Sanders will likely be gone before pick No. 9—whether to the Browns, Giants, or a team trading into the 4-6 range. But for this exercise, he lands with the Saints at No. 9.
The “lacks an elite trait” evaluation is basically the quarterback equivalent to the arm length conversation that only pops up for about two months a year. If Sanders ends up on the board at No. 9, I’m not so sure New Orleans pulls the trigger, but if they see him as a potential franchise passer post-Derek Carr, a roll of the dice could make sense.
Sanders did not participate in offseason athletic testing.
Shedeur Sanders makes one of the toughest throws in football — opposite hash, on time, and in stride 🎯
This is arm strength, timing, and confidence all in one rep. Big-time ball placement from the far side.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/U0hIXVb9Kt
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) April 4, 2025
The rest of this mock draft is all about introducing prospects I haven’t discussed much. Higgins has been on radars all offseason, and some even think he could end up being the best of this class. While he’s getting some late first-round buzz, the consensus seems to be that he will be a second-round prospect. If he’s there for the Saints, it’s an easy selection.
They need size in their wide receiver room which was their biggest need at the position this offseason outside of veteran leadership. Now having veteran presence after the addition of Brandin Cooks, Higgins gives the team a solid big man to be a chain mover with athleticism to threaten defenses at all three levels as well.
Jayden Higgins on vertical targets pic.twitter.com/SwwqpIICDd
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 1, 2025
Athletic and explosive, West is an impressive athlete at his size. The 6-foot-1, 316-pound defensive tackle shows a lot of explosiveness in his ability to be able to shoot and command run gaps. His contributions to the run game jump off the tape, and that’s an area that New Orleans is absolutely looking to improve after a tough 2024.
West also has the capabilities necessary to impact as an interior pass rusher. He would be fit as a potential nose tackle in an odd-front formation or 0/1-tech in an even front.
We mentioned Grant in a separate piece as one of the best mid-round steals the Saints are in position to potentially draft this year. The 6-foot-4, 311-pound career left tackle could move inside in the pros.
He has the athleticism and power to make it into a starting role during his rookie contract but might not have to do so immediately in New Orleans, which would allow him time to prepare for the leap from William and Mary to the NFL. He allowed just nine total pressures in 2024 and has appeared in 41 career games, which includes a 36 consecutive start run.
The Louisville pass rusher was more productive sacks-wise in 2023 than in 2024, but at this point in the draft, that’s okay. His 11 sacks in 2023 show a bit of the promising production a team could get from the active pass-rusher. Whether as a 4-3 end or 3-4 standup rusher, Gillotte should be able to fit multiple roles at the next level. He even has the size to move inside from time to time in NASCAR packages.
At 6-foot-2 and 264 pounds, he’s got good size as an outside rusher and has played a lot of games throughout his career. His experience will be part of what makes him a safe investment at this point in the draft.
Track speed and great hands, Blue would be an immediate impact out of the backfield as a pass-catcher and route-runner. He should be able to contribute as a rusher as well. If nothing else, he would be an additional third down back option next to star rusher Alvin Kamara, while someone else, ideally Kendre Miller, handles the between-the-tackles rushes.
Miller is in an interesting position as he may be able to get back to the inside zone rushing gameplan that he excelled in at TCU. But the Saints should be looking to invest in this position because of the depth of talent and for the team’s future. A versatile piece like Blue could equip New Orleans with a De’Von Achane-like contributor to add to the backfield rotation.
Safety depth has become a bit of an underrated need for New Orleans. Ransaw has five-position versatility in the backfield and can move around, but his play at safety is hard to pass up. Beyond his explosive testing results at the NFL Scouting Combine, Ransaw would be an excellent safety in run support to help down in the box. He’s a disruptive player that could learn behind star safety Tyrann Mathieu and grow into a threat near the line of scrimmage while fellow safety Justin Reid handles a variety of roles with his own versatility.
The Saints haven’t had a legitimate slot specialist for some time now, and Hobert may be one of the better late-round options to try to take on that role. Playing at Texas State means a massive leap in competition would be on the way for the potential draft selection, but he has highlight reel moments against some big schools like Arizona State and Baylor.
While he may not be the fastest or most explosive athlete, Hobert is a solid route-runner with savvy feet and safe hands. He’s got a great attitude as well, which coaches are sure to eat up. Hobert may honestly go undrafted, which would allow him to pick his landing spot, but in New Orleans, an undrafted free agent or seventh-round draft pick is given a real chance to make the roster, as evidenced by the team’s history.
JOEY HOBERT IS A CHEAT CODE pic.twitter.com/7TFxqVITTq
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) September 13, 2024
The UCF corner took a massive step forward in 2024 and showed a lot of desirable traits throughout the season. He’s a relentless player that gets involved in run support and covers well in the short and intermediate areas, including on crossing patterns thanks to his speed and anticipation. He’ll need to get more comfortable tracking the ball deep, but otherwise he’s an interesting candidate late in this year’s draft.
Had his last two years been as successful as his most recent with UCF, he’d likely be mocked a lot higher at this stage of the process. The Saints could try to capture that momentum in his transition to the league.
