As the 2025 NFL Draft looms just days away, speculation is swirling and predictions are heating up — especially in New Orleans, where the Saints are poised to make one of their most critical selections in over a decade. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore may finally get his man, according to my final Saints mock draft, which forecasts the franchise making a bold move to secure their quarterback of the future.
For the first time since the Drew Brees era, the Saints are in a prime position to address the one glaring question that’s haunted the team for years: Who is the next face of the franchise under center?
A Rare Top-10 Opportunity
New Orleans currently holds the No. 9 overall pick — a rarity for a team that’s historically found itself drafting in the latter half of the first round. This draft slot gives the Saints a real opportunity to reshape their identity on offense, and many around the league believe they won’t waste it.
While early rumors suggested the Saints might lean toward a defensive pick or trade down, recent developments point to a change in strategy. According to multiple league sources and front office whispers, Kellen Moore has been heavily involved in pre-draft evaluations and reportedly pushed hard for a top-tier quarterback.
In this final mock draft, the Saints do exactly that: selecting Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, a polished, high-IQ signal caller with championship pedigree and a proven ability to thrive under pressure. McCarthy, who led the Wolverines to a national title, fits the mold of a Moore-style quarterback — smart, mobile, efficient, and adaptable.
Why McCarthy?
McCarthy may not have the cannon arm of some of his peers, but his accuracy, leadership, and poise make him a perfect fit for the Saints’ system. Under Moore’s guidance, he could develop quickly and bring much-needed stability to the quarterback room, which has seen a carousel of short-term solutions in recent seasons.
“He checks every box for what the Saints need right now,” one NFC scout told me. “He’s a winner, he’s coachable, and he’s tough. Moore will love working with him.”
With Derek Carr entering the twilight of his career and uncertainty around the long-term viability of backups on the roster, this move signals a definitive pivot toward the future.
Other Notable Picks in the Mock
Beyond the splash at quarterback, the Saints address multiple needs throughout the draft:
Round 2: EDGE rusher to strengthen a front seven that’s lost key contributors in free agency.
Round 3: Wide receiver with vertical speed to complement Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
Day 3 Picks: Depth at cornerback, interior offensive line, and linebacker.
The goal is clear — retool around a young quarterback and give Moore the offensive tools to build a system that mirrors his innovative philosophy.
A Draft That Could Define an Era
If this prediction holds true, it may mark a new era for New Orleans football — one led by Kellen Moore’s vision and a fresh face at quarterback. With the NFC South wide open and the Saints searching for a post-Brees identity, this could be the year the team finally turns the page.
Whether McCarthy or another prospect ends up wearing black and gold on Thursday night, one thing is certain: the Saints are finally ready to take a leap of faith into their future.
Stay tuned as the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night. Coverage begins at 7 PM CDT — and if this mock holds up, it could be one of the most exciting nights in recent Saints history.
