Let’s look at some picks that would make sense for New Orleans in the first round.
Throughout the year, many believed the 2025 NFL Draft class was weaker than previous years. The strength of the class comes from depth in rounds after the first round, but near the top of the first round, there is a lack of talent. There is a bit of a fall-off after Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and Abdul Carter are selected. When these three are off the board, it creates a scenario where teams may “reach” for certain prospects that the consensus believed would go later in the first/second round. This year is different because these reaches are not really reaches. Yes, from the outside looking in, many may believe they are reaching, but teams’ big boards may look very different from one another, or the consensus. This could be what happens with the New Orleans Saints. With talent falling off and the way this class is perceived, the Saints can go with any prospect they like at 9. The only way New Orleans can have an egregious reach that could be detrimental to the franchise is by selecting a QB at 9. Besides taking that option, any prospect could be the selection, so here are some “reaches” that would make sense for the Saints in the first round.
TE Colston Loveland
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Before I get to the player, let me explain how this scenario would occur. If fully believe the Saints love Penn State TE Tyler Warren, but other teams, in particular the Jets, could easily select him before 9. If that occurs, I still think the Saints could look at TE at 9, and Colston Loveland would be that selection. Before the 2024 CFB Season started, Colston Loveland was the top ranked TE in the NFL Draft. Over time, Loveland started to fall in favor for Warren, who had an amazing year. This could have been because of prospect fatigue or just because people loved Warren, but Loveland is still extremely talented, and he may have fallen too much on boards. As a receiver, Loveland can play as an outside receiver or as a team’s slot receiver. His route running is great, can be a threat after the catch, and adjusts really well to make the reception. Loveland’s blocking needs to improve, but he still shows effort when asked to block.
OT/G Kelvin Banks Jr.
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Throughout the offseason, the Saints and Kellen Moore have said they believe in Trevor Penning at RT. Still, I believe tackle could likely be an option at pick 9, and if Missouri RT Armand Membou is off the board, Texas LT Kelvin Banks Jr. could be an option. In the past week, Banks’ draft stock has seen a bit of a rise and reports suggested that he may be a player who goes earlier than many believe. The Saints could be that team that takes Banks earlier than many expect, and it makes sense why. Banks is exceptional in run blocking, and when he is in space as a lead blocker, defenders need to make sure to get out of the way. As a pass blocker, Banks can struggle against edge rushers who use length to win and was beat bad at times in college. Still, with this new Saints coaching staff in place, this is something he can improve upon. Although, if this does not happen, Banks could be moved to guard, which he may actually flourish in that position. Also, Banks has only played left tackle in his college career, and for the Saints, they would either have to move Banks or Taliese Fuaga to the right side. Fuaga played RT in college, so this may be a seamless transition.
OT Josh Simmons
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Another tackle the Saints could target at 9 that would be a “reach” is Ohio State tackle Josh Simmons. Last season, Simmons went down with a season ending injury, and the only way this selection happens is if his medical issues are cleared. In this scenario, Simmons will enter the year healthy and ready to play. While Kelvin Banks is better in the run game, Simmons’ strength comes from his pass protection. He uses a mix of power, speed, and technique to deal with edge rushers. He did not give up a sack last season and only allowed one hurry. Simmons will need to work on his run blocking, but with his athleticism, he is very capable of improving this. Like with Banks, Simmons is primarily a LT, so the same questions about where Simmons or Fuaga plays on the Saints offensive line is present. Although, Simmons did play RT for one year at Ohio State, so that transition may be smoother than if Banks was the selection at 9.
Once again, reaching in the 2025 NFL Draft is a bit different compared to other years. If the Saints fall in love with a prospect that may be projected to go in the end of the 1st round, selecting them at 9 might be considered and it should not be looked at as a “reach”.