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The most exciting time of year for football fans, the NFL draft, is right around the corner.
The New Orleans Saints are going to be an interesting team to watch once the draft kicks off. The team is currently slated to have the No. 9 pick in the first round, and there's not really any consensus as to what prospect the team will take.
After finishing with a 5-12 record in 2024, the Saints clearly have several needs. Among the most pressing needs are another wide receiver, offensive line, and cornerback.
One underrated need for the team could be quarterback. Veteran Derek Carr was kept around, but the team needs to prepare for the future.
Today, we're going to identify the three best fits for the Saints in the first round.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
One of the most common mock draft picks for the Saints is standout cornerback Will Johnson.
The Saints could use another starting-caliber corner after losing Paulson Adebo in free agency. Johnson is big and quick enough to start on the outside opposite Kool-Aid McKinstry and would ensure the Saints have a promising young corner duo.
In 2024, Johnson racked up 14 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, and three pass deflections. The corner's best season came in 2023 when he racked up 27 tackles and four interceptions for the national title-winning Wolverines.
Will Campbell, OL, LSU
Another common selection for the Saints is in-state blocker Will Campbell.
Campbell excelled for LSU in 2024 at the left tackle position. However, with shorter arms than expected for an NFL left tackle, many expect Campbell to move inside at the next level.
In 2024, Campbell played 861 snaps at left tackle and earned a respectable 72.2 Pro Football Focus grade. The blocker makes up for his lack of length with exceptional strength and technique.
In New Orleans, Campbell could immediately start at left guard while 2024 first-round pick Taliese Fuaga handles left tackle.
Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
While Johnson and Campbell would fill obvious needs for the Saints, what if the team decides to make a bold move instead and prepare for the future?
While Carr is still in town, the veteran struggled with injury in 2024 and was just mediocre. At 34 years of age, Carr is clearly not a long-term solution and the team needs to find a franchise passer.
In 2024, Sanders led all FBS passers with a 74.0% completion percentage. The passer threw for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns. The Colorado product has the athleticism and strong arm that NFL teams covet in a young passer.
Sanders is a low-floor, high-ceiling prospect. There are concerns about the passer struggling to adjust to the speed of the NFL. However, if Sanders is there at No. 9, the Saints may not be able to resist.
