The ongoing drama of Derek Carr possibly missing the entire 2025 season due to a shoulder injury has become the Saints’ top storyline heading into this year’s NFL Draft. The transaction highlights the Saints’ intent on what position becomes a bigger priority when the selection is announced at pick nine next Thursday. However, despite quarterback being at the top of the list of needs after the latest report on Carr, other areas of the roster still need that high-end talent.
As the New Orleans Saints inch closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, their front office faces a critical balancing act. While a win-now mindset still lingers in the building, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the team must also lay the groundwork for its future—particularly on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
According to a recent article published by Pro Football and Sports Network (PFSN), the Saints would be wise to target two high-upside players on Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft: Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton and Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson. Let’s break down why these two prospects could be perfect fits in New Orleans—and how they could help shape the team’s new identity under head coach Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Brandon Staley.
Why Edge Rusher Remains a Priority
The 2024 season was a defensive disappointment for the Saints. Once known for their stout run defense and timely pass-rushing, the unit regressed dramatically, finishing 30th in EPA per rush and near the bottom of the league in run defense success rate. While the team aggressively swung by re-signing Chase Young in free agency and still has Carl Granderson in the fold, questions remain.
Cameron Jordan will turn 36 before Week 1, and while he’s been the heart and soul of the defense for over a decade, the Saints need to start preparing for a future without him. That’s where Nic Scourton enters the conversation.
Scourton’s Fit with Brandon Staley’s Defense
A transfer from Purdue who made waves at Texas A&M, Scourton is a powerful, explosive edge defender with three-down potential. At 6-foot-3, 257 pounds, he combines ideal size with SEC-tested production and an aggressive motor.
Scourton’s game is tailor-made for a Brandon Staley system that thrives on multiplicity. He can play with his hand in the dirt or stand up as a 3-4 outside linebacker. His versatility would allow Staley to mix coverages and fronts while giving the Saints another edge threat opposite Chase Young or Granderson.
More importantly, Scourton is also a strong run defender—something the Saints desperately need after being gashed on the ground throughout last season. If developed properly, he could become a reliable starter by 2026 and a critical piece in the post-Cam Jordan era.
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Dylan Sampson: A Kamara Heir in Waiting?
On the offensive side of the ball, the Saints face a different dilemma. Alvin Kamara is entering the twilight of his career at age 30, and while he’s still a weapon in the passing game, his workload will inevitably need to be scaled back. Kendre Miller was expected to be part of the solution, but his string of injuries has made him an unreliable option. Jamaal Williams didn’t meet expectations, and while the team added Velus Jones Jr. as a depth piece, there’s still a hole for a younger, explosive back.
Enter Dylan Sampson, the Tennessee product with a one-cut, slashing style and a nose for gaining yards after contact. While he doesn’t carry the star power of a Day 1 running back, his skill set makes him one of the more intriguing Day 3 sleepers in the draft.
Why Sampson Could Thrive Under Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore’s offenses in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles thrived on balance and using the run game to open up play-action and downfield shots. With his acceleration and vision, Sampson would be a natural fit in a zone-heavy scheme that asks backs to make quick decisions and explode through tight lanes.
Sampson also flashed pass-catching ability at Tennessee, making him a natural complement to Kamara early in his career and potentially a future leadback. His ability to thrive in space and break tackles gives the Saints a dynamic option to build around long-term.
Big Picture: Why These Picks Matter
The Saints may still be trying to contend in the short term—especially in a wide-open NFC South—but they must also begin building a foundation for sustainable success. Drafting Nic Scourton and Dylan Sampson wouldn’t just address depth issues—they’d also future-proof key positions that could see major turnover in the next 1–2 seasons.
- Scourton provides an edge presence that can develop into a starter once Cam Jordan retires.
- Sampson gives the Saints insurance and eventual succession for Alvin Kamara.
With limited cap space and a long-term quarterback decision looming, the Saints must hit on value picks outside of Round 1. These two players are the kind of high-upside, scheme-friendly additions that could eventually become major contributors to the next era of Saints football.
Day 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft are where great teams find the glue of their rosters. The Saints can no longer afford to chase short-term fixes with aging veterans and over-leveraged restructures. It’s time to get younger, faster, and more versatile. Nic Scourton and Dylan Sampson check every box—and could prove to be two of the smartest picks New Orleans makes this April.
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