As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, teams are starting to reveal which prospects they’re interested in, by way of their pre-draft activity. The New Orleans Saints, for example, have hosted Mykel Williams and Quinn Ewers for dinner, and held private workouts for other prospects like Kyle McCord.
These pre-draft decisions help analysts get a better idea of team’s draft boards, leading to more accurate mock drafts. ESPN’s Matt Miller recently released a 7-round mock draft, and he predicted a really good class for the Saints. Here is a recap of the nine selections for New Orleans and how they would impact the team.
1:09 - Jahdae Barron: Cornerback, Texas
Some people think selecting Jahdae Barron at nine would be a reach, but it’s not. Barron is an excellent cornerback who can impact the game in multiple ways. The most prevalent thing is his prowess in pass coverage. He is an experienced player with amazing ball skills. In 2024 Barron didn’t give up a touchdown and reeled in five interceptions.
Losing Marshon Lattimore and Paulson created a need for a coverage cornerback, and Barron would fit that perfectly. In addition, Barron excels at defending the run. Once he sees the carrier he becomes a heat-seeking missile. Despite only being 5’10”, Barron can flatten anyone with his power.
He is as versatile as they come. In 2024, he played snaps at outside cornerback (630), box safety (134), slot (123), free safety (14) and defensive line (11). That versatility allows him to be used in many different ways, filling multiple needs.
New Orleans recently hired Terry Joseph to their defensive staff. This aligns with selecting Barron as Joseph formerly was the defensive passing game coordinator at Texas and has spoken highly of the former Longhorn.
New defensive coordinator, Brandon Staley, would undoubtedly love having a chess piece like Jahdae Barron in his defense. Selecting him at pick nine may be high for some, but his talent could warrant that pick.
2:40 - Quinn Ewers: Quarterback, Texas
This is the one truly questionable pick from Miller. There’s no denying the talent that Quinn Ewers has, however, his inconsistency makes him a wildcard in the NFL. Ewers' arm talent is stellar. He can throw off schedule in a variety of arm angles. The former number one overall recruit has an NFL arm, but his inaccuracies must be fixed. He can’t connect on open throws far too often because he misses the receiver.
Another area that he needs to improve is his internal clock. This was prevalent in 2024 at Texas. Ewers can bail on the pocket too often, even when he has time. This allows the edge rushers to swallow him up, making negative plays too often.
The Saints selecting Quinn Ewers in the second round would certainly ruffle some feathers among fans. However, if they do, Kellen Moore, without a doubt has a plan to develop him. Moore has done an excellent job of building a staff capable of developing a quarterback. If he sees something in Ewers then he should go for it, even if it may be a slight reach. Sometimes fans just have to trust the coach and his process.
3:71 - Jalen Royals: Wide Receiver, Utah State
Jalen Royals would be a perfect selection for New Orleans in the third round. He missed a majority of 2024 with a foot injury but proved his value in his limited snaps. Royals speed jumps off the film. He’s more than capable of burning a defender deep. Royals ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. That's a great time but he seems faster on film. Pairing him with Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks would create a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Saints need a receiver who can reel in contested catches consistently, and that could be Royals. He may only be 6’0” but he plays bigger than his height. The former Utah State Aggie excels at highpointing the ball then using his sure-hands to bring down the reception.
Royals only played eight games in 2024 but brought in 55 receptions for 839 yards and six touchdowns, including a game against Boise State where he caught nine passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns. Even against talented teams, Royals showed he can be an impact player.
3:93 - JT Tuimoloau: Edge Rusher, Ohio State
JT Tuimoloau would fill a need for the Saints on the defensive line. The former Buckeye has the needed size and power to be a productive NFL player. Tuimoloau had a productive year in 2024, totalling 12.5 sacks and 51 pressures. He wins mainly by power but has recently been developing as a finesse rusher.
Tuimoloau can be a three down player with his ability to defend the run. It’s not uncommon for him to wrestle off an offensive tackle to get to the carrier in the backfield.
The Saints partially addressed their pass rush by resigning Chase Young to a multi-year deal. That was a great start but pairing Young with his fellow Buckeye would create a dynamic group for New Orleans.
4:112 - Wyatt Milum: Offensive Tackle, West Virginia
Wyatt Milum would be an amazing value pick in the fourth round. He played left tackle for the entirety of his collegiate career at West Virginia but could translate to the interior if the Saints want him too.
Milum hasn’t allowed a sack in his 2,311 career snaps. He’s got an excellent frame and elite power to help eliminate the defenders' pass rush. Milum was matched up with Penn State’s Abdul Carter last season, and he held up well, blocking him as well as any tackle has all season.
The biggest question surrounding Milum is his arm length. This has created issues, causing him to overreach to get a defender, making him unbalanced. This is why some analysts suggest a move to the interior, which could benefit the Saints.
4:131 - Jordan James: Running Back, Oregon
There is no understating how elite the 2025 running back class is. This has caused stellar backs such as Jordan James to fly under the radar. James quietly had an exceptional year on one of the best offenses in the nation.
James was given 233 rushing attempts in Oregon’s offense during 2024. In these attempts he totalled 1,268 yards and 15 touchdowns. His efficiency is rare among running backs, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He was behind Bucky Irving in 2024 but shined in his increased role.
Despite his stats there are some question marks surrounding James. The primary one is his ability on third downs, as he’s not an amazing receiver or an elite pass protector. These can both be developed, so New Orleans shouldn’t stray away.
6:184 - Elijah Roberts: Edge Rusher, SMU
Elijah Roberts is a big, versatile defensive end who can play anywhere on the line. His ability to play anywhere in the trenches allows Brandon Staley to have another chess piece he can use effectively.
Roberts stands at 6’4”, 295 pounds. He played primarily outside of the tackle at SMU in 2024 but has experience playing the other positions on the defensive line. Roberts played a key role in the Mustangs making the college football playoffs with 7.5 sacks on the season.
It would behoove Roberts to learn under Cameron Jordan for a year. They both have a similar frame and are likely to play anywhere on the line. Jordan’s leadership would benefit the development of Elijah Roberts.
7:248 - Andrew Armstrong: Wide Receiver, Arkansas
This selection could be the steal of the draft. Andrew Armstrong is a beast but has flown under the radar. He was Arkansas' leading receiver in 2024 with 78 receptions for 1,140 yards and one touchdown.
Armstrong would fit perfectly into the Saints offense as someone to bring down contested catches. His frame (6’4”) allows him to box out defenders and his 37.5” vertical lets him jump higher to the defender to reel in the catch. He is a reliable receiver for the quarterback, excelling at running hitch routes, giving the quarterback an easy option. Even if a defender is on him, he’s shown an ability to still bring down the catch.
7:254 - Jacob Bayer: Center, Arkansas State
Jacob Bayer would be another option to help address the interior of the offensive line. His experience at center would allow him to back up Erik McCoy, while also helping out at the guard spot.