The disappointing 2024 campaign for the New Orleans Saints has officially come to an end. Finishing at the bottom of NFC South with a 5-12 record, New Orleans now starts an important offseason that will consist of a coaching search and some important free agency decisions.
It’s pivotal that the Saints have a successful offseason to kick-start the rebuild. A paramount piece of the offseason is the NFL Draft. The Saints currently have four picks inside the top three rounds, starting with the ninth-overall pick. Here is a mock draft of what New Orleans could do this spring.
1:9- Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Abdul Carter is regarded as arguably the top edge rusher in the 2025 class. His explosiveness can wreck the game for opposing offenses. The BIG 10 Defensive Player of the Year has tallied 11 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss already this season.
Carter is a problem for any offense he faces, racking up 58 pressures thus far, which ranks eighth in the FBS. He uses a lightning-quick first step to blow past offensive tackles, and is relentless, chasing the quarterback until the whistle is blown.
2024 was Carter’s first year exclusively being an edge rusher, previously being an outside linebacker. Formerly being a linebacker allows Carter to drop back seamlessly into coverage and guard an opposing tight end or running back. His versatility makes him a pre-snap nightmare for the quarterback trying to get a read on the defensive game plan.
Carter still needs to develop a few more pass-rush moves, as he relies a lot on his pure athleticism, but that will come as he gets more experience rushing the passer.
Abdul Carter would be a much-needed asset to an otherwise lackluster New Orleans pass rush. He would complement the styles of Carl Granderson and Bryan Bresee well, making a dynamic group. Carter could cause problems for the foreseeable future if he lands in New Orleans.
2:40 -Jahdae Barron, Cornerback, Texas
Jahdae Barron is one of the most physical corners in this class. He’s a triple threat with the ability to provide coverage, rush the passer, and stop the run. This makes him a highly sought-after prospect for any team that needs help in the secondary.
Barron excels in zone coverage. He has a high IQ and is always reading the quarterback, this helps him be in a position to make a play. Once the ball is thrown, Barron has elite ball skills, recording five interceptions and nine pass break-ups this season.
It’s not rare to see Barron provide pressure on a corner blitz. He has an innate ability to time his rush perfectly and quickly get to the quarterback. He’s also a more than willing contributor in the run game. He isn’t scared of going full force into a blocker, who often isn’t able to contain him. Once he has his sights set on the carrier it’s hard for anyone to stop him.
Barron would fill in perfectly in a depleted Saints cornerback room. His versatility allows him to be a chess piece for any defensive coordinator. Jahdae Barron and Alontae Taylor would create a dangerous tandem for opposing offenses.
3:71 - Harold Fannin Jr., Tight End, Bowling Green
The Saints haven’t had a game-altering weapon at tight end ever since they traded away Jimmy Graham. That could change with the selection of Harold Fannin Jr. The All-American leads the FBS in yards, receptions, yards after catch, and missed tackles forced.
Fannin is a dynamic receiver at the tight end position. He is an elite route runner; it’s a challenge for a linebacker or safety to stay with him. Fannin has great hands, only dropping three passes all year long. Even if a defender can stay with him, he has shown the ability to make the catch regardless. Fannin has reeled in 59.1% of his contested catches this year.
After the catch is where Fannin is most dangerous. He has 218 more yards after the catch and 14 more missed tackles forced than the nearest tight end. He has a rare blend of power and elusiveness for the position that makes him a challenge to bring down.
There are concerns about his frame at the next level. He is only 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, which is a little undersized for the NFL. However, selecting Harold Fannin would provide another dynamic weapon that the offense has missed since 2015.
3:90 - Tory Horton, Wide Receiver, Colorado State
2024 has made it clear that the Saints need to continue adding to the receiver room. Selecting Tory Horton gives them another deep-threat receiver who is capable of bringing down jump balls.
Horton contains elite speed. At 6-foot-3 uses his long strides to fly down the field and it’s challenging for opposing corners to stay with him. He’s also athletic enough to make contested catches. He attacks jump balls, not ceasing until the ball is secured. He has great hands, only dropping four passes in 2023.
The former Colorado State Ram had his season cut short when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 6. The full details of his injury weren’t specified. However, Horton is expected to participate in the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine.
Tory Horton could carve out a role similar to the one Marquez Valdes-Scantling has. The two players' games are similar. If Horton can recover from his injury then he has a clear role in New Orleans’ offense.