The New Orleans Saints are working quickly to get all of their 2025 draft choices under contract.
On Thursday afternoon, the Saints signed first-round choice Kelvin Banks Jr. to his four-year rookie deal. By the end of that day, six of the nine New Orleans draft picks were under contract.
• Kelvin Banks Jr. (1st round)
• Danny Stutsman (4th round)
• Quincy Riley (4th round)
• Delvin Neal (6th round)
• Moliki Matavao (7th round)
• Fadil Diggs (7th round)
All the draft picks were signed to standard four-year rookie deals. As a first-round choice, the Saints will have a fifth-year option avaliable for Banks.
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT (Texas)
Banks was the ninth overall choice. He is the highest pick the Saints have made since selecting USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis seventh overall in the 2008 NFL Draft.
The third offensive lineman off the board, Banks was a two-time All-American and won both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award this past season.
Banks was a left tackle throughout his career with the Longhorns. If he wins that role with New Orleans, it means that 2024 first-round pick Taliese Fuaga moves back to his collegiate position of right tackle.
Danny Stutsman, LB (Oklahoma)
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) is tackled by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28). Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
The first of two fourth-round selections by the Saints, Stutsman was a two-time all-conference selection and 2024 All-American. He averaged nearly 113 tackles per year over his last three seasons, including 35 stops for loss.
Stutsman is a physical downhill linebacker that's outstanding against the run. He's a prototype for the middle of the second level in coordinator Brandon Staley's defense and could be an eventual successor to Demario Davis.
Quincy Riley, CB (Louisville)
Louisville Cardinals defensive back Quincy Riley (3) breaks up a pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Riley was the second of the Saints fourth-rounders. He's a two-time all-conference selection with 8 interceptions over the last three years and 25 passes broken up in the last two campaigns.
New Orleans lost cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo. Riley could be a candidate to start alongside CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, a second-round choice last year. Doing so would allow the Saints to play Alontae Taylor around their formations.
Devin Neal, RB (Kansas)
Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) runs the ball against the Kansas State Wildcats. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
In a deep class at running back, Neal slipped into the latter portion of Day 3. At pick number 184, he was the 17th running back selected.
Neal had 4,343 rushing yards in four years with the Jayhawks. He averaged 1,212 rushing yards over his last three seasons and scored 53 touchdowns during his collegiate career. A rugged runner, Neal could be a draft steal and provide a much-needed backfield complement to Alvin Kamara.
Moliki Matavao, TE (UCLA)
UCLA Bruins tight end Moliki Matavao (88) runs after a reception against the Washington State Cougars. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The first of two seventh-round choices by New Orleans, Matavao led the Bruins in both receptions (41) and receiving yardage (506) last season. He was the first tight end to be drafted by the Saints since Adam Trautman in 2020.
Matavao is a big target but fluid athlete. He has a lot to clean up in his game, but has the raw receiving skills to earn a roster spot and potentially be a late-round gem.
Fadil Diggs, Edge (Syracuse)
Syracuse Orange defensive lineman Fadil Diggs (10) makes a tackle on Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Stephen Gosnell (12). Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
New Orleans made Diggs their second choice in the seventh round. He was number 254 overall, just the fourth from last selection in the draft.
After four improving years at Texas A&M, Diggs finished his career with a strong campaign at Syracuse. He had 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, leading the Orange in both categories.
Unsigned Draft Picks
Louisville Cardinals quarterback Tyler Shough (9) looks to pass against the Pitt Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
• QB - Tyler Shough, Louisville (2nd round)
• DT - Vernon Broughton, Texas (3rd round)
• S - Jonas Sanker, Virginia (3rd round)
Shough is just the second quarterback to be drafted in the first or second round in the Saints' 58-year history. All eyes will be paying close watch on how quickly Shough gets into camp for his quarterback competition with Spencer Rattler.
