Latest 2025 ESPN mock draft turns the page on Derek Carr era in New Orleans and fixes the Saints' biggest issue on defense

With just over a week remaining until the 2025 NFL Draft, mock drafts are flying around like crazy. It is easier to overlook one here or there. One that caught my eye for the New Orleans Saints is the most recent one from Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. on ESPN. New Orleans made a […]

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With just over a week remaining until the 2025 NFL Draft, mock drafts are flying around like crazy. It is easier to overlook one here or there. One that caught my eye for the New Orleans Saints is the most recent one from Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. on ESPN.

New Orleans made a round one pick that many fans will love, and their defense gets a lot deeper on day two. It was a three-round scenario from the dynamic draft duo. Check out the Saints' picks and my thoughts below.  

9. New Orleans Saints – Yates' pick: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

There's uncertainty around Derek Carr's 2025 season amid his shoulder injury, so the Saints must at least consider taking a quarterback at No. 9. Sanders displays really good accuracy, poise and toughness — traits that should appeal to new coach Kellen Moore as New Orleans aims to stay competitive in the division.

If Sanders is on the board, I think it will be tough for the Saints to pass on him. Deion Sanders has noted the Saints as an option for his son, and Derek Carr may not suit up again for New Orleans. His latest injury update may force Kellen Moore's hand.

While Sanders has limitations, I think he can be a legitimate starter at the pro level with a solid offensive line and reliable receiving threats. The OL in New Orleans played well when healthy a season ago and continues to develop.

40. New Orleans Saints – Kiper's pick: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State

Thomas' speed and length could be exactly what the Saints need on the outside after trading Marshon Lattimore last fall. The takeaways haven't come quite yet for Thomas, but he did have 19 pass breakups over three years.

Thomas is one of my favorite round two picks for the Saints right now. I've made this selection in many mock drafts spanning over one round. He is a scheme fit for Brandon Staley's defense and had a knack for finding the football for pass breakups or interceptions during college. 

I think he is polished for being normally projected to go in round two as well. A duo of him and Kool-Aid McKinstry outside can be a fun, young piece to the defense for the Saints for years to come. 

71. New Orleans Saints – Yates' pick: Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon

Burch put together an excellent final season at Oregon with 8.5 sacks. He has length, fluidity and power. And the Saints could use youth on the edge with Cameron Jordan turning 36.

Burch is a fun athlete on the defensive line. He's got inside/outside versatility that Staley may like here in round three. For the Saints, he would slot in as depth behind Chase Young and Carl Granderson immediately. 

Cam Jordan is still in the fold and could help him learn what it takes to play in the NFL for quite some time, too.Great value at 71, in my opinion. 

93. New Orleans Saints (via WSH) – Yates' pick: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss

Remember that we matched Shedeur Sanders with the Saints in Round 1. Rashid Shaheedand Chris Olave are both coming off injuries, so New Orleans would be smart to get reinforcements for their rookie passer. Harris runs great routes and averaged 17.2 yards per catch last season.

Big-bodied wideout goes to New Orleans on day two. This almost feels like a requirement in mock drafts nowadays. Harris is a smooth mover, but his route tree was limited at Ole Miss. We will see if that can expand at the next level, in a new offense.

Overall, this is a strong haul for the Saints in Kellen Moore's first offseason. 

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