As the 2025 NFL Draft inches closer, the New Orleans Saints fanbase buzzes with speculation, strategy debates, and wish-list projections. With the franchise holding the No. 9 overall pick in this year’s draft, Saints Report—a long-running message board and community hub for die-hard Who Dats—recently ran a poll to gauge where fans stand when presented with several top-tier prospects potentially available at that selection.
The results? This is revealing and perhaps indicative of a shifting mindset within a fanbase eager for the team to pivot from long-term band-aids to building for sustained success.
Let’s break down what the numbers are telling us.
Poll Results:
- Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State – 107 votes (51.7%)
- Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado – 32 votes (15.5%)
- Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona – 19 votes (9.2%)
- Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas – 10 votes (4.8%)
- Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M – 4 votes (1.9%)
Warren Wins the Vote—But Why a Tight End at No. 9?
The idea of selecting a tight end in the top 10 might have been ridiculed in previous draft classes, but Penn State’s Tyler Warren appears to be the exception. Nearly 52% of voters cast their pick for the Nittany Lions standout, who has rapidly climbed up big boards due to his rare combination of size, athleticism, and versatility.
For Saints fans, the appeal is obvious: New Orleans hasn’t had a true game-changing tight end since the days of Jimmy Graham in his prime. Warren represents a modern offensive weapon that could immediately elevate the passing game, particularly if the Saints stick with either Spencer Rattler or a veteran bridge quarterback in the post-Derek Carr era.
In a scheme crafted by new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and head coach Kellen Moore, Warren’s skill set could be the ideal mismatch creator in 11 and 12-personnel groupings. His ability to stretch the seam, chip block, and function as a red-zone threat makes him more than just a safety valve—he could be a cornerstone.
Shedeur Sanders: A Glimpse at the Future QB?
Despite all the rumors and swirling speculation around Derek Carr’s shoulder injury and future availability, only 15.5% of fans voted for Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. That’s surprising on the surface, especially considering the team’s unsettled long-term quarterback outlook and the buzz Sanders generated with his comments about playing in New Orleans.
But digging a little deeper, it becomes clear: this may be less about doubt in Sanders’ talent and more about situational context. The Saints have invested heavily in Carr and may want to see what Spencer Rattler can do before using a top-10 pick on another QB. Plus, fans may be wary of the hype overshadowing the readiness, especially when that pick could be used to boost a thin offensive arsenal immediately.
Still, the interest in Sanders—paired with recent workouts and ties to Kellen Moore’s offense—can’t be ignored entirely.
More: Saints Full Mock Draft if Spencer Rattler is the Projected QB1
McMillan and the WR Angle
Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan received just under 10% of the vote, a modest showing for a highly skilled route-runner frequently mocked in the top 15. With Michael Thomas no longer on the roster and Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed returning from injury-plagued seasons, some fans likely see McMillan as an ideal WR2 or even WR1-in-waiting.
The limited support might suggest that fans prefer to bolster other positions first, particularly on the line or at tight end, before turning to a deep and often unpredictable receiver class. But make no mistake: McMillan would add vertical explosiveness and smooth route precision to a Saints offense desperate for more dynamic playmakers.
Low Support for the Trenches
In what may be the most surprising development from the poll, offensive tackle Kelvin Banks and edge rusher Shemar Stewart combined for just 6.7% of the vote.
That’s an eye-opener, considering the Saints’ offensive line inconsistencies and the aging status of Cam Jordan. Perhaps this reflects more the players available than the position itself. Or maybe fans are ready for flashier skill talent at this rebuild stage, particularly in light of the team’s recent efforts to address the trenches through free agency and Day 2 picks.
What the Fanbase Is Telling Us
The results of this Saints Report poll paint a very specific picture:
- Most Saints fans want immediate offensive firepower, not another “safe” lineman or developmental pass rusher.
- Tyler Warren’s selection represents hope for a modernized, creative offense emphasizing mismatches and versatility.
- There’s genuine intrigue in Shedeur Sanders, but not enough confidence to demand the team mortgage a top-10 pick.
- Fans are cautiously optimistic about building around existing QB options, whether Spencer Rattler or a still-rehabbing Carr.
- Perhaps most tellingly, this fanbase is starting to look toward scheme fit and upside, rather than just positional need.
Polls like these don’t dictate draft room decisions, but they reveal the collective mindset of the most loyal observers of Saints football. With just a few weeks left before the draft, the vote for Tyler Warren suggests that fans are craving innovation on offense, especially if the team continues its youth movement under Kellen Moore.
As the countdown to April 24 continues, one thing is clear—Who Dat Nation wants to see something different this time. Whether that’s a high-upside tight end, a new face at quarterback, or a playmaking wideout, Saints fans are ready to reshape the identity of this football team.
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