The New Orleans Saints haven’t had a hot start in 2025. Many fans have already started looking to April. In this mock draft, I addressed as many of the Saints' needs as I could. In turn, this was a majority defensive draft with one exception.
I didn’t select a quarterback in this mock draft. As of now, none of the top prospects have stood out as a top selection. The Saints have plenty of other needs to address first.
That isn’t to say the Saints won’t select a quarterback early in the draft. So much can, and will, change before April. It’s entirely possible the coaching staff falls in love with one. But, let’s wait until that happens to start projecting it.
Saints 7 round mock draft
1:2- Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
The Saints inability to pressure the quarterback was evident in their week three loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Carl Granderson has played well but needs to be more consistent, Chase Young can’t stay on the field, and Cameron Jordan is 36 years old. Selecting Rueben Bain Jr. will instantly elevate this group.
Bain has only totaled two sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception this season. However, he is constantly in the backfield. He’s tied for sixth in the league with 19 total pressures. Miami has faced talented offensive lines, matching up against Notre Dame and Florida. Regardless of the talent, Bain dominated.
Bain has a full toolbox of pass rush moves but his favorite is pure speed. He has an uncanny ability to bend around the edge and beat the tackle. He’s an incredible pass rusher but his villain mentality stands out. He doesn’t just want to win, he wants to embarrass the other team. That’s the perfect mindset for a premier pass rusher.
2:34- Keith Abney II, CB, Arizona State
The secondary had major question marks heading into the season. Thus far, it has not impressed. Kool-Aid McKinstry hasn’t taken the next step and Quincy Riley hasn’t seen the field enough. Selecting another cornerback like Keith Abney II would benefit the Saints.
Abney has a good frame for an outside cornerback (6’0”, 190 lbs). His premier trait is his smooth movement skills. He can mirror the wide receiver throughout the route. He’s got potential to be a shutdown man cornerback in the NFL. Abney’s instinctual in zone and has great ball skills. He can get handsy in coverage but that’s fixable with NFL coaching.
3:66- Ar’maj Reed-Adams, OG, Texas A&M
Cesar Ruiz’s future in New Orleans is uncertain after a disappointing start in 2025. Adding Ar’maj Reed-Adams to be his replacement would be smart.
Reed-Adams has great size (6’5”, 325 lbs.) and is a mauler. He generates outstanding power and is athletic enough to reach the second level. He’s reliable in pass protection, only allowing six total pressures for Texas A&M in 2025. The sixth year senior has great technique which will translate to the NFL.
4:138- Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
5:141- Tim Keenan III, NT, Alabama
6:180- Lander Barton, LB, Utah
I’m going to group the last three defensive players together. Safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a stud from Toledo who makes plays in multiple facets: coverage, stopping the run, and special teams. Alabama’s Tim Keenan III is a spectacular run defender at nose tackle with potential to improve as a pass rusher. Finally, Utah’s Lander Barton is an excellent coverage linebacker who additionally spends time at tight end.