While the top of the NFL world enjoys the postseason, the New Orleans Saints are among the group that already focusing on next year.
After the worst campaign in recent team history ended with a 5-12 record, they still draft all the way down at No. 9 thanks to the sheer amount of teams that struggled to win games this year. They have plenty of holes to fill so rather than focusing on one specific need, they can afford to go with whatever player they feel is best when they get on the clock.
Here is an updated look at a seven-round 2025 NFL mock draft with that mindset:
HONOLULU, HI – OCTOBER 12: Ashton Jeanty #2 of the Boise State Broncos celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on October 12, 2024 in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
If going with the best player available, is there someone that fits that description more than the unbelievably talented running back from Boise State?
Jeanty took over the football world this season with his wildly entertaining runs and just pure skill. He had 374 carries this season for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. While he didn’t do too much as a receiver this season, for obvious reasons, he did have 43 catches last year so it is in his toolbag.
Combining the young star with Alvin Kamara in the backfield would be a return to the times of ‘Thunder and Lightning’ when Kamara was tag-teaming opponents with Mark Ingram II. With quarterback concerns looming in New Orleans, having a run-first attack with two stellar talents could carry a lot of the load over the next few seasons. It would also provide the Saints with an actual identity again, something that felt like it was missing for much of last season.
Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Darien Porter (10) against the Oregon Ducks during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Porter is one of the players that could see the biggest fluctuations in value during the Senior Bowl. For the purposes of this, I will assume that he does what he is capable of and shoots up the draft boards.
He has only been playing cornerback for three seasons and has come a very long way. A former wide receiver, he has used his athleticism and build to stand out. One thing he does well, which Mickey Loomis will surely love, is stand out on special teams. He had five blocks during his collegiate career.
Jan 1, 2025; Pasadena, CA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) looks for an open receiver as Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon (55) closes in durigt the third quarter at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Harmon is one of the more fun players along the defensive line in the entire draft. He can play any spot on defense and do it effectively.
The former Duck got better as each season went by. During his latest campaign, he had 45 tackles with 11 going for a loss and five sacks. As of right now, he is more of a pass rusher than run defender, but has the build to do both at a high level.
Oct 19, 2024; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Nick Emmanwori (7) reacts after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Emmanwori has been a three-year starter in the SEC since his freshman campaign, which is one the highest honors that a defender can receive.
He has prototypical size for an NFL safety. The junior looks like a linebacker but moves like a defensive back. He would be a modern-day freak athlete version of Tyrann Mathieu in the Saints secondary. Not necessarily skill right away, but certainly in play style.
The safety had 244 career tackles with six interceptions and two defensive touchdowns (both of which came this season).
Lundt is a six-year senior that has a lot of experience playing right tackle. Taking him would allow Trevor Penning to move inside, where he may finally be able to find his footing entering the last year of his rookie deal.
The former Huskie has great athleticism and has stood out both in run and pass pro throughout his college career. He has all of the tools you could ask for as a rookie, but does need to refine his skills a bit with NFL coaching.
Oct 28, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights wide receiver Kobe Hudson (2) catches a pass in front of West Virginia Mountaineers safety Anthony Wilson (12) and scores during the first quarter at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Hudson might have had a shot to go much higher than this had he played in a better offense throughout his college career.
He had 181 career catches for 2,961 yards and 23 touchdowns between UCF and Auburn. The dynamic weapon can line up at any receiver spot and work his way to a victory thanks to his route running skills.
His hands have also stood out as a plus and he has been very competitive at the catch point.
Florida Gators linebacker Antwuan Powell (52) sacks Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Ken Seals (8) during a football game between the Florida Gators and the Vanderbilt Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. October 9, 2021.
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New Orleans must add a pass rusher in this draft, but none had really stood out enough to take them at their pick over the players that were decided on. Going free agency might be their best bet, but Powell-Ryland is at least an intriguing option late in the draft.
The former Hokie and Florida Gator is a little bit smaller than the usual draft prospect that the Saints go after, but that could be a good thing. He is a 6-foot-3, 252-pound pass rusher that had an absurd 25.5 sacks over the last two seasons alone (16 in 2024).
Nov 16, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston College Eagles quarterback Grayson James (14) and offensive lineman Drew Kendall (66) in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the Boston College Eagles at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dipping back into the offensive line, the former Eagles star could be a solid insurance policy for Erik McCoy. It is an important addition to make in the offseason after seeing how lost the offensive line was this past campaign without a healthy and experienced center.
Kendall is a nice athlete and smart football player.
