The college football season is over, and that means it’s officially draft season. Soon, draft-eligible players will start playing in all-star bowl games, and soon after, it’ll be time for the combine, pro days, and private meetings with teams. With those things on the horizon, it’s also time for mock drafts.
There have already been countless mocks, but as the draft nears, the mocks get more serious and accurate. Longtime draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently kicked things off with his first official mock draft for the 2025 Draft.
The New Orleans Saints are set to pick ninth after their 5-12 season, and there are a ton of directions they can go, because they have quite a few needs. However, Kiper sees New Orleans going in a surprising direction, selecting cornerback Will Johnson.
Saints select Will Johnson in Mel Kiper’s first 2025 mock draft
Kiper believes Johnson could solve multiple problems for the Saints, because he’s a day-one starter that will be on a rookie contract, and could also replace Marshon Lattimore.
"Johnson -- who reads the QB incredibly well and has the quickness to finish plays with takeaways -- could be the Marshon Lattimore replacement in New Orleans. Johnson had nine interceptions over his career at Michigan. The Saints seemingly always find their way out of their salary cap issues, but they are projected to be $70.6 million over the cap in 2025, per Roster Management System. They have to find Day 1 starters in the draft, and Johnson would fill a big hole. New Orleans allowed 7.3 yards per pass attempt this season, ranking 23rd in the league."Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN)
While Kiper’s argument makes sense, it’s not a direction many Saints fans see, or want, the team going in. With Kool-Aid McKinstry coming off a promising rookie season, Alontae Taylor still on the roster, and Paulson Adebo likely to be re-signed, this premium pick could be used on a different position.
It's safe to say fans would prefer for New Orleans to draft an offensive weapon with this pick, or even an elite edge rusher. As the draft nears, the Saints’ approach will become more clear.