By Ross Jackson
The draft class of the New Orleans Saints is set to be widely impactful all around. Particularly the players selected at the top.
First-round offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. and second-round quarterback Tyler Shough could be year one starters. That puts them in position to leave a major stamp on the organization immediately. However, with both players being drafted within the top-50 selections, that’s already going to be the expectation.
But there are three other players that were drafted in the middle to late rounds that could absolutely have their own immediate impact, as well.
Devin Neal might be the most underrated Running Back in the entire 2025 Class..
➖244 Touches
➖1,528 Yards
➖17 TD’sThis year he finished with:
➖MORE 1st Downs than Kaleb Johnson
➖MORE Receptions than Ashton Jeanty
➖MORE Rush TD’s than Omarion HamptonAbsolute DAWG pic.twitter.com/zeA6KOFMyE
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) February 24, 2025
Running Back Devin Neal
Star running back Alvin Kamara needs a running mate. While third-year back Kendre Miller no doubt has the talent, his injury history will be a trend he must buck. In the meantime, expect Kansas’s all-time rusher (4,343 rushing yards) to push for a heavy share of snaps heading into 2024. His ability to run inside and outside across multiple schemes, catch, and block will put him squarely in position to be an impact player right away.
Danny Stutsman Appreciation Post! 🫡 #OUDNA pic.twitter.com/ck5GOOoPbI
— Red Dirt Media (@RedDirtMediaCo) December 7, 2023
Linebacker Danny Stutsman
The Oklahoma linebacker may not push for a starting role with incumbent starters Demario Davis and Pete Werner still firmly in place. But on rushing downs and three-linebacker sets, Stutsman has a real chance to be a difference maker. His ability as a run stopper and secure tackler will very much be needed as the Saints look to rebound from their porous performance last year.
Stutsman’s 4.52-second speed will come in handy with his ability to get down hill and make plays as a heat-seeking missile. His vocal leadership will be a prized quality at his position as well.
HE’S BACK!
Quincy Riley, one of the best cornerbacks in the ACC, is returning to Louisville for one more season🔥 pic.twitter.com/5btn9zYZhL
— Dalton Pence (@dpence_) January 12, 2024
Cornerback Quincy Riley
Whether in the slot or on the outside, Riley should be in competition to start during his rookie season. New Orleans traded away 2017 defensive rookie of the year and starting cornerback Marshon Lattimore. They also lost his bookend in Paulson Adebo this offseason via free agency. That leaves a perimeter cornerback spot up for grabs.
Riley will have to compete with veteran corner Isaac Yiadom, who had a stellar season with New Orleans in 2023, in order to earn it. But his 15 career interceptions and 54 total passes defended put him in prime position to earn very meaningful snaps right away.
