With the 2025 NFL Draft set to kick off on April 24, longtime draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. is taking his mock drafts to another level. On Tuesday, Kiper released his latest mock, predicting the first two rounds, instead of just the first, like he has done so far during draft season. This gave a glimpse into what Kiper thinks teams will do with their first two to three picks.
For the New Orleans Saints, who have the ninth-overall pick, analysts can’t agree on what they’ll do in the first round. Some think New Orleans will get a quarterback, while others believe the team will select a pass rusher or pass catcher.
Kiper has the Saints going big, addressing two major needs with their first two selections. In the first round, New Orleans is projected to draft quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 9, and in the second round, Kiper has the teams drafting cornerback Azareye’h Thomas.
Saints draft Shedeur Sanders and Azareye’h Thomas in Mel Kiper’s two-round mock draft
Sanders to New Orleans has picked up a lot of steam, as the likelihood of the quarterback prospect being available at No. 9 has improved. If he does slide down the board, Kiper thinks it would be a great outcome for New Orleans.
"Sanders is my top-ranked quarterback, and his accuracy jumps off the tape. He completed 74% of his throws last season despite being under constant pressure. Playing in the NFC South with good weather and a few indoor stadiums would ease any arm strength concerns. And he wouldn't be forced to play right away. Derek Carr, 34, will be with the Saints for at least another season;Mel Kiper Jr.
Sanders could learn behind him before taking over."
This would be a great selection, as New Orleans would finally have a young quarterback it could develop into the franchise QB. Additionally, pairing a talented rookie QB with a first-year offensive head coach could set the franchise up for long-term success.
With quarterback taken care of in the first round, Kiper has New Orleans addressing the cornerback room in round two with Azareye’h Thomas. With Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo no longer on the roster, the Saints need another starting-caliber corner alongside Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry. Thomas could be that.
While there are several directions the Saints could go in the first two rounds, this approach of Sanders and Thomas would certainly improve the roster.