Carr: ‘To the fans, thank you for riding with me through the highs, the lows, the injuries, the comebacks, the records and the Pro Bowls’

1. Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas) – Round 1, Pick 9
   A unanimous All-American and winner of the Outland and Lombardi Trophies, Banks is expected to be an immediate starter at left tackle, solidifying the offensive line.
2. Tyler Shough (QB, Louisville) – Round 2, Pick 40
   Despite an injury-plagued college career, Shough brings a strong arm and athleticism. At nearly 26, his maturity and experience could make him a valuable asset under new head coach Kellen Moore.
3. Vernon Broughton (DT, Texas) – Round 3, Pick 71
   Broughton adds depth to the defensive line and is expected to develop alongside fellow lineman Bryan Bresee.
4. Jonas Sanker (S, Virginia) – Round 3, Pick 93
   A two-time First-team All-ACC selection, Sanker’s tackling ability and special teams potential make him a versatile addition to the defense.
5. Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma) – Round 4, Pick 112
   As a consensus All-American in 2024, Stutsman led the Big 12 in tackles in 2022 and brings leadership and playmaking skills to the linebacker corps.
6. Quincy Riley (CB, Louisville) – Round 5, Pick 145
   Riley adds depth to the secondary with his experience and ball-hawking skills.
7. Devin Neal (RB, Kansas) – Round 6, Pick 187
   Neal offers versatility in the backfield and could contribute on special teams.
8. Moliki Matavao (TE, UCLA) – Round 7, Pick 223
   Matavao provides size and athleticism at the tight end position, with potential to develop into a reliable target.
9. Fadil Diggs (DL, Syracuse) – Round 7, Pick 254
   As previously discussed, Diggs is a developmental prospect with upside as a rotational pass rusher.

✅ Draft Wins

• Strategic Value Picks: The Saints focused on acquiring high-value players without overreaching, addressing key positions with promising talent.​
• Offensive Line Reinforcement: Selecting Kelvin Banks Jr. addresses a critical need, providing protection for the quarterback and enhancing the run game.​
• Defensive Depth: Adding players like Broughton, Sanker, and Stutsman bolsters the defense with young, high-upside talent.​

⚠️ Potential Concerns

• Quarterback Durability: Tyler Shough’s injury history raises questions about his long-term availability and performance at the professional level.​
• Late-Round Development: Players selected in the later rounds, such as Matavao and Diggs, will require time and coaching to reach their potential.​

📊 Overall Draft Grade: A-

The Saints’ 2025 draft class reflects a balanced approach, combining immediate starters with developmental prospects. By addressing key areas and focusing on value, the team has positioned itself for both short-term improvements and long-term success.

​The New Orleans Saints selected Fadil Diggs, a defensive lineman from Syracuse, with the 254th overall pick in the 7th round of the 2025 NFL Draft .​

Strengths

• Athleticism: Diggs showcased impressive athleticism at the NFL Combine, running a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, placing him among the top edge rushers in his class .
• Pass-Rushing Ability: He possesses a solid pass-rushing skill set, including an effective arm-over move and a two-handed swipe technique, which he utilized effectively during his college career .​
• Versatility: Diggs has experience playing both on the edge and off the ball, providing flexibility in defensive schemes .​
• Leadership: He was a team captain at both Texas A&M and Syracuse, highlighting his leadership qualities and work ethic .​

Areas for Improvement

• Run Defense Consistency: While he shows flashes of solid run defense, Diggs can struggle with consistency, particularly when facing stronger offensive linemen .​
• Technical Refinement: He relies heavily on athleticism and needs to develop more refined hand techniques and a broader array of pass-rush moves .​
• Football IQ: Diggs has shown inconsistency in locating the football during plays, which can lead to missed opportunities .​

Outlook with the Saints

As a late-round pick, Diggs is considered a developmental prospect with potential upside. His athletic traits and versatility make him a candidate for special teams contributions and situational pass-rushing roles early in his career. With proper coaching and development, he could evolve into a valuable rotational defender for the Saints

The New Orleans Saints selected UCLA tight end Moliki Matavao with the 248th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft .

🟢 Strengths

• Size and Frame: Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 263 pounds, Matavao possesses an imposing physical presence ideal for the tight end position .
• Receiving Ability: In his final season at UCLA, he led the team with 41 receptions for 506 yards, averaging 12.4 yards per catch .
• Mobility: Despite his size, he moves well and has shown effectiveness as a middle-of-the-field target .
• Blocking Willingness: He demonstrates a willingness to engage in both run and pass blocking, with his best blocking snaps occurring when on the move .

🔴 Areas for Improvement

• Blocking Technique: While willing, he needs to improve his hand placement and functional strength to become a more effective blocker
• Speed and Separation: He lacks elite speed, which may limit his ability to create separation against faster defenders .
• Special Teams Projection: With an NFL prospect grade of 5.80, he’s currently viewed as an average backup or special teamer .

🟡 Fit with the Saints

Matavao adds depth to the Saints’ tight end group, complementing players like Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau. His size and catching ability make him a potential red-zone target, while his blocking skills can be developed to support the run game. Given the Saints’ emphasis on versatile tight ends, he could find a niche role if he continues to develop his skills.

Overall, Matavao is a developmental prospect with the physical tools to contribute to the Saints’ offense. With proper coaching and development, he has the potential to become a valuable asset in both the passing and running games.

​The New Orleans Saints selected Kansas running back Devin Neal with the 184th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s an analysis of his strengths and weaknesses, along with how he might fit into the Saints’ roster.​

✅ Pros: What Devin Neal Brings to the Saints

• Explosive One-Cut Runner: Neal exhibits impressive burst and acceleration, making him effective in zone-blocking schemes. ​
• Agility and Elusiveness: His ability to change direction quickly and make defenders miss in tight spaces is notable.
• Vision and Patience: Neal demonstrates good vision to identify running lanes and patience to let blocks develop. ​
• Receiving Ability: With 77 receptions for 711 yards in college, he adds value as a pass-catching option out of the backfield.
• Ball Security: Neal fumbled only four times over 760 career carries, showcasing reliable ball handling. ​

⚠️ Cons: Areas of Concern

• Limited Top-End Speed: While quick, Neal lacks elite breakaway speed, which may limit his big-play potential. ​
• Pass Protection: His pass-blocking skills are still developing; he can struggle against larger blitzing defenders.
• High College Workload: Accumulating over 750 touches in college raises concerns about long-term durability.
• Average Contact Balance: Neal can be brought down by arm tackles and may not consistently break through contact. ​

🏈 Fit with the Saints

Neal’s skill set complements the Saints’ offensive scheme, particularly in zone-running plays. His versatility as a runner and receiver provides depth behind Alvin Kamara. While he may start as a rotational player, his potential to develop into a reliable contributor is evident.​

🔮 Outlook

Devin Neal offers the Saints a versatile and dependable option in the backfield. If he can improve in pass protection and adapt to the NFL’s physical demands, he has the potential to become a valuable asset in New Orleans’ offense.​

The New Orleans Saints selected cornerback Quincy Riley from Louisville with the 131st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s an analysis of his strengths, areas for improvement, and potential fit with the team.

✅ Strengths

• Ball Skills & Instincts: Riley has a knack for making plays on the ball, evidenced by his 15 career interceptions and 40 pass breakups over 55 college games. ​
• Versatility in Coverage: He has experience in both man and zone schemes, with the ability to play outside and in the slot.
• Physicality & Competitiveness: Known for his aggressive play, Riley challenges receivers at the catch point and is active in run support. ​
• Football IQ: His route recognition and ability to read quarterbacks allow him to anticipate plays effectively. ​
• Special Teams Contribution: Riley has experience as a punt returner, adding value on special teams. ​

⚠️ Areas for Improvement

• Size Limitations: At 5’10”, Riley may face challenges against taller, more physical NFL receivers. ​
• Top-End Speed: His average long speed could be a concern when covering elite vertical threats. ​
• Tackling Consistency: While willing in run support, Riley’s tackling technique can be inconsistent, sometimes leading to missed tackles. ​
• Overaggressiveness: His tendency to anticipate plays can occasionally make him susceptible to double moves and misdirection. ​

🏈 Fit with the Saints

Riley’s competitive nature and versatility make him a promising addition to the Saints’ secondary. His ability to play multiple coverage schemes aligns well with the team’s defensive strategies. Initially, he may contribute primarily on special teams and in sub-packages, with the potential to develop into a starting role as he refines his technique and adapts to the NFL’s physical demands.​

Overall, Riley offers the Saints a high-upside prospect who, with proper development, could become a valuable asset in their defensive backfield.

​The New Orleans Saints’ selection of Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman in the 2025 NFL Draft brings a dynamic and high-motor defender to their roster. Here’s an in-depth look at his strengths, areas for improvement, and how he might fit into the Saints’ defensive scheme.​

✅ Strengths

• Tackling Machine: Stutsman amassed 376 tackles over his collegiate career, ranking ninth all-time in Oklahoma history. His relentless pursuit and ability to read plays make him a consistent presence around the ball .​
• Impressive Size and Athleticism: Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 243 pounds, he combines a formidable frame with notable athleticism, clocking a 4.52-second 40-yard dash. This blend allows him to cover ground effectively and engage physically with opponents .​
• Versatility: During his tenure at Oklahoma, Stutsman showcased his adaptability by playing all three linebacker positions, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of defensive schemes .​
• Leadership and Intangibles: A team captain and recipient of the Don Key Award, Stutsman is lauded for his work ethic, leadership qualities, and commitment both on and off the field .​

⚠️ Areas for Improvement

• Block Shedding: Despite his size, Stutsman can struggle to disengage from blockers, often relying on agility rather than strength to navigate through traffic .​
• Coverage Limitations: While effective in zone coverage, he exhibits stiffness in man-to-man situations, particularly against agile running backs and tight ends, which could limit his role in certain defensive packages .​
• Tackling Consistency: His aggressive playstyle sometimes leads to missed tackles, with a noted missed tackle rate of 12.2% in 2024 .​
• Discipline and Play Recognition: Stutsman occasionally bites on play-action fakes and misdirection, leading to positional errors and open lanes for offenses .​

🏈 Fit with the Saints

Stutsman’s skill set aligns well with the Saints’ defensive needs. His prowess against the run and ability to blitz effectively can bolster the team’s linebacker corps, especially in early downs and short-yardage situations. While his coverage limitations may necessitate rotational usage in passing scenarios, his versatility and football IQ provide the coaching staff with a valuable asset to develop.​

In special teams, his high energy and tackling ability could make him an immediate contributor, allowing him to acclimate to the NFL’s pace while refining his linebacker responsibilities.​

🔮 Outlook

If the Saints can harness Stutsman’s strengths and address his areas for growth, he has the potential to evolve into a reliable starter. His leadership qualities and on-field intensity suggest a player who can become a cornerstone of the defense with proper development and coaching.​

Overall, Stutsman’s addition to the Saints represents a strategic move to enhance their defensive depth and inject youthful vigor into their linebacker unit.

Jonas Sanker was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the 3rd round (Pick 29) of the 2025 NFL Draft.​

🧠 Player Profile: Jonas Sanker

• Position: Safety
• College: University of Virginia
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 206 lbs
• Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
• Accolades: Two-time First-Team All-ACC (2023, 2024) ​YouTubeWikipedia

📊 College Performance

Sanker emerged as a standout in Virginia’s secondary, particularly during his junior year in 2023, where he led the team with 107 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and three forced fumbles. His senior year in 2024 saw him continue his strong performance with 66 solo tackles, one interception, and four pass deflections .​NFL Draft Buzz+1Wikipedia+1ESPN.com

🔍 Scouting Report

Strengths:

• Versatility: Capable of playing both deep safety and nickel positions, providing flexibility in defensive schemes.
• Instincts and Football IQ: Demonstrates strong anticipation and positioning, contributing to effective coverage and run support.
• Tackling Ability: Known for reliable open-field tackling and physicality in run defense.​Bleacher Report

Areas for Improvement:

• Ball Production: While effective in coverage, Sanker recorded only two interceptions during his college career, indicating room to enhance turnover creation.
• Man Coverage Technique: Needs to refine footwork and consistency when matched up one-on-one, particularly against faster receivers.​

🏈 Fit with the Saints

Sanker’s skill set aligns well with the Saints’ defensive schemes, particularly if they utilize him in versatile roles within the secondary. His tackling ability and instincts make him a valuable asset in run support and zone coverage packages. With development, he has the potential to become a reliable contributor on defense and special teams.​

Overall, Jonas Sanker appears to be a promising addition to the Saints’ roster, bringing versatility and physicality to their secondary.