The New Orleans Saints’ roster will have a lot more of a future outlook by the time the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around. Free agency and salary cap cut candidates will mold what they look like before grabbing a rookie class.
In Lance Zierlein’s latest mock draft, the Saints tried to boost their defensive line with a prospect that dominated at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Saints pick Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M
The Saints could try to trade out if the board falls like this, but in this scenario, they make the risk/reward pick in Stewart. Hopefully, he can take the torch from Cam Jordan, who’s turning 36 this summer.
Stewart cobituned his rise in mock drafts because of his performance in Indianapolis. He showed off his unbelievable athleticism and ridiculous size.
Now, with Abdul Carter sidelined, Stewart has stolen the headlines. He became the third edge defender in more than 25 years to run a sub-4.7 40-yard dash, leap at least 40 inches, and have a broad jump of at least 117 inches. The other two were No. 1 picks Myles Garrett and Mario Williams
His showing cannot be overlooked, and I’d expect many NFL teams to be impressed by the outing. New Orleans has always valued massive, athletic defenders along their defensive line, and Stewart fits that bill.
His blend of mobility and stature did not translate to his numbers in college, though. Stewart didn’t produce at a high level in the box score, with only 4.5 career sacks and relatively average overall pressure stats during his three-year timeline in college.
As far as the Saints’ depth off the edge, they lack talent there. Carl Granderson is locked down long-term, but Cam Jordan’s future remains cloudy. Chase Young is an impending free agent, too.
Stewart’s ceiling in this year’s first round seems to be fourth overall to the New England Patriots, so don’t be shocked if he’s on the Saints’ radar if he is still on the board by then.
