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Saints could take a quarterback early in the draft, per report

NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

New Orleans long-term QB uncertainty looms large for the 2025 Draft.

According to a report by Ian Rapoport, the New Orleans Saints are a team that could be in the market for a quarterback in this year's NFL Draft.


From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: The #Saints are among the team's that could select a QB early in the NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/topAA9xmdM

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2025

Probably reading the writing on the wall, Rapoport doesn’t believe that Derek Carr is the long-term solution at signal caller for the Saints over the next 10 years. Aside from potential cap implications, it’s pointed out that the restructuring of Carr’s contract affords the Saints the ability to not go into the draft absolutely NEEDING to get a QB or even a QB with a particular draft pick.

Saints host Texas QB Quinn Ewers on Top-30 Visit

New report suggests the Saints may be in for Jaxson Dart

As has been covered on this site, the Saints are doing their due diligence on this year’s quarterback class, with meetings and pro-day visits to most anyone projected to get drafted this year that can throw the ball.

As a team that doesn’t need to use a pick on this position, they are afforded the luxury that if someone drops down to the 9th pick, they’re ready to scoop them up, or as Rapoport points out, they could even trade back into the back end of the first round if someone has really wowed them and a deal is there to be made.

Rapoport also mentioned on his podcast yesterday that there is a possibility of Shedeur Sanders potentially making his way down to the Saints at No. 9.



Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...e-a-quarterback-early-in-the-draft-per-report
 
Saints host one of the top safety prospects in the NFL Draft

South Carolina v Vanderbilt

Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images

Emmanwori could be a great option for the Saints.

Throughout free agency, the New Orleans Saints have made it known that they will try and compete in the 2025 season. One of these moves was signing former Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid, which was a fantastic deal. Reid will be a top piece of this defense, and although the safety room looks much better, more work still needs to be done. Tyrann Mathieu’s time in the NFL is almost up, and Jordan Howden has been up and down since being drafted by New Orleans. The future safety room is a bit of a question mark, so investing in this area through the draft makes sense. This could happen in any round, but one of the top safeties in the draft, Nick Emmanwori, can be an excellent option for the Saints, and he met with the team Thursday, per Nick Underhill.


Nick Emmanwori visited the Saints on Thursday, according to a source.

The South Carolina safety is a high-upside player with size (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) and athleticism (4.39 40-yard dash) that makes him an intriguing option in the draft. pic.twitter.com/fg9bJnmoel

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) April 3, 2025

Athleticism and draft selections have gone hand in hand in regard to the Saints draft plan over the years. If the team wants to continue going in this direction, Emmanwori might be the perfect prospect. After NFL Combine testing, the South Carolina safety had a perfect 10.0 RAS score, which as we know, the Saints have valued in the past. He is set to go somewhere at the end of the first, but if New Orleans trades back from 9 or he drops to 40, selecting the Nick Emmanwori could be a top option.



Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-of-the-top-safety-prospects-in-the-nfl-draft
 
Saints send two coaches to watch Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter’s Pro Day

2025 NFL Scouting Combine

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

New Orleans seems interested in the two Colorado standouts.

The New Orleans Saints went against the grain and sent two coaches to Colorado’s Pro Day on Friday. Most teams sent a scout or two, but the Saints wanted to get an up close look at the Buffalo’s two superstars, Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter.

Saints QB Coach Scott Tolzien and WR Coach Keith Williams made the trip to Boulder today, per Jori Epstein.


Some teams just sent a scout or scouts to Colorado pro day. But the Saints have 2 coaches scheduled to be there today, per source.

QB coach Scott Tolzien and WR coach Keith Williams scheduled to get live looks at QB Shedeur Sanders & WR/DB Travis Hunter

— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) April 4, 2025

The Saints own the ninth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft - their first top-10 pick in over a decade - and are looking to add a young superstar to their roster. Luckily for them, there are plenty to chose from, and two of them reside in Boulder.

I’m not the biggest fan of selecting Shedeur Sanders, especially if they have to trade up for him, but if Kellen Moore believes he’s the QB of their future, it’s fine by me. Sanders was at the NFL Combine, but did not perform in any on-field activities, he only met with teams at the event. The same goes for WR/CB prospect, Travis Hunter. He declined to workout at the combine, but has elected to workout at Colorado’s Pro Day. These two will draw a lot of eyes on Friday as they showcase their skills to scouts (and Saints coaches) in attendance.

It’s not likely that the Saints will be able to stick and pick either of these guys. Both are expected to be gone before they come on the clock at nine (Travis Hunter especially), so if they fall in love with one of them, they’ll likely have to give up some assets to go get them.

Would you want to see the Saints draft Sanders or Hunter if it meant giving up future assets? Let us know in the comments below!



Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ch-shedeur-sanders-and-travis-hunters-pro-day
 
QB Joe Milton traded from the Patriots to the Cowboys

NFL: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots

David Butler II-Imagn Images

What could have been???

The Dallas Cowboys landed their backup quarterback in Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots. So, why am I discussing this on a New Orleans Saints site? Well for the low cost of a fifth-round pick, Dallas was able to pick up Milton and a seventh-rounder.


Trade: New England is sending QB Joe Milton to the Dallas Cowboys, sources tell ESPN. With Cooper Rush going to Baltimore, Dallas now has a new backup for Dak Prescott. pic.twitter.com/AIVVuvsel2

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2025

As a team that is looking at putting together a QB room that should produce someone to be the starter long-term in New Orleans, I would have loved to see the Saints take a shot at someone with the talent that Joe Milton III has shown.

Milton had one start for the Patriots this year, albeit in the final week of the season against Buffalo, he threw for 241 yards and a TD. Given the level of competition in a final week against a team that had nothing to gain, there is definitely a small sample size of his NFL prowess but at Tennessee this is a guy that threw for 2813 in his senior year with 20 touchdowns and 5 interceptions while rushing for 299 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Oh yeah, also there is this:


Joe Milton threw this 80 yards. That’s absolutely ridiculous. And then he casually added a backflip. ( : Steve Clarkson/Instagram) pic.twitter.com/mRXHyrM8EU

— zach ragan (@zachTNT) May 27, 2023

All this to say, is Joe Milton (who is in his second year and only has a cap hit of $1,005,829) any worse an option as a new addition than any later round pick this year? We know he can play in the NFL and he’s still under a team friendly deal for several more years. For a team that really needs to find a diamond in the rough, or sacrifice all future draft picks to move up, feels like this could have been a great opportunity to add depth to the QB room, admittedly without knowing whether they threw their hat in the ring and just couldn’t get it done.



Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ilton-traded-from-the-patriots-to-the-cowboys
 
Former Saints OT Terron Armstead announces his retirement from the NFL

Green Bay Packers v New Orleans Saints

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

Armstead played in New Orleans from 2013-2021.

Former New Orleans Saints OT Terron Armstead has announced his retirement from the NFL after an incredible 12-year career.


#Dolphins five-time Pro Bowl LT Terron Armstead is retiring, officially ending a star-studded 12-year career.

Armstead was one of the best left tackles of his generation beginning with his stint with the #Saints. Now, he heads into his second career ️. pic.twitter.com/Q28fHJE0mA

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 6, 2025

Armstead was selected by the Saints in the 3rd round (75th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Armstead spent 2013-2021 in New Orleans where he was named to the Pro Bowl 3 consecutive years (2018-2020) and in 2018, he was also selected as second-team All-Pro.

Armstead moved on with the Miami Dolphins from 2022-2024 where he was selected to the Pro Bowl again in both 2022 and 2023.

Armstead made the emotional announcement at a party in Miami on Saturday night which was attended by his former Saints teammates Drew Brees and Cam Jordan.


Terron Armstead fighting tears as he ends his retirement speech pic.twitter.com/cyjbDfWoq6

— Bobby Shouse (@B_Shousejr) April 6, 2025

It's expected that he will now move into a career in sports media.



Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...rmstead-announces-his-retirement-from-the-nfl
 
Saints Hall of Fame to host 32nd annual Celebrity Golf Tournament

Screenshot_3_4_2025_112423_www.neworleanssaints.com.0.jpeg

Saints/Christian Verde

The event will take place on Monday, May 19th.

The 32nd annual New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame Celebrity Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, May 19 at 9 am at Chateau Country Club in Kenner.

Join current Saints players, coaches and front office personnel as well as many prominent former New Orleans Saints players at this premier event.

The event is a taste of New Orleans featuring a restaurant or caterer on every hole with every participant receiving a Saints golf shirt and cap. There will also be an awards function in the clubhouse immediately following the tournament.

The cost to register for the tournament is $250 for an individual, $1,250 for a group of four, including a Saints celebrity or $2000 for a group of four with a Saints Hall of Fame.

For more information or to purchase tickets for either event, go to Events | New Orleans Saints Hall Of Fame



Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...to-host-32nd-annual-celebrity-golf-tournament
 
Hubbards three-round mock draft 2.0: Saints make a move for a QB

Oklahoma State v Colorado

Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images

There’s been a lot of buzz around the Saints and Shedeur Sanders.

The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and the New Orleans Saints hold the No. 9 pick in the draft. For the first time in a while, they’re in prime position to go get a quarterback in the first round (which they haven’t done since selecting Archie Manning back in 1971), and there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding them and Colorado QB, Shedeur Sanders.

Today, we’re building a three-round mock draft around the Saints trading up to select their QB of the future.

TRADE: Round 1, Pick 5 - Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Oklahoma State v Colorado
Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images

There’s been some buzz around the Brown and Giants possibly selecting Sanders, but in this mock (I used PFF’s mock draft simulator), he slid out of the top three. In this case, I have the Saints moving up with the Jaguars to pick five to select Sanders. PFF made me give up pick nine, next year’s first and a 2026 fourth to make the move.

I know there are mixed opinions among the fanbase, but I’m not a huge fan of moving up for Sanders. If he falls to nine and they like him, take him, but I don’t think giving up next year’s first is worth it. But, if they’re going to draft him, I think a trade will be necessary.

Sanders has a lot of good traits, but there isn’t really anything he does extremely well. He’s very accurate but doesn’t have a super live arm and isn’t the most athletic guy in the world. I think he can develop into a fine QB, but when you give up two firsts for a guy, you need him to be a Pro Bowler, and I don’t know if he gets there. I could be wrong, but we’ll have to see.

Round 2, Pick 40 - Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: JAN 02 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl - Duke vs Ole Miss
Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

In the second round, I have the Saints grabbing their first (and only) defender in this three-round mock draft. Corner isn’t the biggest defensive need for the Saints, and they would probably be better off using this pick on a defensive lineman, but I didn’t like my options and I’m a big fan of Trey Amos’s game.

The Ole Miss corner had a terrific 2024 season where he allowed a 51.6% completion percentage, 280 yards and two touchdowns while picking off three passes and deflecting 10 more. He did that against some of the best quarterbacks and wide receivers in the country, which is even more impressive. I watched him in person at LSU this past year, and in that game, he allowed two of his nine targets to be caught for 29 yards and picked off a pass.

If there were better DL options available, I would’ve gone with one of them, but I felt Amos was the best defensive player available in this simulation, and I don’t think the Saints have the luxury of being picky.

Round 3, Pick 71 - Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary


(Sorry, Getty and USA Today don’t have pictures of Charles Grant)

With their first pick of the third round, I have the Saints adding to their offensive line with William & Mary OT, Charles Grant. He’s been a rapid riser on a lot of draft boards during this pre-draft process, and he’s someone I think can develop into a starter eventually.

Grant posted elite run blocking (90.4) and pass blocking (88.1) grades according to PFF and allowed nine pressures this past season. He obviously didn’t play the greatest talent in the world, but he’s 6-foot-5 (34.5-inch arms) and weighs 311 pounds. He also brings over 2,600 snaps of experience to the table.

I’ll always take a shot on finding a potential starting tackle in the third round, especially when you have another pick coming up not too much later.

Round 3, Pick 93 - Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green

Arkansas State v Bowling Green - 68 Ventures Bowl
Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images

The fourth and final player I have the Saints selecting in this three-round mock draft is Harold Fannin Jr., a tight end from Bowling Green.

Fannin had an amazing 2024 season, catching 117 passes for 1,555 yards and 10 touchdowns. Yes, you read that right. It wasn’t against the best competition, but seeing that kind of production from any receiver, much less a tight end, is wildly impressive. There are some pass protection concerns, but he also stood out as a run blocker last season, earning a 75.2 season grade in that area.

This is a loaded tight end class, and Fannin would probably be a second-round talent any other year (and could still end up being one this year), but with guys like Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland and Mason Taylor in this class, he’ll end up going a bit later than he probably should.



Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...nd-mock-draft-2-0-saints-make-a-move-for-a-qb
 
Cam Skattebo NFL Draft prospect profile

Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl - Texas v Arizona State

Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images

What to know about the Arizona St. running back.

Cam Skattebo, a running back from Arizona State, is one of the top prospects at his position in the draft this year. If the New Orleans Saints don’t land Jeanty in round one, they should consider taking a swing at him.

Skattebo, a native of Rio Linda, California, has been with the Sun Devils for the past two seasons. In 2024, he rushed for 1,711 yards, breaking the school's single-season record. Additionally, he broke their record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season, with 21.

Furthermore, in 2024, he was a first-team All-American, first-team All-Big 12, and the Peach Bowl offensive MVP.

“If you got the ball in your hands, the objective is to get in the end zone,” Skattebo said at the scouting combine. “If you love football, you’re going to do whatever you can to do that.”

Over his two years at Arizona St., he gathered 2,494 rushing yards with 30 touchdowns. Skattebo also had 891 receiving yards with four touchdown receptions.

He is one of the most physical running backs we have seen in recent years. One of his more physical scores comes from his time at Sacramento St., where he was for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.


My favorite Cam Skattebo highlight was when he played at Sacramento State.

He scooped an onside kick and carried half the opposing team 20 yards into the End Zone pic.twitter.com/nfMVNTcQKi

— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) October 14, 2024

However, that doesn’t mean that he was any less physical as a Sun Devil.


Cam Skattebo might be really good! https://t.co/GqI1hnJ566 pic.twitter.com/1lgW5RMjg8

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) March 30, 2025

Currently, Cam Skattebo is projected to be a third-round selection. The Saints have one third-round pick, 71st overall.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...am-skattebo-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-saints
 
Mel Kiper has the Saints taking Shedeur Sanders in his latest mock draft

Utah v Colorado

Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

In round two, Kiper has us taking a cornerback.

Mel Kiper, NFL draft analyst for ESPN, dropped his latest mock draft Tuesday morning. In a two-round projection, he has the New Orleans Saints selecting a quarterback in the first round and a cornerback in the second.

ROUND ONE, PICK NINE: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

2025 NFL Scouting Combine
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Shedeur Sanders is Kiper’s top-ranked quarterback of the 2025 draft. He believes that if Sanders falls to the ninth pick, the Saints and the former Colorado Buffalo will make a good match.

The first thing Kiper mentions is his completion percentage, which was 74% last season, according to ESPN. Additionally, in 2024 he had 4,134 passing yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. That makes his passer rating in his final collegiate season 168.2.

His best play was one I’m sure he remembers, as it was on the 21st night of September. In a matchup against the Baylor Bears, he executed a 43-yard touchdown pass to force overtime.


The Pass

Shedeur Sanders

Vs. Baylor

2024 pic.twitter.com/WYgf0jhkxK

— FIRST ROUND MOCK (@firstroundmock) September 23, 2024

Kiper also brings up the fact that if he does play in the NFC South, there’d be a few indoor stadiums that would ease any arm strength concerns. To end his explanation, he reminds whoever is reading his mock draft that the Saints will have Derek Carr for at least one more season. That brings the opportunity for Sanders to sit back and learn the game before jumping in the deep end.

ROUND TWO, PICK 40: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State

2025 NFL Scouting Combine
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Azareye’h Thomas is ESPN’s fifth-best cornerback in the draft this year. Mel Kiper says that he has the speed and length to contribute as a rookie, even if he’s CB3 behind Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid Mckinstry.

In 2024, Thomas had 53 total tackles, one interception, and four passes defended, according to ESPN. He was also targeted 33 times and only allowed 17 receptions for 141 yards, according to PFF.

Thomas also impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl, and that’s something that’s difficult for cornerbacks to stand out in. However, he showed his ability to be a lockdown corner in the practices.


Washington State WR Kyle Williams vs FSU CB Azareye’h Thomas

Thomas with some lockdown coverage and the interception #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/GodDlCngZd

— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) January 30, 2025

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...edeur-sanders-in-his-two-round-mock-nfl-draft
 
SB Nation Reacts Survey: Will the Saints win over or under 6.5 games this year?

NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at New Orleans Saints

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Vote in this week’s poll and let us know your thoughts.

FanDuel has just released their win totals for all 32 teams for the upcoming 2025 NFL season and they have the New Orleans Saints at just 6.5 games.

The Saints will face their regular NFC South opponents in the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers twice as well as teams in the NFC West (Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks) and AFC East (Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New York Jets) plus the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears. All of which finished last in their respective divisions.

For the 3rd year in a row, the Saints have the one of the lowest-ranked strengths of schedule in the NFL. But as we know, an “easier schedule” doesn’t always equal more wins. In 2023, the Saints finished 9-8 and last season, they finished 5-11.

As always, we want to hear from you. Will the Saints win over or under 6.5 games this year? Vote in this week’s reacts poll and let us know your thoughts.

You can also check out the other 31 NFL team’s win totals on FanDuel now.



Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in New Orleans Saints fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-saints-win-over-or-under-6-5-games-this-year
 
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