The New Orleans Saints, and the rest of the league, are currently getting to know the prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Leading up to the draft, teams will build relationships with several players, hoping they can land one once they’re on the clock. Of course, no one will know what team’s draft boards look like, but analysts are trying to predict based on what teams need.
Recently, NFL analyst Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report named the dream draft target for every team, taking into account “need, scheme fit and draft capital.” For the Saints, Ballentine argued the ideal target is interior defensive lineman Mason Graham. While he’d certainly be a great pick up for New Orleans, the Saints may not be able to wait around for him at No. 9.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham named as dream draft target for Saints
Ballentine acknowledged that as a defensive tackle, Graham may not be as exciting as an edge rusher, but argued he has the talent to impact just like a dominant edge could. Additionally, if New Orleans lands Graham, the team could have a dominant duo with Graham and Bryan Bresee.
"While Mason Graham isn’t an edge-rusher, he is the kind of interior defender who could make a bigger impact than the edge defenders who will be available when New Orleans gets on the clock at No. 9... The Saints need a building block in this draft, and Graham would provide that. If Bryan Bresee can take the next step they could have a dominant duo on the inside."Alex Ballentine (Bleacher Report)
The biggest question is will Graham still be on the board at No. 9. Several mock drafts have the defensive tackle going in the top five picks. With the two quarterbacks and Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter expected to make up the first four picks, there’s a belief that Graham could be the next player selected.
If that’s the case, the Saints will either have to move up to select him, or stay at No. 9 and select a different prospect. During the draft, though, anything could happen.