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[New Orleans Saints]

Should the Saints go ahead with Spencer Rattler as the starter?

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

New Orleans now has a massive issue at QB but drafting one early may be a bad idea.

With the recent news surrounding Derek Carr’s new shoulder injury, the outlook for the upcoming New Orleans Saints season is much different. The team is currently missing a certified starter at quarterback, and of course, because they are drafting a pick 9, that position is expected to be in play.

Before this news, drafting a QB in the first round, for example, Shedeur Sanders, sounded much better due to having the opportunity to sit the rookie for a year and learn behind Carr. Now, if the Saints select one at 9, that player will be thrown into a situation where they need to step up and be a starter. If new Saints head coach Kellen Moore and his offensive staff believe that a prospect like Sanders can be the franchise QB and see no reason why he can not start on day 1, selecting him makes sense. The issue is we do not know if the Saints rate Sanders that high, and in regards to team building, it may be smarter to avoid drafting a QB early. If the team does go in the direction of just drafting the best player available at 9 and work to improve other positions throughout the draft, 2nd year QB Spencer Rattler will be the starter.

Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Last season, Rattler was thrown into a rough situation. Injuries throughout the offense, poor offensive line play, a coach fighting for his job, and having to carry a team way too early in his development. Still, when Rattler played his first games with the Saints, he showed great signs. Arguably, the top thing we saw from Rattler was his development after Derek Carr’s hand injury. He looked much better after being able to sit and learn a bit more, and that was with an even more injured roster. For the whole season and beyond, there have been stories/quotes that emphasize their belief in Rattler’s potential. Now, it is going to depend on what Moore wants, but going with Rattler is an extremely low risk decision.

Let’s say Rattler is the starter for the 2025 season and shows he can be at least a good starter in the NFL. Now, the Saints will a cheap starting QB that they can build around for future years. If Rattler fails to develop and the season goes horribly, now New Orleans is in play for the 1st pick in the 2026 draft. It is believed that next year’s QB class will be better, but obviously that is just a projection and can be wrong. No matter what, going with Spencer Rattler as the starter in 2025 is still a low-risk high reward opportunity that needs to be considered.

Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Here is a potential New Orleans Saints mock draft if they decide to make Rattler the starter in 2025:

Round 1, pick 9 - TE Tyler Warren (Penn State)

Round 2, pick 40 - EDGE Bradyn Swinson (LSU)

Round 3, pick 71 - OL Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona)

Round 3, pick 93 - EDGE Kyle Kennard (South Carolina)

Round 4, pick 112 - RB Damien Martinez (Miami)

Round 4, pick 131 - CB Quincy Riley (Louisville)

Round 6, pick 184 - QB Kyle McCord (Syracuse)

Round 7, pick 248 - S Dan Jackson (Georgia)

Round 7, pick 254 - WR Andrew Armstrong (Arkansas)

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-go-ahead-with-spencer-rattler-as-the-starter

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Could Aaron Rodgers be a viable QB option for the Saints?

Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The former Super Bowl MVP, 4-time NFL MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler just happens to be available.

Let me start this off by saying, I know a lot of you all are already angry and you haven’t made it past the headline. Felt like that should be acknowledged early on.

With the news that Derek Carr may miss the season, and the lack of a for sure number one QB option for the New Orleans Saints (although I do believe in you Spencer), some are looking around at what is available whether through the NFL Draft or free agency.

What if I told you that there is a former Super Bowl Champion, former Super Bowl MVP, 4-time NFL MVP and 10-time Pro Bowler that is sitting around on April 14 without a team for the 2025 season? My guess is you’d say, please stop this or you’d be looking for a time machine to go back and make me never write this blog at all.

Hear me out though, the Saints could do a lot worse if they’re looking at the veteran market for a QB. Although statistically the once dominant Aaron Rodgers has not SEEMED to be elite as he has been throughout his career, there’s a lot to like there. Even coming off of an Achilles injury his 2024 stats were not far off his career averages as seen below. I’ll even grade it on a curve in saying that the New York Jets aren’t necessarily the model of success or stability.

Pro Football Reference

Additionally, to circle back to the Achilles injury, usually athletes take a year to get back to normal after that, now he did get to sit out an entire year given the almost comical timing of the injury in 2023, but presumably he should be right this year from the injury. Not to brag, but I was able to recover from Achilles tendonitis in 4 months so a complete tear in two years, I think he’s got this.

I get it though; there’s a lot more that comes with Rodgers than what he does on the field. However, call it a character flaw in myself but I love an athlete that doesn’t give the canned answers, doesn’t do what you would expect, and keeps people second guessing. Do I disagree with a lot of what he says? For sure, but I also respect the fact that he is unabashedly himself. The big caveat to that is I think that the coaching staff and the locker room would need to be on board with it because bringing in a big personality like that can obviously have ripple effects.

I’m a big trust the process person and I have faith in the coaching staff to make the right call, so if they decide that this year’s QB isn’t on the roster right now, I think they could do a lot worse than Aaron Rodgers on a one-year deal that fits in the cap. Especially considering the alternatives for a veteran are Kirk Cousins, Carson Wentz, or Desmond Ridder.

Also, he got this sick tattoo that I do not understand and probably could never understand but those are some VERY fine lines.

View this post on Instagram​

A post shared by Aaron Rodgers (@aaronrodgers12)​

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-rodgers-be-a-viable-qb-option-for-the-saints

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Former Saints LB Michael Mauti hosts 37th annual Rich Mauti Tennis Classic

Megan Kottemann/Saints

The annual event raises funds to help the community with early cancer detection.

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, former New Orleans Saints LB Michael Mauti and his family hosted the 37th annual Rich Mauti Tennis Classic at the Stone Creek Club and Spa in Covington, LA.

Michael father, Rich played for the Saints from 1977-1983, and Michael also played in New Orleans from 2015-2017.

The annual event raises donations for the Mauti Cancer Fund, which provides mobile cancer screening buses to help the community with early detection.

Established in 2006, the Mauti Cancer Fund puts their focus on cancer prevention and care efforts into screenings and early detection, individual needs and education. The funds raised by the Mauti Cancer Fund are allocated to supporting local hospital initiatives, educating our community on all three categories.

To learn more about the Mauti Cancer Fund, please visit Louisiana Cancer Fund | Mauti Cancer Fund

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...i-hosts-37th-annual-rich-mauti-tennis-classic

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Chris Olave appears to have gained noticeable muscle during OTAs

Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images

Entering the fourth year of his career, Olave has put some work in during the offseason.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave has appeared to put on significant muscle after pictures surfaced of the young wideout at voluntary OTAs.

12 is yoked! pic.twitter.com/KKPbj9YCex

— Nate (@DatsWh0) April 15, 2025​

Olave has dealt with multiple significant head injuries throughout his three-year NFL career, with some fans and former players advising him to retire due to the severity of his injuries. Despite some advising the young wideout to retire to avoid more injuries, he appears to remain committed to the team and has even bulked up during the offseason.

In 2024, Olave appeared in 8 games, catching 32 passes for 400 yards and a touchdown before missing the remainder of the season due to a concussion he suffered against the Detroit Lions. The former 1,000-yard receiver also missed a game earlier in the 2024 season due to a head injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With Olave being focused on building muscle in the offseason, the hope is that he can protect himself better and stay healthy throughout the season. Despite the muscle gain, some fear Olave may lose some speed and agility.

This is good but hope he still keeps the agility

— westsidephilosophy (@westsidephilos1) April 15, 2025​

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the Saints will be making a decision soon on picking up Olave’s fifth-year option. With quarterback Derek Carr likely to miss significant time and potentially the entire 2025 season, New Orleans will likely rely on Olave for whoever takes over at quarterback and is likely to be a younger signal caller.

The Saints have continued to do homework on wideouts in the draft and have specifically focused on red-zone and middle-of-the-field threats. Despite shopping for receivers, Olave’s future with the team relies more on health than possible additions to the receiver room through the draft.

12 @chrisolave_ pic.twitter.com/yejrZChi9s

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 15, 2025​

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-to-have-gained-noticeable-muscle-during-otas

 

[New Orleans Saints]

ESPN 2025 Mock Draft: Who do the Saints pick up?

Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Mel Kiper and Field Yates gives their three-round mock results.

We are neck deep in NFL Draft mock season and ESPN has dropped a new one on us this morning from Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates. These picks are based on what they’re hearing and how each team might tackle roster needs. Additionally, they took turns making the selections. Alright, now I’ll jump to the selections for the New Orleans Saints.

Round 1, Pick 9: Yates’ pick: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado​

“There’s uncertainty around Derek Carr’s 2025 season amid his shoulder injury, so the Saints must at least consider taking a quarterback at No. 9. Sanders displays really good accuracy, poise and toughness — traits that should appeal to new coach Kellen Moore as New Orleans aims to stay competitive in the division.”

If they go QB and Sanders is on the board, it’s hard to see them doing anything different here, and I get it. For all the what has been at times Lavar Ball-esque noise from Coach Prime, I don’t feel like Shedeur has done anything to scare me off of him being a professional between the lines. It would also kill my Aaron Rodgers to the Saints thought experiment.

Round 2, Pick 40: Kiper’s pick: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State​

“Thomas’ speed and length could be exactly what the Saints need on the outside after trading Marshon Lattimore last fall. The takeaways haven’t come quite yet for Thomas, but he did have 19 pass breakups over three years.”

Azareye’h Thomas seems to be getting projected anywhere from late first rounder to a high second rounder with the NFL projecting him as a Round 2 pick. He’s a very physical corner to the point that there could be some concern about penalties early on, but everybody has to learn the game at the next level. His defense can be suffocating however as noted in the below highlight and the fact that he gave up zero touchdowns in coverage last year.

Florida State’s Azareye’h Thomas can just suffocate receivers in press man with his length. Very patient and balanced player.

Allowed a 50.2 NFL QB rating last season, sixth-lowest in the ACC (min. 200 coverage snaps). pic.twitter.com/6Wjv088yOl

— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) April 13, 2025​

Round 3, Pick 71: Yates’ pick: Jordan Burch, Edge, Oregon​

“Burch put together an excellent final season at Oregon with 8.5 sacks. He has length, fluidity and power. And the Saints could use youth on the edge with Cameron Jordan turning 36.”

To me there are few more exciting positions on the defense than the guys that play on the edge and Burch has the raw talent and physical build of someone who can develop into an NFL player. NFL analysis has him projected as a Round 2 prospect so I could see him being in New Orleans if he slips down to the third because as Yates points out, the Saints current edge players aren’t getting any younger.

Jordan Burch improved a lot as a pass rusher this year. Arguably the best bull rush/long arm in this edge class pic.twitter.com/pDIBvoEZ9P

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) February 17, 2025​

Round 3, Pick 93: Yates’ pick: Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss​

“Remember that we matched Shedeur Sanders with the Saints in Round 1. Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave are both coming off Injuries, so New Orleans would be smart to get reinforcements for their rookie passer. Harris runs great routes and averaged 17.2 yards per catch last season.”

I know this will come as a shock but I’m not an NFL GM, however depending on who is available, I think it’s hard to have too many people who can catch the football. Particularly if you’re working in a new QB, whether that’s Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener or someone who isn’t on the roster yet. Tre Harris was an absolute stud at LA Tech for two years and then transferred to Ole Miss where he led the team in receiving yards his first year and was a second-team AP All-American in 2024 while leading the team in receptions and receiving yards. That’s some pedigree that would be hard to pass up, particularly if the Saints brass are unsure when Shaheed and Olave will be back to 100%. I’m sorry his highlights are against LSU in advance.

Tre Harris Vs. LSU is why GM’s will be ALL over him in the 2025 NFL Draft:

7 Receptions
102 Yards
1 TD

He CLEARED 1,000+ Yards this season while essentially missing 6 games..

His healthy 13 Game Pace?

110 Receptions
1,833 Yards
11 TD’s

Tre Harris is 6’3, 210 lbs pic.twitter.com/A9JGqTFYET

— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) February 17, 2025​

What are your thoughts on their 1st-3rd round picks? Let us know in the comments below.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...spn-2025-mock-draft-who-do-the-saints-pick-up

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints OT Ryan Ramczyk has announced his retirement from the NFL

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Ramczyk spent his entire career in New Orleans after being drafted in first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

It’s official. New Orleans Saints OT Ryan Ramczyk is retiring from the NFL. Ramczyk made the announcement via his Instagram account earlier tonight.

View this post on Instagram​

A post shared by Ryan Ramczyk (@ryram_71)​

“What an incredible journey it’s been. My path to the NFL wasn’t a straight line, it wasn’t the story most people expect. There were moments when people doubted me, moments when I doubted myself. It’s funny how life works out. Sometimes the road less traveled leads to places you never expected, but it ends up being exactly where you were meant to be. Today I reflect on all the twists and turns that got me to this point, from technical college to become a “welder” to All-Pro in the NFL. As I step into retirement, I’m filled with gratitude for everything this sport has given me. I owe a giant thank you to the game of football, and to the countless coaches and teammates who have supported and challenged me along the way. I’m especially thankful to UW-Stevens Point for welcoming me with open arms, to UW-Madison for taking a chance on a Division III transfer, and to the New Orleans Saints for believing in me at the highest level.

To the amazing New Orleans Saints fans. Thank you for embracing me from day one. Your passion and energy are unmatched, you made New Orleans feel like home.

To my incredible wife, thank you for being my rock through every high and low. And to my parents, who instilled in me the meaning of hard work and dedication. I’m excited for what the future holds, especially the opportunity to spend more time with my two boys and watch them grow. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in life and am forever grateful. Who Dat for life”

Ramczyk was drafted by the Saints in the first round (32nd overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft. and he spent his entire NFL career in New Orleans. In his rookie season, Ramczyk was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He was also twice named Second-team All-Pro (2018 and 2020) and First-team All-Pro (2019) He joined William Roaf as only the second Saints tackle to be named AP All-Pro three times.

Unfortunately, Ramczyk has been battling what he described as a cartilage defect in his knee since 2023. He had knee surgery during the offseason in 2024 which kept him off the field the entire season.

Just earlier today, the NFL announced that Ramczyk would be representing the Saints at the NFL Draft in Green Bay next week to announce the team’s Day 2 selections.

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...zyk-has-announced-his-retirement-from-the-nfl

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Who should the Saints look to draft in round 2?

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Everyone’s talking about pick nine, but what about pick 40?

The New Orleans Saints have a top 10 pick for the first time in what feels like forever (I was six the last time that happened, so for me, literally almost forever). Everyone’s talking about what the Saints are going to do at nine, and rightfully so. It’s arguably the most exciting draft night since 2008 for the organization, but nobody’s giving much talk to what they could do in the second round.

At nine, you obviously expect to find a franchise-changing player, but this is a deep class. There aren’t as many superstar talents as possible, but there will be valuable, starting-caliber players available when the Saints come on the clock in round two.

Today, we’re going to look at some of the best second round prospects the Saints should look to add at 40.

Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss​

Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Let’s talk about my personal favorite second round prospect: Trey Amos. The former Ole Miss corner is probably my favorite (not necessarily best) CB in the draft. He’s 6-foot-1, 195-pounds and is one of the best coverage corners in the draft.

In 2024, his senior season, Amos allowed just 32 of his 62 (51.6%) targets to be caught for 280 yards and two touchdowns while picking off three passes and breaking up 10 more. I got an up close and personal look at him when he came to Death Valley this year and gave up two catches for 29 yards in nine targets. He also picked off a pass and broke up two more.

I think he’s one of the best CBs in the draft, and I wouldn’t really be all the surprised if he sneaks into the end of the first round. If he’s there at 40, he’s, my pick.

Mason Taylor, TE, LSU​

Photo by Gus Stark/LSU/University Images via Getty Images

There was a time where the Saints likely could’ve drafted Mason Taylor at 71 in the third round, but that time is long gone. Since the season ended, Taylor has shown out at the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl and has seen his draft stock skyrocket. He’s now a projected early-to-mid second round pick. If it weren’t for this class having two elite talents like Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, he would almost certainly be a first round lock.

Taylor is a smooth route runner who has really come along as a blocker during his time at LSU. He finished as the program’s leader in receiving yards by a tight end, and he did it in just three seasons. He’s young and he broke out as a freshman, which is an underrated trait when evaluating draft prospects.

If Amos is gone and Taylor’s available, I’m sprinting to the podium to draft him, even though they just signed Juwan Johnson to an extension.

Luther Burden, WR, Missouri​

Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

I don’t think Burden should make it this far in the draft, but lately, I’ve seen him mocked in the early second round quite often, so it’s not completely out of the realm of possibility.

Missouri’s star wideout began the year as WR1 in this draft, but he didn’t have as great of a year as many predicted after going for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023. I think he has the tools to be a great wideout in the NFL if a team can develop him properly, and he’s another guy that would make the fanbase very excited (especially if they go QB in the first).

Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State​

Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images

If Josh Simmons didn’t tear his patellar tendon midway through the season, he’d likely be a first round lock. But he did, and now he’s projected to fall into the second round and could be a steal for whoever gets him.

I know the Saints have a weird love for Trevor Penning and want to keep him at tackle, but personally, if I could get someone like Simmons in the second, I would jump on that opportunity. He’s 6-foot-5, 317-pounds and allowed one pressure in six games last season before his injury. If they want to go OL, he’ll probably be the best guy available if he makes it to 40.

Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo​

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

The final guy we’ll talk about at length is Toledo DT, Darius Alexander. The mid-major standout is a five-year player who has over 2,000 snaps of experience and is coming off a season where he racked up 3.5 sacks, 37 pressures and 40 tackles from the DT position.

Alexander is rising up draft boards as we speak and could be a sneaky late first round pick, but if he’s there at 40 and they want a DT, he should be the pick.

Here are some other notable names that could be available at pick 40:

• Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
• TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
• Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
• Jack Bech, WR, TCU

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...ho-should-the-saints-look-to-draft-in-round-2

 

[New Orleans Saints]

SB Nation Reacts Results: Should the Saints take a quarterback at No. 9?

Photo by John Smolek/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

26% of voters said...

With the 2025 NFL Draft less than a week away, in this week’s reacts poll, we asked our readers to give their thoughts on whether the New Orleans Saints should take a quarterback at No. 9?

Just 26% of voters said yes, a quarterback should be at the top of the Saints draft board, whether it is Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart.

No one knows what will happen on Thursday night, but with the uncertainty of Derek Carr’s shoulder injury possibly affecting his availability for the upcoming season it has to be something that is in the back of Mickey Loomis and Kellen Moore’s minds.

Check out all the draft related at FanDuel NFL Draft Odds: Betting and Prop Bets | FanDuel Sportsbook

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-should-the-saints-take-a-quarterback-at-no-9

 

[New Orleans Saints]

CSC Poll: Who do you want the Saints to draft with the #9 overall pick?

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

We’re less than a week from the NFL Draft, so who do we want?

With less than a week until the New Orleans Saints are on the clock, we asked our readers who would you like to see them draft with the 9th overall pick:

WEEKLY POLL QUESTION

With just 9 days to go until the 2025 #NFLDraft, who do you want the #Saints to draft with the 9th overall pick?

Comment below if you have a different player you would like to see the Saints pick

— Canal St. Chronicles (@SaintsCSC) April 15, 2025​

After 361 votes, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders won with 42% of the vote. With the news of Derek Carr’s shoulder injury, the Saints need for a quarterback is a bigger one as they face the potential of being without their starter for the whole season. Sanders is likely to be the second quarterback off the board regardless of who takes him, but there are some who have him ranked as the top quarterback in the draft such as ESPN’s Mel Kiper. Sanders is coming off another great season for the Buffalo’s, finishing 4th in the nation in yards, 2nd in touchdowns, 1st in completion percentage, and 5th passer rating while improving Colorado from 4 wins in 2023 to 9 in 2024.

A lot of people have been eager to criticize Sanders during the draft process because he is outspoken and has a famous father who is willing to speak up for his son. Much of the criticism thrown at Sanders is unfair and has little to do with his play of the field. I think that Sanders is the best pocket passer in the draft, has plenty of experience, has the size, arm, and football IQ to be a great NFL quarterback, but people who don’t even know him don’t like him because he is confident in his own abilities and wears a lot of jewelry. In my opinion, the Saints would be foolish to pass on Sanders if he is available, even if Carr is healthy.

Photo by CFP/Getty Images

Penn State tight end Tyler Warren earned the second most votes with 35.7%. Warren is the top-rated tight end in this draft and has the versatility to be a Taysom Hill like player. Warren finished 7th in college football in receiving yards with 1,233 and rushed 26 times for 218 yards and 4 touchdowns. In the eyes of some he may be the best skill position player on the board when the Saints are on the clock, at a position that they have a big need at.

Let's take a look at who else you suggested the Saints take in the first round:

QB Jaxson Dart Ole Miss

— Ang (@BigAnglind) April 15, 2025​

RB - Ashton Jeanty

— Jonathan Pendarvis (@j_pendarvis) April 15, 2025​

None of those are OL or DL. We need to get help on both sides of the line and setup the team to be successful for a future QB that we pick in 2026.

— Zach Cielencki (@zjc22) April 15, 2025​

WR McMillan or Will Cambell

Don’t force a QB this year if you’re not in love with Shadeur. Continue adding weapons to offense. See what Rattler does in ‘25. Either he’s your new QB or if he sucks, next season’s QB class is deeper, get your QB then with a ready made offense

— DJ (@ImTooMuch) April 16, 2025​

The Saints have so many holes that they can easily afford to take the best player available in the NFL Draft without having to worry about positions. Don’t be surprised if we wind up with a totally unexpected player as the newest member of the Saints come next week.

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...t-the-saints-to-draft-with-the-9-overall-pick

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints and Caesars team up to bring “Casino Fun Day” to Pontchartrain Park Senior Center

Megan Kottemann/Saints

This event was a part of their continued commitment to engaging with the community, offering fun, connection, and memorable experiences to fans of all ages.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2025, the New Orleans Saints and Caesars New Orleans teamed up to bring the excitement of the casino to the Pontchartrain Park Senior Center with a special “Casino Fun Day.”

Caesars provided both blackjack tables and professional dealers to create an authentic casino-style experience for senior members of the community. In addition to the fun and games, Saints Legends Rickey Jackson, Devery Henderson, and Patrick Swilling made a special appearance alongside the Saints Cheer Team.

Attendees also had the chance to win exclusive Caesars and Saints prize items during blackjack and bingo games.

This special event was part of the Saints and Caesars’ continued commitment to engaging with the New Orleans community, offering fun, connection, and memorable experiences to fans of all ages.

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...o-fun-day-to-pontchartrain-park-senior-center

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Gray: Pre-Draft Saints notable notes

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Schefter throws some cold water on Sanders at 9.

With the NFL Draft looming large this week we’re starting out Monday morning with a report from NFL Insider Adam Schefter. His information on the New Orleans Saints seems to dash some cold water on the thoughts of Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders at pick No. 9.

Schefter says there’s a belief around the league that the Saints are more interested in using a high pick on an offensive or defensive lineman. This makes our Caleb Yaccarino’s insight on New Orleans looking to trade up from Pick 40 with potentially an eye on a QB a little spicier.

Schefter reports that a personnel executive said: “I don’t think New Orleans is taking Shedeur. I think they’re hot and heavy on Jaxson Dart.” More on that here.

I thoroughly disagree on taking Dart at 9 but if they were to take him later in the first or even in the second, there’s worse things they could do. I would be curious to see how it works out with that many unproven QBs in the room (Rattler, Haener, Insert Late First/Early Second QB Here) assuming that Derek Carr is actually shelved all year.

If pick No. 9 goes to the defensive side of the ball, Moore, Jeff Ireland and Brandon Staley were all at Georgia last week visiting with Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams. I’d definitely feel better on Thursday night if their 9th pick goes to one of them rather than Dart.

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...re-nfl-draft-new-orleans-saints-notable-notes

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Hubbard’s final Saints mock draft: Kellen Moore gets his QB of the future

Photo by John Smolek/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Final predictions for what the New Orleans will do this weekend.

The New Orleans Saints are days away from (potentially) making their first top 10 pick in over a decade. They’re one of the hardest teams in the league to figure out right now. Rumors were swirling that they have their mind set on taking a quarterback, but now people are reporting it doesn’t feel like they’re going to take one at nine (which could very well be a diversion after the Patrick Mahomes fiasco).

Needless to say, Thursday is going to be a very interesting day, but so will the rest of the NFL Draft. The Saints absolutely need to nail this thing as they look to reload and give Kellen Moore a roster he can win with in year one.

I used PFF Mock Draft simulator for my final mock draft of the year. I know people have different preferences for what simulator to use, but PFF has always been my go-to. Here’s how things unfolded for me:

Round 1, Pick 9 - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State​

Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images

With Shedeur Sanders off the board, the top options left were Ashton Jeanty, Tyler Warren, Tetairoa McMillan, Mike Green and Will Johnson. There were a lot of different options I could’ve gone with, but I went with who I think is a top two player in this draft class.

The Saints can’t afford to be picky right now. Drafting a RB top 10 might not be the smartest move in a lot of eyes, but Jeanty is arguably the surest thing in this draft. It’s hard to imagine his game doesn’t translate to the next level, and we’ve seen what Kellen Moore can do with an elite RB. Alvin Kamara is still elite in my eyes, but Jeanty can give them 8+ years of great play at the position.

PFF Grade: A

TRADE: Round 1, Pick 20 - Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss​

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

This is my lone “shocker” in this mock. We know the Saints need a QB, we know Mickey Loomis likes to trade up and we know the Saints are interest in Jaxson Dart. All three of those things lead me to think they could make a move for Dart if he slips into the late first.

I have the Saints sending pick 40, a 2026 second and a 2026 sixth to the Denver Broncos for picks 20, 191 and 197. They leapfrog the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have a big need at QB, for the former Rebel. Dart is an accurate passer who has some good traits. I don’t necessarily love him as a prospect, but if they like him enough to go get him (and I think there’s a chance they do), I say go for it.

PFF Grade: F

Round 3, Pick 71 - Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee​

Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

With their first pick in the third round, I have the Saints selecting Omarr Norman-Lott. The former Volunteer racked up 16 pressures and four sacks last season while posting an 80.0 run defense grade.

I think this is a great year to get a mid-round DT. There’s a ton of talent at the position in this class (Daniel Jeremiah said he believes there’s almost twice as many DTs with a starting grade this year compared to last year), so you can find talent in the third or fourth rounds that might normally go in the second. I think getting someone like Norman-Lott here would be a massive get.

Round 3, Pick 93 - Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary​

Sorry, once again our two photo sources don’t have a pic of Grant.

Charles Grant is one of my favorite day 2 tackle prospects. The William & Mary standout didn’t play the best competition, but he put up some incredible stats. He gave up 32 pressures and four sacks in five seasons while playing over 1,170 pass blocking stats.

I know Saints fans hate to hear this word, but he’d be a bit of a project. However, you can afford to take a shot on a project in the third round, not the first round like they’ve done so many times over the years.

PFF Grade: A+

TRADE: Round 3, Pick 99 - Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green​

Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images

Another one of my favorite day 2 prospects is Harold Fannin. The former Bowling Green TE is one of the most prolific TEs in college football history. This past year, he set the NCAA record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season (1,550).

I had the Saints giving up picks 112, 191 and 197 for pick 99 and a 2026 sixth rounder to move up and grab Fannin. I don’t know if he actually makes it to pick 99 in real life, but he was sliding in this mock and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go get him.

PFF Grade: C+

Round 5, Pick 131 - Sai’vion Jones, DE, LSU​

Round 6, Pick 184 - R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson​

Round 7, Pick 248 - Theo Wease, WR, Missouri​

Round 7, Pick 254 - Garrett Dellinger, OT, LSU​

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-draft-kellen-moore-gets-his-qb-of-the-future

 

[New Orleans Saints]

The Browns and Giants are open to trading back in the NFL Draft, per report

Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images for ONIT

Could the Saints make a move?

The 2025 NFL Draft is only two days away, and trade rumors are rampant. Yesterday, it was reported that the New Orleans Saints were making calls to see if they could trade up from pick 40, and today, per Adam Schefter, the Cleveland Browns (No. 2) and the New York Giants (No. 3) are open to trading back from their first-round selections.

Browns and Giants are fielding trade calls for picks No. 2 and No. 3, per ESPN’s @PSchrags:https://t.co/pV2XiIOxZF

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 22, 2025​

This is an interesting scenario for the Saints. Trading up from pick 9 is very risky with how much needs to be fixed with this roster, and I think New Orleans should stay away from doing this, but Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter changes things.

These two prospects are the best players in this draft and are both massive needs for the Saints. Carter would be perfect in Brandon Staley’s defense and could finally be the productive/dominate edge rusher the Saints have needed for a long time. In Hunter’s case, he has earned the “generational talent’ title. Being able to play both WR and CB at extremely high levels is hard to do but also doing it in the altitude of Colorado should be impossible. Well, Hunter did just that. Also, the team who selects Hunter will now save money because they are paying one player to play two positions.

Obviously, it all depends on the price of trading up for these selections, but getting one of these top players on this roster may be worth it.

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...n-to-trading-back-in-the-nfl-draft-per-report

 

[New Orleans Saints]

If Ashton Jeanty is avaliable at pick nine, the Saints need to grab him

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Why the Boise State running back should be priority #1 in New Orleans

It’s officially NFL Draft week. That means fans and experts alike are solidifying who they want their team to select on night one.

The New Orleans Saints should closely monitor Ashton Jeanty, a running back out of Boise State. Other teams like the Raiders and Jets have also shown interest in him, but there is a chance that he falls to the Saints. If he does, the franchise should have its easiest decision in years.

Here are some reasons why.

Reason #1: Jeanty is the best college running back since Barry Sanders​

No other running back had a better season in 2024 than Ashton Jeanty, who in 14 games played had 374 rushing attempts for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also had receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown. Jeanty finished the year as a Heisman finalist, received the Doak Walker Award (which recognizes the best running back in college football), and was a unanimous first-team All-American.

Only Barry Sanders had a better season, back in 1988. Playing for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, the future NFL hall-of-famer played in 11 games with 344 rushing attempts for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Reason #2: Selecting Jeanty could lead to the revival of the boom-and-zoom​

Since Mark Ingram's departure in 2022, New Orleans has sorely missed the boom-and-zoom. Selecting Jeanty in the first round could bring its second coming, because if there’s one thing that’s known about him, it’s that he brings the boom.

A proven running game is also something that will be a giant benefit for whichever quarterback starts in 2025, whether that's Spencer Rattler or a rookie. Pressure would be much less present on the QB's shoulders.

Ashton Jeanty makes everything look so easy. Even running through tacklers. pic.twitter.com/OBtOSJAjWo

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) April 22, 2025​

Reason #3: Jeanty’s message to teams​

Ashton Jeanty also released a statement to NFL teams via the player’s tribune:

“I’ve taken the long way. I’m done with that way. If you pick me, it’s simple: I’m coming to your franchise to do what Saquon and the Eagles just did,” Jeanty said. “I’m coming to win big soon. It’s TACKLE football... you know what I’m saying? I’d draft the guy that can’t tackle.”

The confidence in the comment is what gives it an insane aura. Jeanty knows what he can do and how to do it, and he's ready for the next chapter. The potential in this running back is just too good to pass up.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...able-at-pick-nine-the-saints-need-to-grab-him

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints reportedly looking to trade back

Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Could the Black and Gold go against their traditional ways?

The New Orleans Saints have made calls about trading back in the 2025 NFL Draft with less than 24 hours left, according to a report from Jordan Schultz.

The #Saints have made calls about potentially sliding back slightly from No. 9 to acquire additional draft capital, with the leaguewide belief being they would then use those extra picks to trade back into the late first round to target a quarterback, sources tell @NFLonFOX.

New… pic.twitter.com/p7WHGA31ka

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 24, 2025​

The Black and Gold currently hold the 9th overall pick, but could be looking to stack picks in this year's draft.

Many reports have suggested that the Saints will be looking at quarterback in this draft with the Derek Carr situation, but considering the Saints haven't drafted a QB in the first round since Archie Manning, there's clearly some skepticism.

This is a philosophy that Mickey Loomis and his front office have typically avoided, but the Saints may be deciding to go against their ways with new head coach Kellen Moore.

The NFL Draft will begin Thursday night in Green Bay at 7:00 p.m.

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Make sure you follow Canal Street Chronicles on Twitter at @SaintsCSC, “Like” us on Facebook at Canal Street Chronicles, and make h you subscribe to our YouTube channel. Follow my personal page @MiguezMatt for more!

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2025/4/23/24415358/saints-reportedly-looking-to-trade-back

 

[New Orleans Saints]

NFL Draft 2025: How to watch the First Round

Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

Here is your one-stop shop to find when and where to watch night one of the 2025 NFL Draft!

The 2025 NFL Draft begins tonight in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The New Orleans Saints are currently slated to pick 9th in the first round, but of course that could change depending on any trades.

As usual, ESPN and NFL Network will air the draft simultaneously and this year ABC will continue to also carry the draft with a more story-based focus. ABC will be led by the College GameDay crew to take a look at the Draft from the collegiate perspective as well. All of the on-air personalities that will appear for their respective networks are listed below. Depending on who you like or dislike, you can choose which network you would prefer to watch the draft on.

***

2025 NFL Draft​

First Round - Thursday, April 24th​

Start Time - 5:00pm PST / 7:00pm CST / 8:00pm EST

***

ESPN​

Host - Mike Greenberg

Analysts - Louis Riddick, Booger McFarland, and Mel Kiper, Jr.

Reports - Adam Schefter

Interviews - Molly McGrath

Online Streaming and Mobile - espn.com/watch and ESPN App

***

NFL Network ​

Host - Rich Eisen

Analysts - Daniel Jeremiah, Charles Davis, and Joel Klatt

Reports - Kurt Warner and Ian Rapoport

Interviews - Jamie Erdahl

Online Streaming and Mobile - NFL.com and NFL App

***

ABC​

Host - Rece Davis

Analysts - Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Field Yates, and Nick Saban

Reports - Pete Thamel

Interviews - Laura Rutledge

Online Streaming and Mobile - abc.go.com and ABC App

***

ESPN Radio​

Host - Chris Carlin

Analysts - Mike Tannenbaum, Max Starks, Ian Fitzsimmons, and Jordan Reid

***

Enjoy the Draft, Who Dat Nation! Here’s to the Saints selecting a stellar draft class! You can check out all of the odds for the draft at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2025/4/24/24375753/nfl-draft-2025-how-to-watch-the-first-round

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Social media reactions: Saints Draft Day 1

Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Let’s check out what fans are saying.

Day 1 of the NFL Draft is over, and New Orleans Saints selected OT Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas with the 9th pick in the 1st round.

Let’s dive right into some of the immediate reactions:

No one is ever going to be excited about an offensive lineman, but if you end up with the best OT duo in the league in a few years ... no one is complaining.

Just think of where the Saints were with Armstead & Ramczyk rolling compared to the last few years. Banks has to deliver.

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) April 25, 2025​

There were time when Kelvin Banks felt like one of the more overthought prospects in the process.

He’s an athletic, powerful, experienced, extremely high character, 21-year old at a premium position.

Saints land a building block along their offensive line.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 25, 2025​

Kelvin Banks to the Saints. Him and Taliese Fuaga have to be their bookend tackles for the next 5 years+.

No more whiffing on offensive linemen picks.

— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) April 25, 2025​

I’m fine with it. Build the interior, hopefully you just got your LT for the next 10 years

— Brenden Ertle (@BrendenErtle) April 25, 2025​

Kelvin Banks checks all of the boxes the Saints look for in a top 10 pick. He should start from Day One and will be the Saints' most athletic offensive lineman since Terron Armstead.

— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) April 25, 2025​

I'm good with Kelvin Banks. Shore up the team and draft Arch in 1-2 years. #HookEm #WhoDat

— Clint Domingue (@clintdomingue) April 25, 2025​

Just got home, dust has settled. I really love the pick of Kelvin Banks

It’s not the sexy pick, but it’s a damn good one
pic.twitter.com/YgrRolN1oo

— Trizzy Trace (@tracegirouard48) April 25, 2025​

Kelvin Banks Jr. is “The Wall” and here to protect whoever the Saints’ QB will be.

He EARNED the 2024 Outland & Lombardi Awards after only allowing 1 sack and 7 pressures all last season.

From Humble, TX, to dominating the SEC, he’s the cornerstone your offensive line needs. pic.twitter.com/tujhzI5SuP

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) April 25, 2025​

My favorite picks from the first round:

Saints - Kelvin Banks Jr
Seahawks - Grey Zabel
Broncos - Jahdae Barron
Chargers - Omarion Hampton
Ravens - Malaki Starks

— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) April 25, 2025​

That’s all for today, we will be back tomorrow with reactions from the Saints selections on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/2025/4/25/24416617/social-media-reactions-saints-draft-day-1

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints select Virginia safety Jonas Sanker at No. 93 in the 2025 NFL Draft

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

New Orleans adds to their secondary.

The New Orleans Saints have selected Virginia safety Jonas Sankerat with the 93rd overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

With the 93rd pick in the Draft, the #Saints select:

Virginia Safety Jonas Sanker #SaintsDraft | @CoxComm pic.twitter.com/XoHV8SbRPk

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 26, 2025​

The 6-foot, 206 lbs. Charlottesville native was a two-time First-Team All-ACC selection and key piece of Virginia’s defense over the past two seasons. He led the Cavaliers in tackles in both 2023 and 2024, posting 107 and 98 stops respectively. Sankerat also recorded 8.5 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries in 2024. At the NFL Combine, he displayed strong athleticism with a 4.48-second 40-yard dash and a 36.5-inch vertical jump.

Stay tuned to CSC for a full breakdown, analysis and draft grades to be released shortly on Broughton.

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...jonas-sankerat-at-no-93-in-the-2025-nfl-draft

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints select Louisville CB Quincy Riley at No. 131 in the 2025 NFL Draft

Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

New Orleans goes with cornerback.

The New Orleans Saints have selected Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley with the 131st overall pick in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

With the 131st pick in the Draft, the #Saints select:

Louisville DB Quincy Riley #SaintsDraft | @CoxComm pic.twitter.com/elQwjjcW4m

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 26, 2025​

The 5’11” 194 lbs, Columbia, SC native was named to the second-team All-ACC, leading the Cardinals with 13 PBUs and tying the team lead with two interceptions during the 2024 season. Riley played in 10 games with 8 starts, tallying 33 tackles, three tackles for loss, one forced fumble. Prior to Louisville, Riley was a first-team All-Conference USA player for Middle Tennessee State in 2021.

Stay tuned to CSC for a full breakdown, analysis and draft grades to be released shortly on Riley.

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...-quincy-riley-at-no-131-in-the-2025-nfl-draft

 

[New Orleans Saints]

Saints select DL Fadil Diggs at No. 254 in the 2025 NFL Draft

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

New Orleans adds another piece to their defensive line.

The New Orleans Saints have selected Syracuse defensive lineman Fadil Diggs at No. 254 in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.

With the 254th pick in the Draft, the #Saints select:

Syracuse Edge Fadil Diggs #SaintsDraft | @CoxComm pic.twitter.com/utnBzLG3JR

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) April 26, 2025​

The 6’5’, 257lbs, East Camden, N.J. native transferred to Syracuse after graduating from Texas A&M and made an immediate impact as a team captain, starting all 12 regular-season games for the Orange. Throughout his collegiate career, he earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors in 2024 and served as a three-time team captain. Diggs totaled 120 career tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, and 15.5 sacks across his time at Texas A&M and Syracuse.

Stay tuned to CSC for a full breakdown, analysis and draft grades to be released shortly on Diggs.

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Source: https://www.canalstreetchronicles.c...l-fadil-diggs-at-no-254-in-the-2025-nfl-draft