The 2024 season has not gone according to plan for the New Orleans Saints. While Derek Carr has played quite well when healthy, injuries have blunted his momentum to the point where they were quickly eliminated from postseason contention right after head coach Dennis Allen was fired.
Even with that unfortunate setup, Saints fans have reasons to think positively this holiday season. New Orleans is still in a weak division, meaning whoever ends up taking the reins next season can make a playoff run if they manage to check all their big need boxes in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In a time that is all about thinking positively and wishing for better days to come, Saints fans should spend Christmas wishing for this NFL Mock Draft to come to fruition. New Orleans might be just a few savvy draft picks away from once again being a division contender.
New Orleans Saints 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 10: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
While the Saints would be jumping for joy if Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan was available at this point in the draft, it seems unlikely that he is going to last until pick No. 10. The best receiver on the board at this point is clearly Burden, who could form a devilish duo alongside Chris Olave for years to come.
Burden may be a bit limited as a slot-exclusive player early in his career, and he has had problems with drops. Those issues should be overshadowed by his explosiveness as a ball carrier, tremendous downfield speed, and crisp route-running. Even after an up-and-down 2024, Burden is a no-brainer first-round talent.
Round 2, Pick 42: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Saints' defensive tackle room is looking much thinner than it did at the beginning of the season, and there is a lack of long-term building blocks at the position. A Michigan State transfer who starred with Oregon in 2024, the rising Harmon could be a Day 2 pick that could start right away due to his physical gifts.
Harmon's biggest issues as both a run stuffer and pass rusher are technique-related, which can be coached out of him by a strong coaching staff. Harmon's raw power, scheme versatility, and potential as a pass rusher would make him an easy choice at pick No. 42.
Round 3, Pick 74: Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
The Saints' secondary had the potential to be good at the beginning of the season, but the trade of Marshon Lattimore and the possible departure of Tyrann Mathieu could leave them quite thin at this spot. If the Saints pick a corner on Day 2 to pair with Alontae Taylor, physicality could be at the top of their wish list.
Thomas has to answer questions about his long speed before he can get drafted as a cornerback and avoid a safety conversion. What will help teams get excited about him is his long arms that make him incredibly difficult to get past in man coverage and his exceptional ball skills for a Day 2 corner.