Nile Carpenter, Saints Contributor

The New Orleans Saints wrapped up their 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, securing nine picks that address both immediate needs and long-term development. General Manager Mickey Loomis and Head Coach Kellen Moore navigated the draft landscape with precision, prioritizing positional value and schematic fits.

From fortifying the offensive line to bolstering depth on defense, the Saints laid a foundation to compete in the NFC South and beyond. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the draft picks and their implications for the roster.

Offense Reimagined: Kelvin Banks Jr. and Tyler Shough Take Center Stage
The Saints made a decisive move at No. 9 by selecting Kelvin Banks Jr., a stalwart offensive tackle from Texas. With 42 starts at left tackle, Banks offers an immediate upgrade in both pass protection and run blocking. His ability to handle elite edge rushers and create running lanes fits perfectly into a revamped Saints offensive line.

Notably, this selection paves the way for Taliese Fuaga, the 2024 first-round pick, to return to his natural position on the right side. Banks’ high floor and versatility signal a clear commitment to protecting Derek Carr and improving the ground game.

In the second round, the Saints addressed the quarterback room with Tyler Shough from Louisville. Shough’s combination of size, arm talent, and mobility provides a viable contingency plan as Carr navigates lingering shoulder issues.

While Shough may not start immediately, his development could be pivotal given the uncertainties surrounding Carr and the struggles of Spencer Rattler. With Shough, the Saints hedge their bets for both the present and future at the sport’s most critical position.

Defensive Reinforcements: Broughton, Sanker, and Stutsman Add Physicality
Vernon Broughton, a defensive tackle from Texas, fills a glaring need on the defensive line. His ability to anchor against double-teams and disrupt plays in the backfield complements Bryan Bresee’s skill set, potentially unlocking Bresee’s potential as a three-technique.

With 35-inch arms and a relentless motor, Broughton could be a game-changer in the trenches.

Jonas Sanker, a safety from Virginia, adds versatility to the secondary. Known for his physicality and alignment flexibility, Sanker enhances the Saints’ ability to deploy three-safety sets, which have become a staple of their defensive strategy under Kellen Moore. At linebacker, Danny Stutsman from Oklahoma brings a blend of size, instincts, and production.

His 348 career tackles reflect a natural knack for finding the football, and his lateral quickness makes him an asset in coverage and run defense.

Late-Round Gems: Skill Players and Depth Additions
The Saints’ final selections provided intriguing prospects with developmental upside. Devin Neal, a running back from Kansas, is a three-time 1,000-yard rusher with excellent vision and balance. His pass-catching ability makes him a perfect complement to Alvin Kamara.

At tight end, Moliki Matavao from UCLA offers reliable hands and the potential to grow as an in-line blocker. Quincy Riley and Fadil Diggs round out the draft, adding depth to the cornerback and edge rusher positions, respectively. Riley’s ball skills and Diggs’ leadership traits make them ideal fits for the Saints’ rotational plans.

Table: Saints 2025 Draft Picks

The Saints’ 2025 draft class reflects a balanced approach, addressing immediate needs while adding developmental prospects. Kelvin Banks Jr. and Vernon Broughton headline a group poised to contribute immediately, while Tyler Shough and others offer high-upside potential for the future. Under Kellen Moore’s leadership, New Orleans may have laid the groundwork for a successful and sustainable era in the Big Easy.