PFF recently made a mock draft for the New Orleans Saints where they selected Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods with the second overall pick. Woods is a spectacular player, however, there are better prospects available at more necessary positions.
First off, selecting Woods would give the Saints a dynamic defensive tackle for years to come. He would join fellow Clemson alum Bryan Bresee to form a dangerous tandem. His ability to impact both the pass and run would be invaluable to the Saints defense.
Woods won’t fill up the stat sheet, but his presence is undeniable. There isn’t an offensive lineman in college football who can dominate him. Woods is constantly in the backfield, winning with both speed and power. He blows up run plays and puts consistent pressure on the quarterback. He would be an amazing option if the Saints pick drops to the 5-10 range.
PFF completely missed the boat! The Saints have bigger fish to fry than a DT
Frankly, there are just better options for the Saints if they hold the second overall pick. Defensive tackle shouldn’t be the number one priority heading into the draft. The Saints don’t have the luxury of being able to take the best player available with the holes on their roster. Here are some players who could be better value at that pick:
- Rueben Bain Jr.- EDGE, Miami
- Arvell Reese- Linebacker, Ohio State
- Fernando Mendoza- QB, Indiana
- Ty Simpson- QB, Alabama
Tyler Shough’s performance the remainder of the year is pivotal in shaping the Saints offseason perspective. The worst case scenario is Shough disappoints, and they are forced to take a quarterback at this pick whether or not they fall in love with them. Simpson and Mendoza are both fabulous players, but Mickey Loomis shouldn’t be forced to select them.
In my opinion, the perfect selection would be either Rueben Bain or Arvell Reese. Bain is self explanatory, he’s a dominant edge rusher who wins with speed, power, and technique. He’d instantly pair with Chase Young and create a scary defensive line.
Reese on the other hand contradicts the earlier statements of positional value. Linebacker isn’t the biggest need and thought of as a primary area of need. Regardless of that, Reese is too good to pass up. He is a stellar pass rusher, great in coverage, and a heat seeking missile in the run game. Put him anywhere and he will elevate the defense. There's also the chance he primarily rushes the passer at the next level.
Shough has to reassure the Saints he can be the starter in 2026 for this to happen. He needs to keep stacking performances like his against the Carolina Panthers. If he maintains that level of play the Saints will have the flexibility in the draft to take Bain or Reese.
Peter Woods is an outstanding player, but shouldn’t be the Saints selection if they hold the second overall pick. Instead, they should take Rueben Bain Jr. or Arvell Reese if the opportunity presents itself. However, they could be forced into selecting a quarterback depending on Tyler Shough’s performance the remainder of the year. Only time will tell how the Saints draft will go.