The New Orleans Saints are one of many teams linked to some of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but there is a very high possibility that new coach Kellen Moore and executive Mickey Loomis end up bucking conventional wisdom once again.
The Saints could look to beef up their offensive line, as Moore has stated in the past that he believes in building a team from the interior of his offensive line out. This could put the Saints in a very precarious position, however.
Jane Slater of NFL Network reports that the Saints could be targeting an offensive lineman with the No. 9 overall pick. While that isn't a terrible idea in a vacuum, New Orleans might be one or two untimely picks away from being forced into something drastic.
One source close to Slater believes the Saints could "panic" if Missouri right tackle Armand Membou and Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. are off the board, New Orleans could target Oregon left tackle Josh Conerly Jr.
Saints could select Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr. at No. 9 out of panic
Conerly only gave up six pressures last season, most of which came against Ohio State. Conerly profiles as a near-elite pass protector who Moore will like, though there are some questions about his ability to play the run at a high level early in his professional career.
The idea of pairing Conerly with 2024 first-rounder Taliese Fuaga could give whoever is under center the stability they need to effectively operate Moore's offense. Still, this roster is so barren that left tackle may not be the most prudent place to target.
This team needs a franchise quarterback with or without Carr healthy. The secondary has been ravaged to the point where it is wholly below average currently, and the lack of wide receivers outside of Chris Olave is a huge problem that Moore and Loomis will need to address.
Conerly will likely be a solid starting left tackle for a very long time in the pros, but there are many better things that New Orleans could do with such a premium pick. Unless Loomis proves to be extremely clairvoyant, picking Conerly seems like something a desperate GM would try to force.