free agency, and it is certain to be an area they choose to attack early in the draft.
Oregon Ducks tackle Josh Conerly Jr, 6-foot-5 and 315 lbs, possesses the ideal size to be a tackle at the NFL level and the athleticism to make an immediate impact in the run game. Conerly would likely take over at left tackle for New Orleans, moving Taliese Fuaga to guard, where many teams predicted he would play in the NFL. Conerly earned All-Big Ten honors during his 2024 campaign and, despite a lack of experience, has developed quickly and could become a star in his position at the next level.
Round 3, Pick 71 - DL Shemar Turner, Texas A&M
The Saints have swung and missed at defensive line prospects early in the draft time and time again. While Bryan Bresee continues to grow and mold into a star, New Orleans needs more youth on the defensive line. Texas A&M pass rusher Shemar Turner is a violent pass rusher and bullies linemen one-on-one. While mass is a concern, his relentless pursuit and motor allow him to get into the backfield and disrupt plays. With the Saints switching to a 3-4 defense, Turner's ability to line up at multiple positions on the defensive line becomes more valuable.
Round 3, Pick 93 - TE Elijah Arroyo, Miami
The 2025 draft class is loaded with tight end talent. From the possibility of New Orleans taking a tight end as early as ninth overall to liking guys down the board, I have New Orleans going with Miami Hurricanes tight end Elijah Arroyo. The 6-foot-5 vertical threat is the most athletic tight end of the class and is a mismatch for both defensive backs and linebackers. While blocking will need work, the Saints could add Arroyo to help their young quarterback.
Round 4, Pick 112 - CB Jacob Parrish, Kansas State
While undersized, Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish could help fill the void left by cornerbacks Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore. Parrish possesses high-level ball skills and has the athleticism to be a defensive back at the next level. Though there are some concerns about his size and tackling ability, Parrish could add to the Saints' young cornerback room.
Round 4, Pick 131 - EDGE Fadil Diggs, Syracuse
Similarly to Shemar Turner, Syracuse pass rusher Fadil Diggs' versatility and length make him an intriguing prospect for New Orleans. At 6-foot-4 and 257 lbs, Diggs has the ideal length and size to be an NFL edge. Paired with the pass rusher's ability to play on the inside and outside, Diggs has a high floor and would be a good depth piece in the worst-case scenario.
Round 6, Pick 184 - WR Andrew Armstrong, Arkansas
The Saints raised eyebrows when they reunited with 5-foot-10 wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The wide receiver room in New Orleans is short, and the signing of Cooks only added to that. The Saints could address their height problem late in the draft by targeting 6-foot-4 wideout Andrew Armstrong.
The former Arkansas receiver brought in 78 receptions in 2024, resulting in 1,140 yards and a touchdown. While there is concern that Armstrong couldn't find the endzone more than once, he has proven to be a red zone threat by scoring 13 touchdowns during his freshman season.
The biggest knock on the wideout is his lack of separation. Struggling to get open against college-level competition is a real concern, but a strong showing in 2024 against SEC competition is a promising sign that Armstrong could utilize his size and length at the pro level.
Round 7, Pick 248 - LB Nick Martin, Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin had a monstrous showing in 2023, leading his team with 16 TFLs and adding 6 sacks, 83 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble. Unfortunately, Martin missed most of the 2024 season with a knee injury, plummeting the former First-Team All-Big 12 conference linebacker's stock. Martin's blitzing ability makes him an enticing late target for the Saints down the board and fits the team's new 3-4 defense.
Round 7, Pick 254 - OL Bless Harris, TCU
TCU guard Bless Harris was a student at St. Augustine in New Orleans before joining the college ranks. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound offensive lineman offers flexibility to play on both the left and right side of the ball, along with being able to kick it to the inside as a guard. With the Saints consistently dealing with injuries to their offensive line, adding the versatility of the New Orleans native could surely boost their pass protection.
