Run to the podium!
The New Orleans Saints will have some great options to select from in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but some prospects that could be available rank above the rest. Every year, prospects drop more than expected in the first round and beyond. This could be for many reasons, but in the top 10, one main reason is that other teams like other prospects. This is where the Saints can really benefit at pick 9. New Orleans does not have a position that needs to be addressed in the first round, and this flexibility allows them to take advantage of any prospect starting to slide a bit. Players like Cam Ward, Abdul Carter, and Travis Hunter would be the top-tier options for the Saints at 9, but there is nearly a 0% chance they drop that much. So, looking at the rest of the top 10 potential prospects, three prospects come to mind that would fit the bill of perfect scenario options in the first round.
RB Ashton Jeanty
Photo by CFP/Getty Images
The running back class in this year’s draft is one of the best group of prospects seen for a long time. There is top-end talent, great day 2 starters, and fantastic depth on day 3. This is why teams may not be smart enough to choose one high in the draft, but Boise State’s running back, Ashton Jeanty, is different. Last year, Jeanty had one of the greatest running back seasons in college football history, almost beat out generational talent Travis Hunter for Heisman, and led his team to the playoffs. Adding a running back to a roster that has so many issues may be questionable, and the Saints will probably get failing grades for this selection from most of the national media. Still, the team needs talent, and Jeanty is one of the best players in the class. Saints head coach Kellen Moore has seen how much a dominant running back can change an offense. There is also a connection between Moore and Jeanty, who also led Boise State to years of success.
Teams who are in play for Ashton Jeanty before the Saints’ selection
DT Mason Graham
Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Saints’ run defense last season wasn’t good and improvements need to be made this offseason. Trading for defensive tackle Davon Godchaux by only giving up a future 7th round pick was an amazing move and started the process of improving this defensive line. They also retained all of their defensive tackle depth this offseason, so the room pretty full, but adding another player there from the draft would still be a good idea. In the top 10, there is only one defensive tackle prospect the Saints should select, and he is a game wreaker. Mason Graham out of Michigan has been one of the top prospects in the draft for most of the season. His size has become a bit of a controversial topic around the draft community, but one the field, it does not seem to be an issue. Graham is a dominate run defender and pass rusher who can absolute destroy plays throughout the game. He was the best player on a Michigan defense filled with top talent and would absolutely improve the Saints defense.
Teams who are in play for Mason Graham before the Saints’ selection
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Carolina Panthers
OT Armand Membou
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
Throughout the offseason, the Saints have repeatedly talked about how they believe in tackle Trevor Penning and will not move him to guard. Although I trust they believe in him, the Saints should still look to find an improvement at right tackle. Going into the 2025 season with Penning still at right tackle is a risk, and the Saints need to put whoever is the starting QB in a situation to succeed. There could be two options for New Orleans in the top 10: Will Campbell and Armand Membou. Campbell has been a popular name connected to the Saints at 9, but moving Taliese Fuaga over to the right after having a great season on the left is a risk. Yes, Fuaga played right tackle in college, but why change something that worked, especially at the most crucial spot on the offensive line. Armand Membou played right tackle in college football and consistently performed against SEC defensive lines at Missouri. He is very athletic, has great agility, excellent hand usage, and brings intensity that the Saints value. New Orleans would love to add this offensive tackle to the roster, and out of Membou, Jeanty, and Graham, Membou is the most likely prospect to be available at 9.
Teams who are in play for Armand Membou before the Saints’ selection
- New England Patriots
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
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