JACKSON: Three areas Saints must address in NFL Draft
03/31/2025
By Ross Jackson
Less than a month away from the NFL Draft, every team has a number of goals to accomplish when they are on the clock. For the New Orleans Saints, the needs are plentiful. But there are three things the team should should prioritize. Whether because of need or the depth of talent at certain position groups, New Orleans cannot leave the selection process without these selections in hand.
Addressing The Trenches
To many, this should be the team’s top priority. And it goes for both sides of the ball. Adding to the offensive line, whether by selecting a depth player or a potential starter, would help to bolster the Saints’ too-often-injured offensive line. Going into the season with eight quality lineman has become a must for New Orleans.
Meanwhile, continuing to build the defensive line either at edge, on the interior or both is a sound practice. New Orleans will have some turnover within this unit going into 2026, so having young contributors ready to go would be wise.
Early offensive linemen like LSU’s Will Campbell and Ohio State’s Josh Simmons are names to watch that could force one of the Saints’ incumbent starting tackles inside, Georgia interior offensive linemen Tate Ratledge, Jared Wilson and Dylan Fairchild are all worth a roll of the dice in the mid-to-late rounds.
On the defensive line, tackle Mason Graham of Michigan could be a steal if he falls to No. 9. But a big run-stopper like Deone Walker would be helpful at the end of day two or early day three. Meanwhile, early edge talent will be hard to pass up. Jame Pearce Jr. of Tennessee looks tailor-made for defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense. So too does UCLA’s Oluwafemi Oladejo, who is projected later in the draft.
James Pearce Jr. vs. Alabama:
➖ 10 Pressures
➖ 1.5 Sacks
➖ 3 Run Stops
➖ 28.1% Pass-Rush Win RateEnjoy some All-22 highlights below… pic.twitter.com/CfnSkzEYNc
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) February 16, 2025
A Running Back
This year’s running back class is outstanding. This crop is so plentiful, that some won’t end up being selected because of the nature of how the process flows and the needs that are meant to be met.
For New Orleans, running back is a sneaky position worth addressing. Behind starter Alvin Kamara, most of the backs on the roster are on one-year contracts with something to prove. Meanwhile, third-year back Kendre Miller still has to prove his ability to remain on the field. With a new coaching staff, an investment in a new runner that fits their vision makes sense.
From first-round investments like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina’s Omarian Hampton to day two selections like TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins of Ohio State, the draft is loaded with talent.
UCF’s RJ Harvey and Kansas State’s D.J. Giddens are two names worth keeping in mind because of their playmaking versatility and steady production. Jaydon Blue of Texas is another later-round prospect to know. His track speed and exceptional route-running set him apart from the pack. Saints’ new defensive passing game coordinator Terry Joseph likely saw a lot of Blue in practices.
Jaydon Blue is a Pass Catching Weapon and a Big Play waiting to happen:
🔸 42 Receptions in 2024 (6 TDs)
🔸 25% Target Rate (2nd in Class)
🔸 Productive Runner, 73% of rush yards AFTER contact (1st)
🔸 4th in Class Athleticism Score
🔸 Late Round 💎— The Dynasty Grill (@FFDynastyGrill) March 28, 2025
A Big-Bodied Pass-Catcher
This doesn’t necessarily have to be a wide receiver. A tight end would do just fine as well. But the Saints definitely need a physical, middle-of-the-field threat that can complement the speed they have on the perimeter. Bringing back tight end Juwan Johnson on a three-year deal might help to provide that if the new coaching staff gets him more involved early on in the season. However, having another option would be ideal.
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillian faces some controversy after a years-old video surfaced of him explaining that he doesn’t like watching football or film. But if those concerns are a thing of the past (he sure plays like they are), then he would be a worthwhile investment in the first round. Penn State tight end Tyler Warren could be a solid alternative because of his versatility. Drafting Warren gets you more than a tight end, it lands the team a playmaker from multiple areas of the field.
LSU tight end Mason Taylor has drawn a lot of attention from the Saints this offseason. His all-around ability as a blocker, pass-catcher and route-runner are hard to ignore. He could have worked his way into being a second-round selection with his offseason process.
Simply put, there are many options to fill this need. The Saints should either look to invest in it in the draft or look to land a veteran in the late stages of free agency. Drafting would be the obvious preference in regard to building for the team’s future.