As the New Orleans Saints enter a critical 2025 NFL Draft cycle, the franchise finds itself at a turning point. The team is trying to balance “win-now” urgency with long-term sustainability under new head coach Kellen Moore. But despite the promise of a new offensive system and the return of key skill position players from injury, one issue remains glaringly clear: the defense needs reinforcements—particularly on the edge.
According to a recent article published by the Pro Football & Sports Network (PFSN), the Saints’ biggest roster hole heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is edge rusher. While many fans may be focused on offensive concerns such as the quarterback situation or wide receiver depth, PFSN’s analytical breakdown provides a compelling argument that the defense—more specifically, the pass rush and edge containment—is what truly needs addressing most.
The Collapse of a Former Strength
New Orleans finished 2024 with a 5-12 record, marking their worst campaign since 2005. While much of the blame was placed on a banged-up offense, the defense quietly regressed to its lowest level since PFSN began tracking defensive efficiency with their Defense+ metric in 2019. The Saints ranked 19th overall, a significant drop from the top-10 caliber defenses they boasted just a few years ago.
Perhaps the most disturbing trend was their run defense, particularly against perimeter runs. The Saints ranked:
- 31st in yards per rush allowed (4.9)
- 30th in rush success rate (56%)
- 30th in EPA per rush (-0.04)
These numbers aren’t just bad—they’re catastrophic. They indicate systemic failure at setting the edge, shedding blocks, and rallying to the football. The problem was especially pronounced when teams ran the ball outside the tackles, where the Saints gave up 87.2 yards per game—second-worst in the NFL, trailing only the 2-15 Carolina Panthers.
A Flawed Edge Rotation
The regression in edge production wasn’t confined to run defense. The pass rush struggled as well, finishing 24th in total sacks by edge rushers (17.0). That’s a concerning figure for a team that once had a feared front seven.
Veteran Cam Jordan is entering what could be his final season at age 36. His production dipped in 2024, and it’s unrealistic to expect a bounce-back year from a player who’s logged over a decade of elite play. Free-agent acquisition Chase Young showed flashes, but his consistency remains a question mark. Carl Granderson, while productive at times, cannot carry the unit on his own.
Behind those three, the depth chart becomes murky. Former first-rounder Payton Turner was recently signed by the Cowboys after failing to make an impact in New Orleans. The Saints have yet to find a long-term solution or a game-changer on the edge since trading up for Marcus Davenport—a decision that ultimately backfired.
The Case for Going Edge at No. 9
With the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Saints are in prime position to address this deficiency head-on. While Abdul Carter—the top edge prospect in the class—is expected to be off the board, players like Mykel Williams (Georgia), Nic Scourton (Texas A&M), and James Pierce (Tennessee) could still be available.
Scourton, in particular, has been identified as a high-upside Day 2 target by PFSN in previous analysis. His blend of strength and explosiveness would give the Saints a much-needed jolt on the outside and help solidify both the run defense and pass rush.
Selecting an edge rusher would also allow the Saints to potentially shift Chase Young into more favorable matchups as a rotational piece rather than a full-time starter, reducing the wear and tear on his body.
But What About the Offense?
There’s a reasonable counterargument that the offense should remain the focus—especially with Derek Carr’s recent injury news throwing the quarterback situation into disarray. However, PFSN notes that better health at wide receiver and running back, paired with Kellen Moore’s creative scheme, could lead to organic improvement on that side of the ball. The defense, on the other hand, requires immediate personnel upgrades—particularly at one of the NFL’s most premium positions.
Additionally, the Saints have already made several offensive additions in free agency, including wideout Brandin Cooks, return man Velus Jones Jr., and the re-signing of Juwan Johnson. The interior offensive line was also addressed through restructuring and extensions. All signs suggest the Saints could afford to wait on offensive reinforcements until Day 2 or 3 of the draft.
Build from the Edge In
Edge rusher is not just a flashy need—it’s a foundational one. You don’t build a successful defense in the modern NFL without winning off the edge. The Saints’ failure to contain perimeter runs and consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks derailed any hopes of competing in 2024.
If the team is serious about returning to playoff contention under Kellen Moore, they must start by rebuilding the front seven. With the No. 9 pick in hand, the board is likely to offer a clean path to acquiring a high-impact edge defender. Whether it’s Williams, Pierce, or a trade-down scenario for more picks and a player like Scourton, the Saints must invest in a position that has become their biggest liability.
Show Your Support
Support the great work of the Saints on Sports View 360 by purchasing licensed NFL fan gear. Items ranged from Saints hats, jerseys, t-shirts, socks, and more. We would greatly appreciate it if you would buy these items from the text link listed below. The revenue generated from today’s offer goes into the funding of the Sports View 360. Click on the link below if you are interested.
New Orleans Saints Fan Gear Deals at Fanatics
