The New Orleans Saints have several needs they could address in the first round of the 2025 Draft, and that makes their approach somewhat of a mystery.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New Orleans Saints currently possess the No. 9 pick. That’s a spot where a lot of really good prospects should still be available, which is good for a Saints team that has several needs. However, New Orleans will only be able to pick one player at No. 9, so the team must determine either its biggest need, or who the best prospect available is.
Ultimately, that makes the Saints’ draft approach a mystery. Some analysts think the team will draft one of the many talented edge defenders in the class, and other experts are convinced New Orleans will select a pass catcher like Tetairoa McMillan or Tyler Warren. Those seem to be the most commonly predicted paths, but there’s a growing belief of a somewhat surprising alternative approach.
That alternate approach is taking a quarterback early, which multiple draft analysts think is in play for New Orleans. In a recent ESPN piece, Jordan Reid named the Saints as a sleeper team that could go after a QB at No. 9 or late in the first round/early in the second.
"The Saints have already restructured the contract of Derek Carr, which keeps him with the team through this season. They also drafted Spencer Rattler in the fifth round last year. But neither move should stop them from putting more resources into the position if the opportunity presents itself. Carr will be the unquestioned starter in Week 1, but hitting on a signal-caller on a rookie deal could benefit New Orleans in the long run, given the roster's serious salary cap restraints.Jordan Reid (ESPN)
If Sanders is available at No. 9, the Saints should consider drafting him. Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart could be an option in the second round, too, though some evaluators believe he could be picked at the back end of Round 1."
Saints considered a sleeper team that could select a quarterback early in the 2025 Draft
Shedeur Sanders has consistently been named as an option recently, because he’s one of the top two quarterbacks in the class, but his draft stock is a mystery, with every analyst saying he could go anywhere from second-overall to late in the first round. If he does happen to slide, New Orleans has to consider him at No. 9, because the team is rarely in position to select one of the top quarteback prospects in a draft.
Another name that has been linked to the Saints is Jaxson Dart, who is recognized as QB3 of the class. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently had New Orleans taking Dart with pick No. 9. While many argue that’s too high for the quarterback, it could happen if the Saints really like him and are afraid of missing out.
It's unclear where exactly New Orleans stands on the QBs, but the franchise did meet with the top guys at the combine, so taking one in the first round could be in play.
