A lot has transpired since our last team-oriented Saints mock draft. The team now has a new head coach and a coaching staff that has rounded into form. From a roster viewpoint, all signs point to Derek Carr returning as the team’s starting quarterback. On Saturday, the Saints restructured his contract, which created $30 million in salary cap space. Before the news was made official, there were reports that Carr would take a pay cut or possibly be released from the team as a June 1 designation. However, recent optics indicate that the Carr was the plan at QB1 all along.
The New Orleans Saints enter the 2025 NFL Draft with a strong need to bolster several key areas on their roster. With a disappointing season behind them and a new coaching staff led by Kellen Moore, the Saints are looking to inject young talent into a team burdened by salary cap constraints. The following five-round mock draft addresses these needs by selecting prospects who can make an immediate impact and contribute to the team’s long-term success.
1. 9th Overall Pick: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Saints selected Will Johnson with their first-round pick to solidify a secondary that has struggled with injuries and inconsistency. With Paulson Adeebo departing via free agency, the Saints must immediately address a glaring hole in the secondary. The draft will be their next route if they don’t find a viable option during free agency. Johnson brings size, speed, and coverage skills that fit perfectly in Brandon Staley’s defensive scheme. His ability to play both man and zone coverage provides flexibility, and his physicality aligns well with the Saints’ need for a playmaker in the secondary. Johnson’s ball-hawking ability will be a welcome addition, giving New Orleans a potential future star in the defensive backfield.
2. 40th Overall Pick: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
The Saints’ defensive line has lacked the interior push necessary to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. Tyleik Williams is a dynamic interior defender who offers strength and quickness. His presence in the middle of the defensive line will help improve the pass rush and run defense. Williams’ versatility allows him to play multiple techniques on the defensive line, providing flexibility in the Saints’ defensive front. He fills a critical need as the Saints look to rejuvenate their pass rush and strengthen the interior defense.
Related: Why the Saints Trade Down in the 2025 NFL Draft
3. 71st Overall Pick: Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia
Offensive line depth has been an issue for the Saints, particularly on the interior. Injuries and inconsistent play plagued New Orleans in 2024, and Dylan Fairchild offers a solution. The Georgia product is a powerful run blocker with the athleticism to excel in pass protection. Fairchild’s addition gives the Saints a young, talented lineman who can compete for a starting guard spot and provide much-needed stability. His ability to play both guard positions also offers insurance against future injuries, ensuring Derek Carr has the protection needed to succeed.
3. 93rd Overall Pick: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon (Via Washington)
Photo courtesy of Sean Meagher/The Oregonian.
The Saints’ tight end room has lacked a dynamic receiving threat since the departure of Jared Cook. Terrance Ferguson is a pass-catching tight end with excellent route-running skills and the athleticism to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. He provides another weapon for the Saints passing game, particularly in the red zone, where his size and catch radius can be a significant asset. Ferguson’s presence can also help take pressure off the wide receivers and add another dimension to the Saints’ offense under new coordinator Doug Nussmeier.
4. 111th Overall Pick: Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
Last season’s late acquisition, Marquez Valdez-Scantling, emerged as a weapon in the Saint’s offense after the injuries to Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed sidelined them for the year. Valdez-Scantling’s production showed how dire the Saints’ receiving core was without its two primary pass catchers. If the price is right on the open market, Valdez-Scantling could very well leave New Orleans, leading to another glaring hole needing to be addressed. They recently re-signed veteran Dante Pettis, but you can’t rely on him as a long-term solution. This is where the selection of Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant comes into play.
Bryant is a versatile wide receiver with strong hands and the ability to make contested catches. His route-running and physicality make him a reliable target, especially on intermediate and deep routes. Bryant can contribute immediately and develop into a key piece of the Saints’ offense. His selection continues the team’s focus on surrounding Derek Carr with playmakers and improving the overall depth at wide receiver.
4. 130th Overall Pick: Howard Cross III, DT, Notre Dame (Via Washington)
With their final pick in this mock draft, the Saints double down on the defensive line by selecting Howard Cross III. Adding Cross gives New Orleans another powerful interior defender who can contribute to the rotation on the defensive line. Cross excels in run defense and offers enough pass-rush ability to develop into a valuable rotational player. His selection underscores the Saints’ commitment to building a stronger, more disruptive defensive front, which has been a priority for the team this offseason.
Overall Assessment: A Balanced Approach to Rebuilding
This mock draft achieves the Saints’ goals of adding young, cost-controlled talent while addressing critical needs on both sides. The focus on defense, particularly in the secondary and along the defensive line, aligns with the team’s new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s approach. Offensively, the additions of Dylan Fairchild, Terrance Ferguson, and Pat Bryant provide immediate help and long-term potential.
By building through the draft rather than overextending in free agency, the Saints set themselves up for a more sustainable future. This draft class could be a turning point for the franchise, providing the foundation needed to compete in the NFC South and potentially return to playoff contention.
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