By Ross Jackson
After spending the week at the NFL Scouting Combine, we overheard many names in connection to the New Orleans Saints and their No. 9 overall selection.
I will highlight six prospects most frequently linked to the Saints in three categories during this three-part series.
- Most likely and impactful
- Lucky to get them at No. 9
- May want to avoid
We’ll kick things off by highlighting two prospects most likely available who could immediately represent the next era of Saints football.
Penn State TE Tyler Warren
Upon arrival in Indianapolis, the chatter around Warren and the Saints was hard to miss. The prospect even drew comparisons to Saints’ legends Jimmy Graham and Jeremy Shockey from one of his former teammates in quarterback Luke McCown. Many think of Warren as a potential Taysom Hill replacement, but thinking of him as more of a Graham-type is my preference.
Warren can work in-line, in the slot and out wide making him a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenses.
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
Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr.
With new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley on the Saints’ revamped coaching staff, Pearce is a perfect addition to the pass rush. Also stout against the run, Pearce draws a lot of comps to one of Staley’s former players, outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. With Staley in 2020, Floyd was a terror for the Los Angeles Rams defense gathering 10.5 sacks that season.
Pearce’s unique blend of speed, athleticism, size and motor would be a future cornerstone in the Saints’ defense.
Combine Measurements
- 6-foot-5
- 245 pounds
- Hand Size: 10 inches
- Arm Length: 32.75 inches
Combine Testing Results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.47 second
- Vert: 31 inches
- Broad Jump: 10-foot-3
2024 Season Stats
- 38 total tackles (13 for a loss)
- 7.5 sacks
- 1 forced fumble
- 1 fumble recovered
- 55 total pressures
