The New Orleans Saints walked into the NFL draft with nine picks and walked out of the draft with nine players. It’s a rarity for the Saints. They’re typically aggressive and will trade up at some point in the draft. There were conversations about trades that amounted to nothing.
Kellen Moore’s first draft was all about breaking trends. He made Tyler Shough the first second round quarterback drafted by the Saints ever. Moore’s decision to stick and pick marked the first time in 13 years the Saints didn’t move up in the draft in any round.
This was the best course of action for the team as it’s currently constructed. They’re constantly battling the salary cap on an annual basis. Bringing in as many young players on rookie contracts is a great way for New Orleans offset some of the financial restraints they’ve been under. If there was any draft to make all of their picks, this was the draft to do it. Take the financial component out of it. The Saints needed more players. They needed players for depth. They needed starters. They needed to build for the future. By keeping all their picks, the Saints were able to get players in all of these categories.
Kelvin Banks Jr. and Shough are shaping up as Day 1 starters. The path to Quincy Riley starting at cornerback is wide open, and he’ll at least have the opportunity to compete for the role. Vernon Broughton will likely start as part of the defensive line rotation before growing into a bigger role. Danny Stutsman occupies a similar trajectory. He may be the third linebacker in 2025, but he could push Pete Werner for a starting role beside Demario Davis. With the right steps, replacing Davis after he hangs it up is likely for Stutsman. Devin Neal provides depth to the running back room, with an extra upside to be Alvin Kamara’s running mate. Jonas Sanker feels like the safety of the future next to Justin Reid.
In the seventh round New Orleans brought in Moloki Matavao and Fadil Diggs. Both are likely depth pieces, but Diggs will see some number of snaps unless New Orleans adds veterans at edge rusher. His speed will be a welcomed addition at the position.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Saints take a smart approach, end 13-year trade streak
The New Orleans Saints walked into the NFL draft with nine picks and walked out of the draft with nine players. It’s a rarity for the Saints. They’re typically aggressive and will trade up at some point in the draft. There were conversations about trades that amounted to nothing.
Kellen Moore’s first draft was all about breaking trends. He made Tyler Shough the first second round quarterback drafted by the Saints ever. Moore’s decision to stick and pick marked the first time in 13 years the Saints didn’t move up in the draft in any round.
This was the best course of action for the team as it’s currently constructed. They’re constantly battling the salary cap on an annual basis. Bringing in as many young players on rookie contracts is a great way for New Orleans offset some of the financial restraints they’ve been under. If there was any draft to make all of their picks, this was the draft to do it. Take the financial component out of it. The Saints needed more players. They needed players for depth. They needed starters. They needed to build for the future. By keeping all their picks, the Saints were able to get players in all of these categories.
Kelvin Banks Jr. and Shough are shaping up as Day 1 starters. The path to Quincy Riley starting at cornerback is wide open, and he’ll at least have the opportunity to compete for the role. Vernon Broughton will likely start as part of the defensive line rotation before growing into a bigger role. Danny Stutsman occupies a similar trajectory. He may be the third linebacker in 2025, but he could push Pete Werner for a starting role beside Demario Davis. With the right steps, replacing Davis after he hangs it up is likely for Stutsman. Devin Neal provides depth to the running back room, with an extra upside to be Alvin Kamara’s running mate. Jonas Sanker feels like the safety of the future next to Justin Reid.
In the seventh round New Orleans brought in Moloki Matavao and Fadil Diggs. Both are likely depth pieces, but Diggs will see some number of snaps unless New Orleans adds veterans at edge rusher. His speed will be a welcomed addition at the position.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Saints take a smart approach, end 13-year trade streak
