The splash of free agency has passed and it's time for teams to turn their heads to the 2025 NFL Draft.
The New Orleans Saints were primarily passive in the past weeks, focusing on adding to their defense. With defensive coordinator Brandon Staley getting the opportunity to go after his guys in free agency, I expect Kellen Moore to have a bigger role in the draft.
Round 1, Pick 9: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has become a fan favorite for the Saints with the team needing a big-body receiver who could be a red-zone threat. At 6-foot-4 and a reported 4.48 40-yard dash, McMillan would fill out the receiver room in New Orleans perfectly. With recent in-house support from Saints legend Cameron Jordan, New Orleans' chances of snagging McMillan at nine have only increased.
Round 2, Pick 40: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori is likely a first-round pick, but with a trend of freaky athletic safeties falling in the draft, we have him slipping to the Saints at 40th. Emmanwori is a gifted athlete with the build of a linebacker and the coverage skills of an elite safety. His speed and tackling ability make him a perfect fit anywhere on the defense. With Tyrann Mathieu aging, the Saints could snag the athletic safety if he falls in the draft.
Round 3, Pick 71: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami (FL)
Although the Saints brought back Juwan Johnson on a three-year contract, Kellen Moore and his staff could still target a playmaker at the tight end spot. Arroyo has elite speed for his position and the athleticism and size to make an impact as both a receiver and a blocker. Arroyo's speed makes him a mismatch for opposing linebackers, while his 6-foot-5 frame becomes too large for safeties and cornerbacks to handle. With Taysom Hill likely to retire soon and Foster Moreau entering the final season of his contract, it wouldn't be a bad idea to add to their tight end room.
Round 3, Pick 93: Dylan Fairchild, IOL, Georgia
Georgia guard Dylan Fairchild has the versatility and size to play both inside and outside on the line. Fairchild is a better pass protector than he is a run blocker, but he is still a developing lineman with just two seasons of experience as a starter. The 6-foot-5 versatile lineman has impressive flexibility likely due to his high school wrestling career where he boasted a staggering 47-0 record.
Round 4, Pick 112: Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The Saints will be switching to a 3-4 defense and need to get the personnel to do so. Miami's Tyler Baron possesses the sought-after size and length for a 3-4 edge rusher and could be a developmental piece for New Orleans going forward. While not the fastest athlete, he is a fluid pass rusher who plays with good technique.
Round 4, Pick 131: Joshua Farmer, DL, Florida State
Continuing to add to their defensive line, we have the Saints going back-to-back with defensive linemen in the fourth round, grabbing DL Joshua Farmer. At 6-foot-3, 305 pounds, Farmer possesses the ideal size for an interior lineman with long 35' arms. While he lacks first-step quickness, Farmer can disengage with blockers due to his long arms and create the separation to get to the ball carrier.
Round 6, Pick 184: Andrew Armstrong, WR, Arkansas
Arkansas wide receiver Andrew Armstrong produced two 1,000-yard seasons during his three-year career with his junior year being his most impressive, catching 78 passes for 1,140 yards. At 6-foot-4, Armstrong impressively ran a 4.51 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and is reportedly garnering interest from the Saints.
Round 7, Pick 248: Jimmy Horn Jr., WR/PR/KR, Colorado
The Saints have always found hidden-gem return men late in the draft who eventually develop into bigger roles. Former return specialist Deonte Harty has earned multiple contracts in the NFL and Rashid Shaheed has earned All-Pro nods and has since developed into a deep threat. With Shaheed becoming more valuable on offense, New Orleans could look to limit his risk of injury as a return specialist and bring in Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. Horn is quicker than he is fast but still posted a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. As a twitchy runner, Horn could develop into a gadget player on offense.
Round 7, Pick 254: Caleb Rogers, OT, Texas Tech
The Saints will continue to add to their offensive line depth due to an influx of injuries in recent years. Texas Tech tackle Caleb Rogers' athleticism allows him to get to the second level quickly in the run game and his size keeps defenders engaged in blocks. With over 4,200 career snaps in college, Rogers has proven his durability.
Related: Mel Kiper Mocks the Saints to Draft a Quarterback With Ninth Pick
Related: Cameron Jordan Shares Who He Wants The Saints To Draft With The Ninth Pick
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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 3:11 PM.