As the confetti flew down on the Philadelphia Eagles’ after their Super Bowl victory, the New Orleans Saints also got the chance to celebrate. With the season being over, they could begin their new era with former Eagles’ offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as their head coach. With the Saints entering a new era, where could they begin to address their needs come NFL Draft time? Here’s how we ranked their team needs, complete with players who we think fit.
1. EDGE Rusher
Two of the top four pass rushers on the Saints in terms of snaps are free agents in Chase Young and Payton Turner, and even if they were returning, the Saints need a shot of energy on that defensive line. If Brandon Staley is truly coming to coach the defense, finding a true impact player up front has got to be priority number one.
Best fits: Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M, Olu Oladejo, UCLA, Jah Joyner, Minnesota
2. Wide Receiver
Chris Olave is a star, but mounting concussions have me worried about his long term health. WR Rashid Shaheed is coming off a knee injury, and after that the room gets into guys like Mason Tipton. If this offense is going to improve, they need their wide receiver depth to improve considerably.
Best fits: Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State, Isaiah Bond, Texas, Jalen Royals, Utah State
3. Tight End
Juwan Johnson is an impending free agent, and Foster Moreau’s deal also expires after the 2025 season. Getting younger and more explosive at the tight end could help raise the ceiling of the offense, especially considering the work Moore did with TE Dallas Goedert in Philadelphia.
Best fits: Tyler Warren, Penn State, Harold Fannin, Bowling Green, Gavin Bartholomew, Pitt
4. Cornerback
Paulson Adebo is coming off a broken femur, and he as well as Ugo Amadi are both free agents. Alontae Taylor locks down the nickel corner spot while the hope is that CB Kool-Aid McKinstry takes a leap next season, but if Adebo isn’t ready to go or takes a deal somewhere else, finding another outside corner could be higher up the list.
Best fits: Will Johnson, Michigan, Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky, Cobee Bryant, Kansas