Despite being perpetually stuck in cap hell, the New Orleans Saints have had a relatively productive offseason.
The team managed to hang on to key free agents like edge-rusher Chase Young and tight end Juwan Johnson. Additionally, the team brought in defensive backs Justin Reid and Isaac Yiadom and reunited with old friend wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
Now, the team is preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft and will surely be looking to add some more impact players. With the No. 9 pick in the first round, the team should have an opportunity to add an elite talent.
While there are plenty of players to be excited about, let’s identify four the Saints should stay away from.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Ashton Jeanty is an elite talent and the best running back prospect in this class. Any team could benefit from a player like Jeanty, but the Saints have more pressing needs to take care of.
Alvin Kamara may not be playing at the same elite level, but the veteran is good enough to handle the load for one more season. Additionally, this class is considered to be deep at running back, so the Saints could wait until a later round to take a running back.
Even with the running back position regaining its importance of late, it feels rich for a team like the Saints to take one in the top-10.
Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Mykel Williams is an intriguing prospect. The defender has big-game experience after playing at Georgia, and has the build to be a productive edge-rusher in the NFL.
However, Williams is a raw prospect who has a lot of work to do to reach his full potential. The defender never accumulated more than five sacks in a season at Georgia and often struggled to get around quality offensive tackles.
The Saints could use help for the pass-rush, but a raw talent like Williams wouldn’t be the best choice. The team would be better off going with a more immediate-impact player at No. 9.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart, like Williams, is a pass-rusher who has all the makings to be an elite edge-rusher, but just never put it together in college.
Stewart racked up just 4.5 sacks over three seasons with the Aggies. Stewart is an elite athlete and teams will undoubtedly be intrigued, but the Saints would be wise to steer clear.
Stewart has huge boom-or-bust potential, with his landing spot likely be the determining factor in his career trajectory. It’s too risky to take a player like Stewart in the top-10 of the draft.
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Jaxson Dart has been launching up draft boards the closer we get to the big day. The quarterback was extremely productive at Ole Miss, and his Senior Bowl performance caught the eye of scouts.
With the recent news of Derek Carr’s injury status, the team may get desperate for a passer. However, reaching for a quarterback like Dart would not be a smart decision.
Dart has a strong arm, great leadership skills, and toughness that teams want in a passer. However, there are concerns about the quarterback’s ability to thrive in an NFL offense, and the Saints’ roster isn’t good enough to lift the rookie up.
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