Some risers could be great options in the first round.
The New Orleans Saints had one of their most embarrassing losses on Monday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers. Even with this loss, the Saints have no movement in draft position and are still at pick 10.
The Prospects
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For a few weeks, I have focused on the Saints’ picks, whether they traded back or selections in other rounds, but this week, I wanted to go back to the first round. The potential prospects New Orleans could draft have not changed much, but some players have a real chance of rising because of the offseason draft process. Starting on the defensive side of the ball, Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon has been a big riser throughout the season. Harmon is an extremely talented run defender who excels in reading the play and moving into gaps to stop the run. He uses a go-to rip move, agility, and a pure bull rush to get into the backfield. This makes Harmon a game wreaker in run and pass defense, but he still is developing as a pass rusher. Being 6-foot-5 and 310 lbs, Harmon can take on double teams and help open up the offensive line for his teammates to have one-on-one matchups.
The Saints defensive line needs upgrades, and although Derrick Harmon is not the top defensive lineman, his potential is very high. As a run defender, Harmon would be a big upgrade for the Saints, and if he can develop into a great pass rusher, Harmon could be one of the best defensive tackles in the league. If Harmon can have good offseason testing and meetings, there’s a real chance his draft stock will skyrocket to a top 10 pick.
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Sticking with the Oregon Ducks, offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. could be a great option for the Saints’ first-round pick. Conerly is a true offensive tackle, and there is no reason to move him away from there in the NFL. In protection, Conerly shines as an elite pass protector who can shut down speed rushers. Against fellow 2025 prospect Abdul Carter, Conerly was amazing and, at times, completely shut down the elite edge rusher. When blocking rushers who rely on power, Conerly will struggle to hold is own and, at times, gets pushed back way too easily. In run blocking, he is athletic and can move very fast to stay in front of the RB and block. He is not a run blocker who can rely on power to push defenders out of the play.
Throughout the season, Trevor Penning has shown great signs of development and had dominate performances. Those highs were great and can hopefully continue, but the lows this season were bad. The Saints might want to find that upgrade at right tackle in the draft, and the first round could be where that happens. New Orleans will need Conerly to show improvements during the draft process to feel comfortable selecting him at 10. Drafting Conerly would significantly upgrade the pass blocking on the offensive line. He plays primarily as the left tackle, but the Saints will probably move him to the right. Having Conerly and Fuaga as the tackles of the future could make the Saints offensive line one of the best pass-protecting lines in the league. Yes, left guard will still need to be upgraded, but the foundation will be there. Conerly could also be a great tackle partner with Fuaga. While Taliese Fuaga is better at utilizing strength when blocking, Conerly utilizes finesse and speed. The main worry for the Saints and other teams will be the run blocking, but if Josh Conerly can show improvements in that area, then a rise to the top 10 is not out of the question.