The New Orleans Saints had an abysmal 5-12 season in 2024, but that gave them the No. 9 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. When it comes to the draft, no player is a sure thing. However, top-10 selections are usually considered the safest bets; they’re typically the closest thing to can’t-miss prospects.
When the Saints are on the clock at nine, they should have their choice of several safe prospects. Despite that possibility, one draft analyst is predicting New Orleans will select the biggest gamble of the draft at No. 9. In a recent ESPN piece looking at the latest draft buzz, three draft analysts did a mini mock draft, alternating picks in the top 12.
At nine, Field Yates had New Orleans selecting Texas A&M edge defender Shemar Stewart. Understanding that selecting Stewart this early would be a gamble, Yates argued that if any team is willing to take that gamble, it’s the Saints, who like betting on traits.
"Few teams are more willing to bet on traits than the Saints, and Stewart might be the biggest gamble in this draft. He had just 4.5 sacks in his three college seasons, but his explosiveness and power are impressive."Field Yates (ESPN)
Saints select Shemar Stewart in ESPN’s mini mock draft
Stewart is one of the players that stole the show at the scouting combine, running a 4.59 40-yard dash, vertically jumping 40”, and recording a 10’11” broad jump. All while being 6-foot-5, 267 pounds. His size and combine performance earned him comparisons to Myles Garrett who went No. 1 overall in 2017, and is on his way to the Hall of Fame once he hangs his cleats up.
The difference between the two former Aggie edge rushers is Garrett had 32.5 sacks in three collegiate seasons, Stewart only had 4.5. That’s why selecting him is considered a gamble; his athleticism doesn’t match his production. Saints fans that have watched the team unsuccessfully draft edge defenders with elite traits certainly don’t want to go down this road again.
It’s better to bet on the players that have proven they can consistently produce. Stewart has the chance to be great in the NFL, but with the ninth-overall pick, the Saints need to select the safest gamble they can find.