May 10, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Jonas Sanker (33) during rookie minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
By Ross Jackson
The 2025 New Orleans Saints rookie draft class has a chance to be one of the more foundational of the franchise’s history. Much like 2006 and 2017 in recent years, this year’s class helps to represent a new era.
First-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr. could be the Saints’ future at the pivotal left tackle spot and second-round selection Tyler Shough is doing everything he can to be the next franchise quarterback. But those aren’t the only two rookies with an opportunity to land major roles with the organization.
Third-round pick and safety Jonas Sanker joins a crop of young defenders that, even if not in 2025, can earn an impactful role early in his career.
Sanker’s Versatility Makes Him Valuable
“We’re fired up to have this guy,” said Saints head coach Kellen Moore following day two of the draft. That excitement should lead to some early opportunities for Sanker.
At Virginia, the safety took 961 career snaps in the box, 573 at deep safety and 735 in the slot.
That kind of versatility should open Sanker’s pathways to getting on the field and eventually keeping him there. When grouped with other versatile safeties like Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid, defensive coordinator Brandon Staley would have a lot of options in disguising his defenses before the snap.
Another Reliable Tackler
Between Sanker, defensive tackle Vernon Broughton and linebacker Danny Stutsman, the Saints loaded up on reliable tacklers that could make plays in the box and at the line of scrimmage.
Sanker had 98 combined tackles last season, with eight and half resulting in a loss. He also has a career missed tackle rate of just 10.6%, per Pro Football Focus. For a college safety, that’s an outstanding mark.
Makes Plays In Coverage
Sanker defended 15 passes over the last two seasons. While he had just one interception in that time (two in his career) he has proven to be disruptive at the catch point.
Sanker forced zero to negative yards after catch in six of his games last year. proving he can limit big play potential after the catch because of his tight coverage and ability to break on passes with reliable consistency.
He is also very effective in jumping in and eliminating big plays on crossing routes, something that has plagued Saints defenses for years.
#Virginia safety Jonas Sanker (6-0, 206) is at his best working downhill and patrolling the middle of the field, has some nice reps closing and finding crossers. Adds ability to fill the alley in run support. Has nice ball production over last two years (15 PBUs, 1 INT). pic.twitter.com/PZi5EvKqPN
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) April 2, 2025
While he may not be in line to start immediately with Mathieu and Reid set to be the team’s top safeties, the Saints should feel comfortable with the depth they’ve built behind them, especially with Sanker added this offseason.
