Offseason Overview: Transitioning Towards a Younger, Dynamic Roster
The New Orleans Saints entered the 2025 offseason with a clear mandate: rejuvenate an aging roster plagued by injuries and inconsistency. The 2024 season began with promise, boasting a 2-0 start, but quickly unraveled into a seven-game losing streak. Key players such as quarterback Derek Carr, wide receivers Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave, and center Eric McCoy suffered significant injuries. The defense, once a stalwart, showed signs of decline as veterans like Demario Davis (36), Cameron Jordan (35), and Tyrann Mathieu (32) struggled to maintain their previous form.
A midseason head coaching change further highlighted the need for a fresh direction. The trade of Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders for additional draft capital signaled a commitment to rebuilding through youth. Despite some fans advocating for the acquisition of veteran stars like Davante Adams and Tyler Lockett, the Saints wisely focused on infusing young talent into the roster.
A pivotal storyline of the draft season was the unexpected drop in quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock. Once projected as a top-five pick, Sanders’ availability at the ninth overall selection presented the Saints with an opportunity to secure a potential franchise quarterback.
2025 Mock Draft Selections
1. Round 1, Pick 9 – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
2. Round 2, Pick 40 – Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
3. Round 3, Pick 71 – Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
4. Round 3, Pick 93 – Charles Grant, G, William & Mary
5. Round 4, Pick 111 – David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas
6. Round 4, Pick 130 – Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
7. Round 6, Pick 185 – Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
8. Round 7, Pick 254 – Donovan Edwards, HB, Michigan
Player-by-Player Analysis
1. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (Round 1, Pick 9)
• Height/Weight: 6’2”, 215 lbs
• Positives: Sanders exhibits exceptional accuracy, poise under pressure, and a deep understanding of the game. His ability to process defenses quickly and deliver precise throws makes him an ideal fit for the Saints’ offensive scheme
Original Quote: “Sanders has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level with his blend of athleticism and football IQ.” – ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.
• Logic Behind the Pick: Securing Sanders at the ninth pick addresses the Saints’ need for a franchise quarterback, offering hope for long-term stability at the position.
2. Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford (Round 2, Pick 40)
• Height/Weight: 6’3”, 210 lbs
• Positives: Ayomanor combines size and athleticism, making him a versatile threat both outside and in the slot. His competitive toughness and route-running prowess enhance his playmaking ability.
If you wonder at all why I am so high on Elic just watch this –
• Logic Behind the Pick: Adding Ayomanor injects much-needed speed and versatility into the Saints’ receiving corps, complementing existing talent and addressing depth concerns.
3. Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State (Round 3, Pick 71)
• Height/Weight: 6’3”, 195 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.30 seconds
• Positives: Porter possesses exceptional length, athleticism, and impressive speed, having recorded a 4.30-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. His proficiency in press coverage and ability to match up with deep threats make him a valuable asset in the secondary.
• Logic Behind the Pick: Following Lattimore’s departure, Porter offers a promising option to bolster the cornerback position with youth and potential.
4. Charles Grant, G, William & Mary (Round 3, Pick 93)
• Height/Weight: 6’4”, 300 lbs
• Positives: Grant showcases athleticism, quickness, and strong hand placement. His wrestling background contributes to his leverage and balance, essential traits for interior linemen.
• Logic Behind the Pick: With struggles at the left guard position, Grant’s potential transition to guard addresses a critical need, enhancing protection and run-blocking efficiency.
5. David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas (Round 4, Pick 111)
• Height/Weight: 6’0”, 267 lbs
• Positives: Walker brings explosiveness off the edge, with a quick first step and the ability to bend around tackles. His relentless motor and production at the FCS level highlight his potential.
• Logic Behind the Pick: Infusing youth into the pass rush is essential as veteran players age, and Walker offers developmental upside to rejuvenate the defensive front.
6. Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State (Round 4, Pick 130)
• Height/Weight: 5’10”, 185 lbs
• Positives: Williams is a shifty slot receiver with elite quickness, strong hands, and impressive yards-after-catch (YAC) ability. He thrives in short-to-intermediate routes and can create separation with explosive breaks in and out of his routes.
• Logic Behind the Pick: With the Saints lacking reliable depth behind Olave and Shaheed, Williams offers a high-upside option in the slot. His ability to turn short completions into big plays could prove invaluable in Klint Kubiak’s system, which emphasizes quick reads and receivers who can make plays after the catch.
7. Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville (Round 6, Pick 185)
• Height/Weight: 6’5”, 225 lbs
• Positives: Shough possesses NFL size, a strong arm, and functional mobility. He’s had an injury-plagued college career but has flashed moments of brilliance, particularly when throwing downfield. His mechanics and decision-making still need refinement.
• Logic Behind the Pick: With Shedeur Sanders now the future of the franchise, the Saints take Shough as a developmental backup with upside. Given Derek Carr’s uncertain future, this pick ensures the Saints have a young QB room with potential.
8. Donovan Edwards, HB, Michigan (Round 7, Pick 254)
• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 215 lbs
• Positives: Edwards is an explosive playmaker who excels in both the run game and as a receiver out of the backfield. While he never became Michigan’s full-time starter, he showcased big-play ability and versatility. His vision, balance, and ability to catch passes make him a dangerous weapon in space.
• Logic Behind the Pick: Alvin Kamara is nearing 30, and the Saints need to start preparing for the future at running back. Edwards provides a dynamic weapon to groom behind Kamara and Kendre Miller, giving the Saints a dangerous pass-catching threat in the backfield.
Final Analysis: Saints’ Draft Strategy and Outlook
Biggest Strengths of the Draft:
• Shedeur Sanders is a potential franchise quarterback, and landing him at No. 9 is a steal.
• Addressed their lack of speed on offense by adding Elic Ayomanor, Kyle Williams, and Donovan Edwards.
• Bolstered both sides of the trenches with Charles Grant (G) and David Walker (EDGE).
• Added two young QBs to develop behind Carr, ensuring depth at the most important position.
Potential Weaknesses:
• No immediate starting-caliber linebacker was drafted, meaning Demario Davis’ replacement remains unaddressed.
• Darien Porter is an athletic freak but may need time to refine his coverage skills at the next level.
• Drafting two quarterbacks might be seen as overkill, though Shough is a late-round lottery ticket.
This draft successfully accomplishes what the Saints need—it injects youth, speed, and long-term building blocks into a roster that was aging rapidly. If Shedeur Sanders develops into the star many believe he can be, this draft could be a defining moment in Saints history.
