While the New Orleans Saints continue their head coaching search before making a final decision, it's hard not to look ahead.
This past week, the Reese's Senior Bowl provided us with an early look at some prospects for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft and had plenty of fans talking.
The Saints enter this offseason with some clear needs and not a lot of financial help to get all of them met, which is why the draft is such a pivotal weekend. New Orleans may not have a long-term solution at quarterback, among other holes in the roster.
So, what will they do come draft time? In our latest mock, a significant trade back lands the Saints excellent value and sees them completely rebuild the offense at key positions.
The Saints kick off this 3-Round 2025 NFL mock draft with a trade back in the first round
After trading back with Cincinnati, the Saints take the best player on the board.
It just so happened that the best player available also fit a need. Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. is one of the best tackle prospects in this class, and immediately comes in to help solidify the offensive line. Whether the Saints view him as a tackle or guard, he has a starting spot right away and will provide the line with a lift.
At pick no. 40, New Orleans takes their shot at finding their franchise quarterback by going with Ole Miss standout Jaxson Dart. By the time the draft comes around, Dart may have entered first round consideration. For now, he was still on the board at this point and gives the Saints a good shot at solving this position, finally.
He does require some developing and will need to get better at processing things quicker. But, that isn't going to scare away NFL teams from taking a shot on his raw skills.
One of the more impressive wide receivers at Senior Bowl practices was Iowa State's Jayden Higgins. He has the body and physical tools to be a legitimate outside threat. Because the Saints' wide receiver room is such a mess, they very well might not be done adding talent here. Higgins gives them someone who could turn into a real playmaker at the NFL level.
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Does New Orleans finally find a legitimate threat at tight end, here? No more by-committee approach or playing the Taysom Hill game. Mason Taylor comes in as someone who could truly be the staple at this position for the Saints. One of the better prospects at his position, Taylor is an athletic tight end who can run a variety of routes and become a real problem in coverage.
After spending their first four picks on offense, the Saints find a pass rusher here with their second of three third-round picks. Louisville's Ashton Gillotte has the frame of a true defensive end at the pro level and brings size and power to the position.
Another impressive Senior Bowl week standout, Grey Zabel, is someone else who will offer the Saints positional versatility. Having the chops to play both guard and tackle, Zabel moves well and is technically sound with both footwork and his hands.