Top 5 realistic draft prospects for the Saints at No. 9

By Ross Jackson

Before free agency reshapes the NFL Draft outlook, here are my top five realistic prospects for the Saints in 2025.

If the Saints stay at pick No. 9 and no unexpected falls occur, they have multiple directions to consider. With several roster needs and a top-ten selection, they have plenty of strong options.

Here are five realistic choices that could deliver immediate positive results.

Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillian

The 6-foot-4 wideout is my top prospect for the Saints among the most realistic options. Sure, there are rumors that Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders could fall, but I’m not buying in on that just yet. McMillan would be the perfect complement to current wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Although there are good receivers available later in the draft, McMillan stands out as one of the safest bets in this class.

A player that is 6-foot-4 shouldn’t move this quickly and smooth. Tetairoa McMillan is a yards after catch creator. pic.twitter.com/sQDf4zgCi9

— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) March 6, 2025

Michigan DL Mason Graham

The Saints have many needs in the trenches on both sides of the ball. However, with a changing scheme, the demand may be even greater on defense. Additionally, Graham’s versatility allows him to contribute from multiple interior techniques, making him a real difference-maker at the position. Pairing him with 2023 first-round pick Bryan Bresee would create a formidable challenge for opposing offensive lines to handle inside.

Mason Graham is TERRIFYING 😳

He effortlessly deconstructs blocks on film with raw power and has unreal quickness as an interior rusher.

63 pressures and 58 stops in the last two seasons while only missing 7% of tackles.

The best interior DL I’ve ever scouted… pic.twitter.com/l9DKfxcYzw

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 29, 2025

Penn State TE Tyler Warren

New head coach Kellen Moore loves a do-it-all tight end and Warren is exactly that. The Saints need someone on offense to become a go-to playmaker and be the kind of player that opposing teams fear. Warren and the athleticism and versatility he brings in a powerful 6-foot-5 frame could be that.

Penn State TE Tyler Warren “I wear 44 because when I was younger, my dad put on John Riggins film and said, ‘this is how I want you to run the ball” pic.twitter.com/vzuJyU26tP

— Madelyn Burke (@MadelynBurke) February 27, 2025

Georgia LB Jalon Walker

Today’s defenses need a second-level pass rusher that has the ability to do it all in the middle of the defense. That’s Walker’s game. The athletic linebacker excels in coverage, rushes the passer effectively, and defends the run while using his speed to track down mobile quarterbacks. Furthermore, new defensive coordinator Brandon Staley prioritizes versatility in his scheme, making a multi-faceted option like Walker an ideal addition to the Saints’ defense.

Jalon Walker vs. Texas was absolutely monstrous on film:

➖ 7 Pressures
➖ 3 Sacks
➖ 6 Run Stops

Enjoy some All-22 highlights below… pic.twitter.com/CjAibfgpMK

— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) February 15, 2025

Tennessee EDGE James Pearce Jr. 

While character concern issues rumble, Pearce still feels like a worthwhile pick. His fit with Staley is clear as a 6-foot-5 athletic standup pass rusher that can cause a lot of havoc for opposing quarterbacks. Pearce’s build and skill set are reminiscent of veteran defensive end Leonard Floyd, who Staley found a lot of success game planning for with the Los Angeles Rams back in 2020. Pearce could fit into Staley’s scheme with relative ease and plenty of success.

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

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