Saints Third-Round Draft Pick Could Make an Immediate Impact

A New Orleans Saints third-round draft selection from the 2025 NFL Draft class could see playing time early for the black and gold.

There hasn't been a lot of buzz about Saints' 93rd overall draft selection Jonas Sanker. The former Virginia Cavaliers safety was seen as a reach when New Orleans selected him in the third round, but Sanker offers a valuable skill that could earn him playing time early.

Sanker is a tackling machine. The two-time First-Team All-ACC safety accumulated 205 tackles and 12.5 TFLs over his final two seasons with the Cavaliers. Sanker's production, combined with an ideal NFL defensive back frame, saw the 6-foot, 206-lb safety rise on NFL draft boards.

While the Saints' safety room is set, with veterans Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid holding the starting spots, Sanker could make an immediate impact on special teams. New Orleans has produced plenty of special team aces over the years, and the young defensive back could begin his career with New Orleans similarly.

Sanker is a willing downhill tackler and can make open-field tackles look easy. Combined with his size, the third-round pick is also quick and athletic, making him the perfect mold to be a gunner on the Saints' kicking team.

The Saints will likely give Sanker most of his playing time on special teams, but the former Virginia standout's versatility could earn him snaps on defense. Sanker can play anywhere on the field for New Orleans, including in the box or the slot. The versatile defensive back plays with good anticipation in coverage and perfectly times when attacking throwing lanes.

Head coach Kellen Moore has been open about his excitement for the third-round pick and mentioned his versatility as a strength: "He just does everything, and for us, we just felt really, really fortunate sitting there late in [the round]." It's clear Sanker has fans in the building, and at just 22 years old, getting early playing time on special teams should accelerate the young defensive back's development.