Jennings: Three draft prospects the Saints new coordinators can mold

These players could be a perfect fit in New Orleans.

With the New Orleans Saints putting the finishing touches on head coach Kellen Moore’s staff, let’s breakdown three 2025 NFL Draft prospects who could thrive under DC Brandon Staley, OC Doug Nussmeier, and STC Phil Galiano:

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DT Mason Graham | Michigan Wolverines

The unanimous 2024 First-Team All-American and projected lottery pick is one of the top talents in this year’s draft class and could provide much-needed help to the Saints’ interior defensive line.

The 6’3”, 320-pound powerhouse and 2024 Rose Bowl Defensive MVP has improved each season:

2022: 3 sacks, 1 QB hit, 9 hurries, and 1 batted pass on 152 pass rush snaps across 14 games, earning an 80.3 overall grade.

2023: 4 sacks, 7 QB hits, and 18 hurries on 251 pass rush snaps in 13 games, improving to a 90.0 overall grade.

2024: 5 sacks, 9 QB hits, 20 hurries, and 1 batted pass on 338 pass rush snaps in 12 games, with a 91.1 overall grade.

I don’t expect Graham to fall all the way to pick 9, but if he does, pairing him with newly hired DC Brandon Staley could be an ideal fit. Staley served as the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams for the 2020 season, helping future Pro Football Hall of Fame DT Aaron Donald rack up 13.5 sacks and his third AP Defensive Player of the Year award. His experience coaching one of the best to ever step foot on the gridiron, combined with his 3-4 defensive scheme, could set Graham up for early success. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein has even compared the 21-year-old to Las Vegas Raiders star DT Christian Wilkins, pointing out his strength, first-step quickness, and tenacity.

Pro Football Focus’ recent mock draft predicts that the Saints will move up to select Graham in a trade with the New York Jets, who currently hold the 7th overall pick:

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QB Kyle McCord | Syracuse Orange

College football’s leading passer for the 2024 season (4,760 yards) could be an appealing option for the Saints with one of their three Day 2 picks (R2.40, R3.71, R3.93). McCord’s 34 passing touchdowns ranked fifth in the FBS, and he posted a 90.5 overall grade in what was a quietly dominant season for the former five-star recruit.

Standing at 6’3” and 220 pounds, McCord resembles a quarterback that HC Kellen Moore (2018-2022), OC Doug Nussmeier (2018-2022), and QB coach Scott Tolzien (2020-2024) all had success with during their tenures with the Dallas Cowboys—former Pro Bowl signal caller Dak Prescott (6’2”, 238 pounds). Much like Prescott, the deep ball is McCord’s bread and butter. He has a good feel for the pocket and maintains poise when faced with pressure, along with above-average ball placement and arm strength for those deep outs and fades. However, the 22-year-old does have some inconsistency concerns, and his risky decision-making has been problematic at times—particularly during his time at Ohio State.

With the likelihood of Derek Carr having played his last game in the black and gold increasing, a McCord and Spencer Rattler QB competition could make for an exciting offseason and give the new coaching staff a fresh start.

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S Jordan Hancock | Ohio State Buckeyes

It’s no secret the Saints love their Buckeyes, and this former four-star DB makes sense as a Day 3 pick for New Orleans. At 6’1” and 195 pounds, Jordan Hancock could be an intriguing addition not only for Brandon Staley but also for recently promoted special teams coordinator Phil Galiano, who is keeping the Rizzi way in the Big Easy. Hancock has logged 139 total special teams snaps over his four-year collegiate career and could make for a solid gunner opposite J.T. Gray if Rico Payton’s role is amplified this season at cornerback.

The 21-year-old was one of the more underrated players on the reigning National Champion Buckeyes. In 16 games, the senior had his best season yet, recording 8 PBUs, 1 INT, 1 defensive TD, 2 forced fumbles, 18 stops, 2 QB pressures, 1 sack, and 48 total tackles on 730 total snaps.

Hancock has some coverage issues he needs to clean up, but he has great size and strength in the slot and was outstanding in that role for Ohio State. He spent 54.35% of the time (419 snaps) as a nickel corner in 2024, posting a career-best 75.6 overall grade (77.3 tackling, 76.2 coverage).