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Saints begin new era with seven-round mock draft

Mar 4, 2025 | 9:28 AM

By Ross Jackson

After a week in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, it was clear that there are a few favorites that the New Orleans Saints may consider at pick No. 9 overall. This year’s NFL Draft is loaded with starter-level talent even though the quarterback and superstar potential pools are considered limited. 

In this mock draft, I focused on landing one of the superstar potential players that the Saints have been most connected to this week and then filling out the roster after that, including adding some solid talent that could be candidates to start immediately. 

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Round 1, Pick 9 – Penn State TE Tyler Warren

Warren and Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. were two of the most popular names connected to the Saints during Indianapolis draft chatter. Warren would come into the NFL as a pro-ready prospect in a position that usually requires transition time. But his already sound blocking abilities and Big Ten experience help him a ton there. 

He doesn’t have to be the next Taysom Hill to be a success. All he needs to do is be a productive tight end and mismatch threat for head coach Kellen Moore’s game plan. Warren’s ability to move all around the formation would be a perfect match for Moore. The coach likes to lean in on his player’s superpowers, and Warren has many from  which to choose. 

Combine Measurements

  • 6-foot-5
  • 256 pounds
  • Hand Size: 9.5 inches
  • Arm Length: 31.75 inches

Combine Testing Results

Warren did not participate in Combine workouts. 

2024 Season Stats

  • 104 receptions
  • 1,233 receiving yards
  • 8 touchdown catches
  • 26 rushes
  • 218 rushing yards
  • 4 touchdown runs

 

Round 2, Pick 40 – Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams

New defensive coordinator Brandon Staley will likely be looking for more interior talent and while second year defensive tackle Kristian Boyd will benefit from the team’s new scheme, expect the Saints to acquire competition in the meantime alongside John Ridgeway III. Williams is a big-bodied but very athletic interior defender who can move around the line, allotting some versatility to Staley’s scheme. 

Combine Measurements

  • 6-foot-2
  • 334 pounds
  • Hand Size: 10.25 inches
  • Arm Length: 32

Combine Testing Results

Williams did not participate in Combine workouts. 

2024 Season Stats

  • 46 tackles (8 for a loss)
  • 2.5 sacks
  • 1 pass batted at the line

 

Round 3, Pick 71 – Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson

While Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty has been popular to pair with the Saints as well, this class of runners is fantastic. So if New Orleans were to pass on Jeanty early, finding another back later isn’t a tall task. Henderson is one of the best. 

The versatile playmaker also doesn’t have the amount of miles on his legs like other college workhorses. The NFL now is all about committee backfields and finding success with multiple running backs. Henderson and his Buckeye backfield-mate Quinshon Judkins did that very well in 2024. 

Combine Measurements

  • 5-foot-10
  • 202 pounds
  • Hand Size: 9.5 inches
  • Arm Length: 30.75 inches

Combine Testing Results

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.43 seconds
  • Vert: 38.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10-foot-8
  • RAS: 9.43u

2024 Season Stats

  • 144 rushes
  • 1,016 rushing yards
  • 10 touchdown runs
  • 27 receptions
  • 284 receiving yards
  • 1 touchdown catches

 

Round 3, Pick 93 – Georgia OL Tate Ratledge

New Orleans could land a new starter at left guard via free agency with such a strong class on the open market this year. If they didn’t, Ratledge is a ready-made starter. Otherwise he would be strong depth for the team that is hoping to shake its injury bug in 2025. 

Combine Measurements

  • 6-foot-6
  • 208 pounds
  • Hand Size: 10.38 inches
  • Arm Length: 32.25 inches

Combine Testing Results

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.97 seconds
  • Vert: 32 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9-foot-5
  • 3-Cone: 7.38
  • RAS: 9.98u

2024 Season Stats

  • 1 sack allowed (2 in career)
  • 2 QB hits allowed
  • 4 hurries allowed
  • Positions (snaps): LG (2), RG (498)

 

Round 4, Pick 111 – Central Arkansas DE David Walker

Another big change for the Saints’ defense will likely include the addition of speedy, standup pass rushers. Walker comes from a smaller school than some of the earlier options of his mold, but his consistent production and dominance from his position are to pass on in the fourth round. 

Combine Measurements

  • 6-foot
  • 263 pounds
  • Hand Size: 9.25 inches
  • Arm Length: 31.88 inches

Combine Testing Results

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.69 seconds
  • Vert: 35 inches
  • Broad Jump: 9-foot-10
  • Bench: 26 reps
  • Shuttle: 4.39
  • 3-Cone: 7.15
  • RAS: 8.53u

2024 Season Stats

  • 68 total tackles
  • 10.5 sacks
  • 4 forced fumbles
  • 1 fumble recovered
  • 37 total pressures

 

Round 4, Pick 130 – Illinois WR Pat Bryant

Big wideouts that can make tough catches and have an athletic streak should be in focus for the Saints this offseason. Bryant checks all the boxes. He is also a solid blocker at the position as well which could aid what’s expected to be a heavily utilized run game. Bryant would be an excellent complement to wide receivers Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave. 

Combine Measurements

  • 6-foot-2
  • 204 pounds
  • Hand Size: 9.5 inches
  • Arm Length: 31.13 inches

Combine Testing Results

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.61 seconds
  • Vert: 37.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10-foot-4
  • RAS: 8.19u

2024 Season Stats

  • 54 receptions
  • 984 receiving yards
  • 10 touchdown catches
  • 18.2 yards per reception
  • 82 yards per game

 

Round 6, Pick 185 – USC CB Jaylin Smith

Smith is a versatile defensive back with experience at both safety and cornerback. That type of versatility along with a 62.5 passer rating allowed when targeted in 2024 are positive signs for a defensive back in this area of the draft. Smith would be too undersized for the Saints in their previous regime, but Staley has invested in smaller corners in the past. 

Combine Measurements

  • 5-foot-10
  • 187 pounds
  • Hand Size: 9.25 inches
  • Arm Length: 29.88 inches

Combine Testing Results

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.45 seconds
  • Vert: 32.5 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10-foot-2
  • RAS: 6.43u

2024 Season Stats

  • 59 total tackles (4 for a loss)
  • 2 interceptions
  • 2 passes defended

NOTE: Many internet databases have the Saints with just one seventh-round selection. However during Combine week, the Saints themselves expressed that they believe they will have nine total selections. With that, I maintained two picks in the seventh to stay true to their expectation and for a chance to provide two of my favorite late-round sleepers. 

 

Round 7, Pick 251 – Missouri edge Johnny Walker Jr. 

Walker was one of the biggest Combine snubs this offseason and some team in Day Three is going to be a major benefactor because of it. I usually keep expectations low for rounds five through seven in the draft, but Walker has a chance to explode on the scene as the draft’s biggest steal. His stock will rise this offseason, but wherever his value lands, he will be worth investing.  

Measurements

  • 6-foot-2
  • 246 pounds
  • Hand Size: 10 inches
  • Arm Length: 33 inches

Combine Testing Results

Walker was not invited to the Combine. 

2024 Season Stats

  • 43 total tackles
  • 9.5 sacks
  • 3 forced fumbles
  • 1 fumble recovered
  • 50 total pressures

 

Round 7, Pick 255 – Montana State OL Marcus Wehr

Wehr is going to fly under the radar for most because of his small school affiliation. Wehr flipped from defensive line to offensive line during his playing career and has experience at multiple offensive line positions. He’ll move inside in the pros. He stood out during the East-West Shrine game week with his physicality and athleticism. 

Most of his production isn’t tracked across major analytics sites, but he helped lead 17 100-yard rushing performances by multiple running backs during his 12 games in 2024. He became the first Montana State offensive lineman to be named a two-time first-team All American in the school’s history and earned honors at guard and tackle during his collegiate years. 

Shrine Game Measurements

  • 6-foot-2
  • 298 pounds
  • Hand Size: 8.38 inches
  • Arm Length: 32.38 inches

Combine Testing Results

Wehr was not invited to the Combine.

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