Saints should consider doubling up at edge rush in NFL Draft

By Ross Jackson 

It’s become commonplace for the New Orleans Saints to be connected to developmental edge rushers in the NFL Draft. The Saints have invested in a specific prototype for many years and have sometimes done so in lieu of collegiate production, relying on high-ceiling, low-floor picks. 

This year, that may not be the most advantageous way for the Saints to invest highly in this year’s draft. It might not be very advantageous for the more developmental prospects either. Instead, the Saints should focus on investing in proven, productive talent. And if they really want to maximize their potential, they should consider doing so twice. 

With the No. 9 overall selection available for New Orleans, names like Texas A&M defensive end Stemar Stewart and Georgia end Mykel Williams keep popping up. But a prospect like Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. may fit the team’s new scheme better and bring a level of proven polish that could make him an immediate impactful player. 

This is exactly what the team should be looking to invest in at the top of this year’s draft. 

Even if they took Pearce, the Saints should consider a mid-round defensive end with which to pair their athletic edge rusher. 

No amount of smoke screens will ever cause me to be out on James Pearce Jr.

My #1 “my guy” in the 2025 NFL Draft: pic.twitter.com/zRpBGGNd6N

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 18, 2025

Players such as LSU’s Sai’vion Jones and Minnesota’s Jah Joyner could be excellent day two or day three additions as hand-in-the-dirt defensive ends. These are ends that can rush the passer but also be actively involved in the team’s run game, where the defense finished No. 31 last season. 

Even if the Saints wait to invest in a speedier edge rusher (taking one in day two while opting for a different impact position in the first round), doubling up could still go a long way for New Orleans. 

The Saints must simultaneously prepare themselves for life after Cameron Jordan while also adding speed and athleticism to their new odd-man front. Going for the position twice in this year’s draft but with different prototypes to address the different roles would be a smart use of their ample draft resources.

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