The New Orleans Saints introduced Kellen Moore as their new head coach on Thursday. Moore takes over a franchise in transition. The Saints own the No. 9 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. With salary cap difficulties throughout, it’s critical they enjoy a quality draft.
The Saints have eight selections, including four top-100 picks. Thus, they have the opportunity to endure a foundational draft. We've conducted a seven-round mock draft that addresses the Saints' biggest needs.
Round 1 (No. 9 overall): Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The Saints drafted Taliese Fuaga last year and moved him to left tackle. Given Ryan Ramczyk's chronic knee issues, drafting a long-term starter at right tackle is also necessary, with Trevor Penning entering a contract year. Armand Membou may be the best overall offensive lineman in the draft. Membou generates rare power in the run game with fundamentally gifted footwork.
Round 2 (No. 40 overall): Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss
Chase Young and Payton Turner are scheduled for free agency and the Saints are likely willing to move on from both of them. Isaiah Foskey is still developing, and Cameron Jordan will eventually meet Father Time. Princely Umanmielen is an athletic pass rusher who combines fluid movements with first-step explosiveness. Umanmielen would join Bryan Bresee on a transitional defensive line.
Round 3 (No. 71 overall): Pat Bryant II, WR, Illinois
Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed will return from injury in 2025, but Moore may still want a traditional boundary receiver to play in his offense. Pat Bryant II has legitimate "X" tendencies as a high-pointer of the football. Bryant II is dynamic at the catch point, displaying translatable ball skills.
Round 3 (No. 93 overall): JJ Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
The Saints allowed a second-worst 141.4 rushing yards per game throughout 2024 and they have to get stouter up the middle. JJ Pegues possesses an incredibly thick lower half that makes it difficult to prevent him from anchoring. Pegues blows up plays in the backfield.
Round 4 (No. 111 overall): Zy Alexander, CB, LSU
The defense is well-stocked with young cornerbacks despite trading Marshon Lattimore, but more depth and competition would ease the transition away from their long-term CB1. LSU's Zy Alexander was impressive at this year's East-West Shrine Bowl. Alexander possesses the length and size necessary to control receivers at the line of scrimmage.
Round 4 (No. 130 overall): Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse
Juwan Johnson is a pending free agent and Moore could use a pass-catching tight end in his offense. Oronde Gadsden II is a receiver masquerading as a tight end. Gadsden II is dynamic in the passing game with strong hands and a sizable catch radius.
Round 6 (No. 186 overall): Upton Stout, SAF, Western Kentucky
The aging Will Harris is a free agent and the Saints could use younger prospects in the safety room. Upton Stout is an undersized playmaker who is alignment-versatile. Stout is physical with infectious energy.
Round 7 (No. 254 overall): Jacob Bayer, IOL, Arkansas State
Jacob Bayer would provide depth behind Nick Saldiveri, Erik McCoy, and Cesar Ruiz inside. The Arkansas State standout earned a well-deserved late call-up to the Senior Bowl. Bayer plays with consistent leverage as a steady performer in protection.
