Which newest members of the Saints made this list?
Since the NFL Draft ended, grades and reviews have been pouring in and one of the biggest is ESPN’s Best 100 list. Matt Miller assesses every team’s selection based on their needs and the player’s pre-draft ranking. The New Orleans Saints had 9 picks in this year’s draft and 5 of their selections made it on Miller’s list.
So, let’s take a look at those players, where they were ranked and why.
13. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, New Orleans Saints (Pick 1-9)
My final overall ranking: No. 8
I absolutely love the Saints pairing Banks, my top-ranked tackle, with Taliese Fuaga, their first rounder from last year. This roster needs an identity and now has one up front. Banks can either play at left tackle with Fuaga replacing Trevor Penning at right tackle or play left guard next to Fuaga.
56. Quincy Riley, CB, New Orleans Saints (Pick 4-131)
My final overall ranking: No. 95
Riley was bothered by injury last season, but his tape shows me he can be a quality slot cornerback in the NFL. He has been coached up well enough to see the field as a rookie and is a big value win for the Saints.
77. Devin Neal, RB, New Orleans Saints (Pick 6-184)
My final overall ranking: No. 116
Neal was way better than the 184th best player in the draft, and the Saints might have stolen a real good backup with goal-line and short-yardage toughness. He also has the hands to be an effective pass catcher on screens and swing passes.
83. Tyler Shough, QB, New Orleans Saints (Pick 2-40)
My final overall ranking: No. 73
Shough was a reach based on value, but the Saints needed a quarterback who could step right into the lineup given Derek Carr’s injury. Shough is one of the only quarterbacks in this class capable of that, because of his experience and pro-ready arm talent.
94. Danny Stutsman, LB, New Orleans Saints (Pick 4-112)
My final overall ranking: No. 111
If you’re looking for a culture-building leader on defense, Stutsman is your guy. He is a productive player with a vocal on-field presence and the speed to be a run-and-chase linebacker.
Do you agree with Miller’s rankings and why? You can check all out all 100 rankings here: 2025 NFL draft: Ranking the 100 best picks, steals, fits - ESPN
