Draft season is officially here. With the start of the 2025 Scouting Combine, the NFL world is in Indianapolis getting to know the next group of players that’s about to enter the league. For teams like the New Orleans Saints, the draft will be especially important as they try to get things turned around.
New Orleans is coming off a 5-12 season, and it’s fourth straight year without a playoff appearance. Additionally, the team is old and expensive. The only way the Saints can change their fate without having a full rebuild is by hitting on their draft picks. With that in mind, here are five guys New Orleans should be locked in on during the combine.
5. OLB Jalon Walker
Jalon Walker, an outside linebacker out of Georgia, is one of the best defenders in the draft class, and is also one of the most versatile. During his time with the Bulldogs, he took snaps on the edge of the defensive line, and as an off-ball linebacker. At 6-foot-2, 245 pounds, he has the size and athleticism to play both positions.
That versatility will be intriguing for NFL teams, especially a team like the Saints that need help at both positions. He’s made it known that he’s willing to be a chess piece that moves all around the defense, and New Orleans definitely needs a player like that.
4. WR Tetairoa McMillan
Tetairoa McMillan is universally regarded as one of the two best wide receivers in this draft class. He’s also become a common selection at No. 9 for the Saints in mock drafts. New Orleans needs more help at wideout, and they really need a possession receiver, and that’s what McMillian is.
The Arizona receiver, who’s 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, should impress in drills with his elite athleticism and strong hands, but since there won’t be any defenders covering him, he won’t be able to showcase his best ability: going up over defenders to snag the ball. Regardless, the Saints will likely leave Indianapolis impressed with McMillan.
3. QB Jaxson Dart
Of course, New Orleans has to get to know the quarterbacks in this class, because Derek Carr isn’t the long-term answer for the team. Additionally, picking at No. 9, it’s unclear if the top two quarterbacks will be available for the Saints. However, New Orleans could land one of the QBs from the second tier of prospects either in the second round or late in the first if they trade into that spot.
One of the most intriguing names from that group is Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss. Many analysts believe he’s QB3, and closing in on the QB2 spot. There’s a growing belief that he could work his way into being a late first-round selection.
2. QB Jalen Milroe
Jalen Milroe, like Dart, is currently a part of the second tier of quarterbacks. His draft stock has gone up and down in recent years, but it should skyrocket this weekend, but he’s made for the Combine. Milroe is arguably the most athletic player in the entire class, and he happens to play quarterback.
He’ll surely grab everyone’s attention with his testing, and he’s also going to throw. If he can also put on a show during the throwing session, the Saints, and many other teams will move him up their draft boards.
1. DL Mykel Williams
This list started with a Georgia defender, and it’s going to end with one. Defensive lineman Mykel Williams could be the dominant edge defender the Saints have been looking for for years. At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds he dominated during his college career and everyone expects that to continue at the next level. That’s why he’ll be in play for New Orleans if he’s available at No. 9.