New Orleans Saints 1st Round Mock Draft: Exploring Potential First-Round Picks
New Orleans Saints 1st Round Mock Draft: The New Orleans Saints are currently facing a challenging salary cap situation as they work to build a competitive roster despite recent underperformance. Among their key moves, they have added safety Justin Reid and re-signed tight end Juwan Johnson and edge rusher Chase Young. However, there are still questions about whether these decisions will genuinely strengthen the team. GM Mickey Loomis continues to punt on a full salary cap reset, opting to restructure deals whenever possible to remain in the middle of the pack in the NFC.
The Saints, under new head coach Kellen Moore, are sticking with veteran quarterback Derek Carr, who will be 34 during the 2025 season. He is not viewed as a long-term solution for the team’s future, and his availability for this season is up in the air with news of Carr’s shoulder injury. With the NFC South becoming increasingly competitive, the Saints may consider adjusting their strategy as they approach the upcoming NFL Draft.
It’s been a busy offseason to date for New Orleans, but this club still has holes to fill, and they should be able to land an impactful 2025 asset here in the back end of the top 10. With the salary cap restraints, it’s even more important for the Saints to hit on a pick this high in the first round.
New Orleans Saints 1st Round Mock Draft
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
The 21-year-old early declare and three-year starter at left tackle possesses a well-rounded skill set for his 6’6″, 323-pound frame. Over three seasons, he allowed just 5 sacks in 2,553 snaps, including an impressive 24-game streak without giving up a sack. In 2023, he played every offensive snap in 7 of 8 SEC games, contributing to an offense that led the nation in scoring (45.5 points per game) and total yards (543.5 yards per game).
Campbell is agile and balanced, demonstrating a calm presence in pass protection with a 3% pressure rate against outside rushers. He faced more challenges with inside moves (10% pressure rate) but excels in the run game with good body control. His ability to call out blitzers showcases his leadership and versatility on the field.
His performance earned him the No. 7 patch, making him the first offensive lineman in LSU history to receive this honor. His durability, leadership, and dominant play established him as a respected team captain.
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The senior emerged as Penn State’s top pass-catching option, excelling in the slot with impressive route-running skills. His 6-foot-6 frame allows him to effectively shield defenders on seam routes and fades, while his spatial awareness helps him find soft spots in zone coverage. He has numerous highlight-reel catches, making him a key red zone target and a mismatch for smaller defensive backs.
Though he is a physical athlete, he relies more on strength than agility to evade defenders. At 6’6″ and 255 pounds, he shows potential as an in-line blocker, something that separates him from the other top tight end in this class, Colston Loveland. Warren’s background as a former quarterback enhances his football IQ, allowing him to read coverages effectively.
Warren is a natural leader with contagious energy and competitiveness, motivating his teammates with his aggressive play style. He’s rumored to be in play at pick 7 for the Jets, but I think it’s unlikely he falls past the Colts here if he’s still on the board.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
If Will Johnson had been eligible for the NFL Draft after the 2023 season, he would likely have been a high pick due to his standout performance as a sophomore. However, a toe and leg injury sidelined him for half the season. Before the injury, he was a reliable shutdown cornerback, effectively matching up against top receivers. While he does not possess elite speed, his instincts, and pre-snap recognition help him position himself well against opponents.
At 22 years old, Johnson is a composed and fluid athlete suited for zone coverage. At 6’2″ and 202 pounds, he has good length and change-of-direction skills, making him ideal for modern NFL defenses. His smooth backpedal and timing are impressive, though he mainly excels in off-coverage, where he can leverage his natural understanding of the game.
He struggled against receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze downfield, as Michigan frequently employed man coverage, which raised some questions about his skills in that area. Johnson will need medical clearance for his toe injury, but his intelligence, size, and instincts position him well for teams prioritizing zone coverage. The Saints are going to need cornerback depth now that Paulson Adebo and Marshon Lattimore are gone.
