The New Orleans Saints are entering uncharted territory. Recent reports suggest that quarterback Derek Carr’s lingering shoulder injury — originally sustained during the 2023 season — could sideline him for all of 2025, so the team may have no choice but to hand the keys to second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler. While Rattler’s rookie season was marred by injuries to key offensive players, making his performance tough to evaluate, the Saints may be ready to see what they truly have in him.
If New Orleans chooses to ride with Rattler, the 2025 NFL Draft becomes a pivotal opportunity to build a sustainable, quarterback-friendly infrastructure around him. This seven-round mock draft explores how the Saints could approach each selection to maximize Rattler’s potential in a boom-or-bust audition year.
Let’s dive into the picks.
Round 1, Pick 9: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Ashton Jeanty is a perfect backfield weapon to ease that transition if the Saints commit to a youth movement on offense. Jeanty is a dynamic, do-it-all back who can carry the load between the tackles and be a reliable pass-catcher — an essential trait in Kellen Moore’s offense. With Alvin Kamara approaching age 30 and Kendre Miller’s durability in question, Jeanty offers fresh legs and long-term upside. He becomes an immediate focal point in a Rattler-led offense.
Round 2, Pick 40: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
While this mock centers around Spencer Rattler, adding another quarterback makes sense given the uncertainty surrounding Carr. Tyler Shough provides a high-upside insurance policy. He has NFL arm talent, ideal size, and showed flashes of next-level poise when healthy. Injuries have derailed his college career, but Shough can compete and develop in a quarterback room with Rattler while adding depth to a now wide-open position group.
Round 3, Pick 71: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
Ayomanor is a high-upside weapon who gives Rattler a legitimate vertical threat. He fits the mold of a modern-day X-receiver at 6-foot-2 with excellent ball tracking and yards-after-catch ability. With Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed coming off injuries in 2024, Ayomanor adds insurance — and possibly more — as a long-term solution at wideout. His presence would allow the Saints to stretch defenses and open up underneath routes for Rattler’s timing throws.
Round 3, Pick 93: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
The Saints’ run defense fell apart last season, finishing near the bottom of the league in key metrics. Deone Walker is a massive presence on the interior who can immediately step in and clog running lanes. He’s still refining his pass-rush moves, but his ability to occupy multiple blockers and hold his ground makes him a value pick in Round 3. With Cam Jordan aging and uncertainty up front, Walker gives defensive coordinator Brandon Staley a young anchor to develop.
More: Why Trading Down in the Draft Needs to be on the Table for the Saints
Round 4, Pick 112: Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse
Gadsden is the kind of athletic hybrid weapon that modern offenses covet. At 6-foot-5 with a wide catch radius and excellent hands, he’s more of a big slot receiver than a traditional tight end — and that’s a good thing for a young quarterback like Rattler. Gadsden can become a trusted mismatch target in the red zone and on third downs. He adds a layer of versatility to a Saints offense that is still seeking a go-to tight end threat.
Round 5, Pick 131: Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Baron brings burst and bend off the edge, something the Saints still lack behind Chase Young and Carl Granderson. He’s raw but relentless — the kind of mid-round pass rusher who can be molded into a situational disruptor. With Cam Jordan nearing the end of his career, Baron could quietly become the next developmental pass rusher in New Orleans.
Round 6, Pick 184: Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin
Depth along the offensive line is always a priority, especially with the injury history of key starters during recent seasons. Jack Nelson is a polished, technique-sound blocker who could play either tackle spot or kick inside if needed. He isn’t flashy, but he adds much-needed competition and versatility to a group that struggled with cohesion in 2024.
Round 7, Pick 248: Cooper Mays, OG, Tennessee
Cooper Mays is a smart, high-IQ interior lineman who understands protections and blocking schemes. He’s undersized compared to some of his peers, but makes up for it with leverage and effort. If nothing else, Mays is a solid backup interior option who could push for a depth role and help stabilize the Saints’ protection schemes.
Round 7, Pick 254: Mario Anderson Jr., RB, Memphis
The Saints double-dip at running back here with the local product out of Memphis. Anderson is a no-nonsense, downhill runner who brings physicality and special teams upside. His addition is more about roster balance and developmental upside, but in a backfield that’s seen its share of injuries, Anderson offers fresh legs and low-risk value in the seventh round.
This mock is about building smart and layering depth in all the right places. If Spencer Rattler is the starter come Week 1, he’ll need support — both on the field and on the sideline. From Jeanty and Gadsden to a retooled offensive line and added skill weapons, this draft lays the groundwork for a young Saints team to grow together. And if the Carr era is truly nearing its end, this draft might be the first step in ushering in a new one.
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