Saints pass on drafting QB, take a stud defender in round one of latest A to Z Sports NFL mock draft
The New Orleans Saints may have gotten a win in Week 10 to end a seven game losing streak, but they still sit comfortably outside of the playoff picture at the moment. At 3-7, it will be a nearly impossible mountain to climb to clinch a postseason berth. Accordingly, a lot of focus has shifted […]
The New Orleans Saints may have gotten a win in Week 10 to end a seven game losing streak, but they still sit comfortably outside of the playoff picture at the moment. At 3-7, it will be a nearly impossible mountain to climb to clinch a postseason berth.
Accordingly, a lot of focus has shifted to the offseason for the Saints, including the 2025 NFL Draft. As of now, they are projected to pick ninth overall in the first round.
A.J. Schulte of A to Z Sports released a new two-round mock draft on Monday. The Saints made some intriguing decisions in the scenario.
Saints' round 1 pick
Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Saints' pass rush needs a serious boost, as they are one of the worst teams in pressure rate and have just 19 sacks. With Chase Young, Payton Turner, and Tanoh Kpassagnon all set to hit free agency, it'd be wise for the Saints to add a young talent to replenish that room. — A.J. Schulte
Instead of going quarterback, New Orleans addresses their biggest need on defense. Chase Young is a free agent after the 2024 season, and Cameron Jordan is an aging edge rusher. Their pass rush has struggled to finish sacks in 2024.
Scourton has an intriguing ceiling with athletic traits not found in many defensive lineman.
Nic Scourton is a high-upside edge rusher with a relentless motor and the tools to disrupt any backfield. His ability to convert speed to power, paired with a dynamic spin move, makes him a consistent threat off the edge. Scourton's knack for setting the edge and racking up pressures is evident in his game tape, showcasing his potential to be a key contributor from day one. — NFL Draft Buzz
Saints' round 2 pick
Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona
The future of right tackle Ryan Ramczyk is in jeopardy with his medical concerns, and the Saints need to secure that side for the long haul. Jonah Savaiinaea is similar to their most recent first-round pick Taliese Fuaga, and would give them a pair of mauling tackles. — A.J. Schulte
Trevor Penning has played improved football this season, but adding competition on the offensive line will certainly be on the Saints' radar this offseason.
Taliese Fuaga looks like a potential future Pro Bowl tackle, but the opposite tackle spot, and at least one interior spot on the OL, remains a question in the long-term for New Orleans. The Arizona tackle could make plenty of sense for the Saints.
I enjoyed Jonah Savaiinaea's tape, but it was evident early on that his best position for the next level is inside at guard. While there are things that can suggest he could play tackle at the next level, it's not ideally suited for him and wouldn't be where he is best at.
However, there's a quality starter in Jonah Savaiinaea, in my opinion. I'm optimistic about his growth year over year, and his hand placement, play strength, frame, and awareness give him a great floor as an NFL offensive lineman. — A.J. Schulte
Both of these players would be key pieces to the future in the trenches for the black and gold. We will see where they end up selecting in both rounds by season's end.
