The New Orleans Saints have plenty of needs in year one of new head coach Kellen Moore's regime, with the passing game expected to be a focus of the former Boise State star quarterback and longtime quarterbacks coach.
The state of Louisiana's only professional football team also needs help in the pass defense game, starting at the cornerback position, which could be a focus in April's 2025 NFL draft.
Recently, coach Moore's Saints were given a crystal ball for a former national championship winning defensive back who battled injuries for much of last season but still came out with a top ten draft grade and could be a "potential steal" in this year's draft.
The Saints were projected to select Michigan defensive back Will Johnson, who entered the 2024 college football season as a likely top five pick, at the number nine slot in 2025's draft.
"He was banged up last season, so we didn't get to see his best for much of the year," Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling wrote.
"But Johnson could be a potential steal who fills a dire need for the Saints defense."
Johnson had two pick-sixes early in the season before injuries sidelined him after just five games in the winged helmet for coach Sherrone Moore's team.
The Wolverines defensive back attempted a late season return but was first to sit out Michigan's final two games against Ohio State and Alabama, both wins, while cheering on and coaching up his teammates in the defensive backfield as they played some of their best football of the season.
