The New Orleans Saints are in a tough position heading into the 2025 offseason; they have a ton of veterans entering the final years of their careers, but the team hasn’t found adequate replacements yet. That’s why a major task for New Orleans this offseason is getting younger, cheaper, and hopefully, better.
The easiest way to do that is by hitting on players in the draft. The Saints, after an abysmal season, are equipped with a top-10 pick, and several other quality picks throughout the seven rounds of the NFL Draft. Of course, the biggest decision will come with their first pick, No. 9 overall. With so many needs, and so many elite prospects expected to be available, the Saints could go in a number of directions.
The direction Lance Zierlein thinks the team will go is defense. He made that clear in his latest mock draft for NFL.com, projecting that New Orleans selects Georgia edge defender Mykel Williams.
Saints select Mykel Williams in recent mock draft
Zierlein makes it clear this decision is to replace a franchise legend, saying that Cam Jordan is at the end of his road, so it’s time for New Orleans to find an heir for their Sack King.
"Eight-time Pro Bowler Cam Jordan has enjoyed a terrific run in New Orleans, but he’ll turn 36 years old this offseason and his sack production has plummeted in the last two years. Williams has tremendous traits/upside and fills a big need."Lance Zierlein (NFL.com)
Mykel Williams is certainly a promising prospect. After three dominant years at Georgia, he is considered one of the best defenders in the 2025 Draft Class. With the Bulldogs, he played in 40 games, recording 67 tackles, 23 for a loss, and 14 sacks.
It’s no secret the Saints need better defensive line play, especially against the run. With Chase Young entering free agency, and Cam Jordan possibly going to another team or retiring next offseason, getting an elite edge defender would make sense for New Orleans.