It is Mock Draft Time!
The New Orleans Saints won’t be major players in free agency due to their cap issues, so the draft will be a big focus this offseason. With new schemes coming in and improvements desperately needed to be made, the 2025 NFL Draft is full of talent that can elevate this team and change the outlook of next season.
Round 1, Pick 9 – WR Tetairoa McMillan
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With the Saints’ first pick in the draft, they can go in many different directions. The roster needs talent and improvements, so going with the best available player is the best decision at 9. For this mock draft, that prospect is wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan out of Arizona. McMillan is the best pure receiver in the draft and will be a big-time player in the NFL. Currently measured at 6-foot-5, 212 lbs., McMillan may be put into that “big receiver” stereotype of being able to make contested catches but not speed past defenders or be a good route runner. Well, he is actually good at all of those things. McMillan can play at every receiver position on the field, is excellent in contested situations, runs past defenders after the catch, and creates space with his route running.
The Saints have been missing a physical receiver who can win in contested catches since the departure of Michael Thomas, and what better way to fix that than drafting a WR who can be the number one weapon on the offense. The Saints’ current receiver room is pretty good with Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave, but with their injuries and lack of depth on the roster, WR should still be considered a need in the offseason. Drafting McMillan would make this receiver room one of the best in the NFL and give whoever is playing QB for the Saints a group of receiving options.
Round 2, Pick 40 – OLB/ED Donovan Ezeiruaku
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If a team needs a defensive lineman, this year’s draft will be perfect. The talent and depth of the D-line prospects are excellent, which is great news for the Saints, and at pick 40, Donovan Ezeiruaku would be a great selection. In pass rush, he can speed past offensive tackles and blow up any play in the backfield. In 2024/25, Ezeiruaku had a whopping 16.5 sacks. He plays with fantastic speed, bend, and has some pass rush moves to get past offensive linemen. In run defense, Ezeiruaku is excellent at setting the edge and blowing up plays with his speed. There is one issue with his game. Ezeiruaku is undersized at 6-foot-2 and 247 lbs., so putting him primarily in an outside linebacker role may be best for him. Depending on his development, Ezeiruaku can still play as that edge defender in a 4-3 defensive front.
Donovan Ezeiruaku is not just the best prospect available but would also fix a significant need for the Saints. There is a high chance the Saints utilize more 3-4 defensive fronts this upcoming season with a new defensive staff coming in. The Saints do not have that outside linebacker player on the roster, and Ezeiruaku would be a perfect fit. Also, with the potential departure of Chase Young, the Saints need more edge defenders. Although Ezeiruaku’s college production may not translate fully to the NFL, selecting him would still heavily improve the Saints pass rush.
Round 3, Pick 71 – OT Anthony Belton
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In round 3, teams can look to get players who can make immediate impacts but could develop into essential pieces. LG is a huge need for the Saints in the offseason, and right tackle could be a need in the future if Trevor Penning does not get his 5th-year option picked up. Last season, the Saints drafted Kool-Aid McKinstry in the second round, even with three starting cornerbacks on the roster. Looking back, this decision was excellent due to Marshon Lattimore being traded away and Paulson Adebo probably leaving in free agency. New Orleans can do something very similar here at pick 71, and Anthony Belton would be that selection.
Belton primarily played left tackle in college, but at this year’s Senior Bowl, he also practiced at left guard. Belton is a fantastic run blocker and uses his strength to throw defenders out of the way. In pass blocking, speed edge rushers will get the better of Belton, and he needs to develop ways to deal with that. This is one of the reasons moving on the inside at guard could be better for his future success. The Saints can play Belton at LG for at least his rookie year, and then if they need to move him to either tackle position, they can.
Round 3, Pick 93 – TE Terrance Ferguson
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Arguably, the strength of this draft class is the TE group. There is top-end talent, Day 2 starters, and late-round gems throughout this draft. The Saints could be losing Juwan Johnson in free agency, and with the importance of TEs in Kellen Moore’s offense, New Orleans will need to add at least one this offseason. In the third round, many top options were gone, but Terrence Ferguson was still available and had to be the pick for the Saints. Ferguson is an all-around great tight end who can contribute to the receiving game and blocking. He may not be elite in any category, but Ferguson would be a contributor on day one and can be a significant weapon in Kellen Moore’s offense.
Round 4, Pick 93 – CB Nohl Williams
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I mentioned before how important the Kool-Aid McKinstry selection was last season, but cornerback is still a massive need this offseason. With Paulson Adebo probably leaving in free agency, the Saints only have two starting corners on the roster, and Alontae Taylor’s best position may be as nickel cornerback. I love the potential of Rico Payton’s contribution to this defense, but the Saints relying on that should not be the direction the Saints go. Nohl Williams would be a great cornerback option in the fourth round. Speed will be a bit of a worry with Williams, but his physicality and ball skills make up for that. In 2024, Williams had seven interceptions. He is an extremely aggressive player and will bring a physical playstyle to the Saints. His versatility and experience in kick returns will also allow Williams to be a day 1 contributor on special teams.
Round 4, Pick 129 – DT Jamaree Caldwell
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Returning to the defensive line, the Saints need to acquire a defensive tackle this offseason. The run defense was too much of an issue in 2024, and if the Saints switch to more of a 3-4 scheme, they need a nose tackle on the roster. In the 4th round, Jamaree Caldwell could be a day 3 gem. Caldwell is undersized in most measurables, but his strength is dominant, and his ability to blow up plays in the backfield is excellent. At 340lbs, the strength makes sense, but he also has great agility and sneaky speed. In run defense, Caldwell is good at filling gaps and stopping rushers. Pass rush will not be one of Caldwell’s strengths, but that will be something he needs to develop. The good news is that Caldwell plays with effort, and even when he is stopped, he is great at batting down passes.
Round 6, Pick 184 – LB Jay Higgins
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One of the most consistent positions on the roster has been linebacker. Still, Demario Davis is only getting older, and although I believe he has some more years in the tank, the Saints should still prepare for his retirement. In last year’s draft, the Saints selected linebacker Jaylan Ford in the fifth round. He didn’t see much of the field in 2024, and maybe the new coaching staff likes what they have with Ford, but it would not hurt to have further investment in that position. In round 6, Jay Higgins could be a great selection. He Is impressive in pass coverage, which the Saints’ current linebacker crew does not do specifically well, and Higgins does not miss many tackles. He also has experience in special teams and has shined in that role.
Round 6, Pick 205 – DT Howard Cross
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Although the Saints have already selected a DT in this mock draft, it would not hurt to return to that position in round 6. Notre Dame defensive lineman Howard Cross could be an option here. His main contribution will come in pass rush, using great quickness and effort. Only weighing in at 288lbs, Cross struggles in run defense, but the Saints could use him on passing downs. With both Caldwell and Cross selected, the New Orleans come away from this draft with some great depth at defensive tackle.
Round 7, Pick 252 (Projected Comp Pick) – QB Tyler Shough
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Quarterback is a massive question for the Saints in 2025, and in this scenario, the team has decided not to invest a top pick on one. That should not take quarterback out of the equation for the rest of the draft, and in round 7, why not take a swing on one of the prospects? Tyler Shough is a good quarterback who needs development and could become a starter in the NFL. He has great passing traits, decent athleticism, and puts his receivers in advantageous situations.
Round 7, Pick 255 (Projected Comp Pick) – OT Xavier Truss
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Adding potential starting tackles to the roster will always be smart, and getting a player like Xavier Truss out of Georgia could be a great decision. He has starting potential at either tackle or guard, but there will still need to be significant development in his game. He has athleticism and traits that scouts will value.
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