It’s not just about the prospects.
The 2025 NFL Combine is nearly here, and this will be a massive week for the New Orleans Saints. The coaching staff is almost complete, and this will be the first time they can get their eyes on some prospects as a collective group. Regarding the Combine as a whole, this is the time when certain prospects’ positions on draft boards drastically change. Also, it is important to note that the combine is not just about the prospects.
Rumors swirl during this week, but many have some truth behind them. Last year, the stories of Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons rumors gained momentum during the event, which became true. Some importance has been taken out of this week recently, but if you know what to look for, this week can give important insight into future outcomes.
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire
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Teams needing quarterbacks have already been the subject of many rumors this offseason, and maybe the NFL Combine could give some hints/answers to these rumors. As I mentioned before, last year, the Cousins to the Falcons rumors were present going into the Combine, but during that week, the whispers became louder, and it became likely the rumor would become true. This year is very similar, but even more rumors surround the quarterback position.
With an extreme number of teams looking for a quarterback going into the offseason, the draft is usually where those teams tend to find their answer. With a weaker, but not bad, quarterback class, many of the teams may go to the veteran market instead, and that is where Matthew Stafford comes into play.
Per Tom Pelissero, the Rams have given Stafford’s agent permission to speak with other teams, so Stafford’s availability is true, but where could he end up? Several teams will be in for Stafford, but during the Combine week, there is a good chance the New York Giants are the prominent rumor being spread. The Giants have already been linked with Stafford, but this week could really sway things into that becoming the likely outcome.
Speaking of quarterback-needy teams, the Saints could be another franchise subject to rumors. The decision on Derek Carr is unknown as of now, and it was reported before the Super Bowl that the Saints would meet in the next few weeks. There is a good chance that the meeting has already happened, and throughout the Combine week, rumors could start pointing to a definitive decision on Derek Carr’s future with the team.
Risers and Fallers
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The 2025 NFL Draft prospects will undergo tests, measurements, workouts, and interviews throughout the week. Depending on their performances, the prospect’s draft stocks could change drastically. One who has some question marks around him is Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. Recently, there were rumors that Pearce could have some character concerns that caused his draft stock to fall. This happens every year with certain prospects and could be inaccurate, but Pearce can leave the Combine with amazing interviews and squash any doubt about his character. In addition, if he can have a good week with measurements and testing, Pearce could skyrocket into the top 10. His draft stock has been a bit all over the place all offseason, and this week could solidify his draft position.
Going to the offense, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe needs to have a good week. The Senior Bowl was not kind to Milroe’s draft stock, and with the worrying hand measurements, there are too many concerns with his game. His strength is going to be the athletic testing and interviews. No matter what, Milroe needs to shine in those areas, but it is vital to his draft stock that he can do well in passing drills. Showing some improvement from the Senior Bowl will be good to see, and although the hand size worry will likely take him out of first-round contention, a good overall performance at the Combine could do wonders for Milroe.
The tackle class is a bit weak at the top of the draft, and depending on Will Campbell’s measurements at the combine, it could become even worse. Campbell is extremely smart, athletic, and a talented offensive lineman, but his arm length is a big worry. Arm length is one of those measurements that could affect a lineman’s success at certain positions. Offensive tackle, in particular, is one of these main positions, and having sub 33-inch arms, like many people believe Campbell has, is a massive worry. His success at the combine may end up just relying on that measurement. Depending on how this goes, many teams could perceive Campbell as a guard, which would cause his draft stock to fall a bit and knock him out of the top 10.
Now, what about the Saints?
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With the Saints going into a new era of football led by Kellen Moore, the Draft will be vital to any success the team has. The cap space is, once again, deep in the negative range, and the team is only getting older. There needs to be an infusion of young talent, and we have already seen this youth movement done over on the coaching staff. The Saints currently have 4 top 100 picks. Each of these selections needs to be a starter, and this is a feasible outcome in a draft that has excellent depth. New Orleans will do their due diligence in scouting and interviews throughout the week.
In addition, if the decision on Derek Carr’s future is still being discussed, whichever direction the Saints go in should be answered by the end of the Combine. The team will be assessing the quarterback prospects all week, and there is a real chance Kellen Moore finds his “guy” amongst these prospects.
With rumors and many questions surrounding prospects, this year’s NFL Combine should be exciting, and the Saints could be a popular topic of conversation all week.
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