Jennings’ prime NFL Draft suits for Saints

It’s no secret the New Orleans Saints have a number of roster wants heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, however these three areas want speedy consideration:

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DE Mike Inexperienced | Marshall Thundering Herd

It’s time for New Orleans so as to add some velocity off the sting. With Chase Younger set to grow to be a free agent and Cam Jordan getting up there in age, the Saints want to seek out somebody to enhance Carl Granderson—somebody they’ll construct their future round, as a result of it might not look like it, however Granderson is already 28 years outdated.

I perceive the hesitation from those that could also be cautious of taking an edge rusher so early, particularly contemplating the Saints’ previous three whiffs in Isaiah Foskey, Payton Turner, and Marcus Davenport. Nonetheless, Marshall Thundering Herd DE Mike Inexperienced is an intriguing prospect at choose No. 9, relying on how the remainder of the board falls, after all.

The 6’4”, 248-pound go rusher was completely dominant throughout his two-year faculty profession with the Herd. In 2023, Inexperienced posted a 90.4 general grade from Professional Soccer Focus (twelfth amongst 836 edge rushers), recording 6 sacks, 21 hurries, and three QB hits on simply 183 go rush snaps. He took his sport to a different stage in 2024, incomes a 92.4 general grade (2nd amongst 869) with 17 sacks, 32 hurries, 10 hits, and 1 batted go on 356 go rush snaps. Regardless of his 20.1% go rush win price and 91.4 go rush grade this previous season, Inexperienced wasn’t only a drive within the passing sport—he additionally earned a 90.2 run protection grade with a 9.4% run-stop price.

I’ve been excessive on Inexperienced for fairly a while, however his efficiency throughout this 12 months’s Reese’s Senior Bowl observe final week has all however solidified my confidence within the incoming edge rusher. He proved that velocity isn’t the one power in his sport, showcasing his bull rush in opposition to former Oregon Geese OT Josh Conerly Jr. in a set of drills:

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WR Elic Ayomanor | Stanford Cardinal

The Saints want a man who might be that over-the-middle, contested catch machine at receiver. Since Michael Thomas’ departure, they’ve been making an attempt to drive Chris Olave into that position, which finally hasn’t labored out. You get one of the best out of Olave if you let him do what he does greatest—burn defenders together with his velocity and twitchy route working. Moreover, I wouldn’t say {that a} bodily, body-on-the-line play model is right for the longevity of his profession, particularly contemplating the variety of head accidents he’s suffered.

That mentioned, Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor has been on my radar ever since his stellar efficiency in opposition to the Colorado Buffaloes in 2023:

The 6’2”, 210-pound wideout was as constant as they arrive throughout his two-year faculty profession:

2023: 63 receptions on 107 targets for 1,022 yards (16.2 per catch) and 6 touchdowns.

2024: 63 receptions (14 contested) on 109 targets for 831 yards (13.2 per catch) and 6 touchdowns.

He really jogs my memory plenty of Michael Thomas (6’3”, 212-pounds)—nice route working, a giant body, and excellent physique management. I’d additionally say he’s a bit extra versatile as a deep risk. A trio of Olave, Ayomanor, and Rashid Shaheed may trigger issues for opposing defenses and make life so much simpler for whoever is at QB for the Saints in 2025. I’d anticipate him being taken between rounds two and three.

Picture by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire by way of Getty Photos

TE Elijah Arroyo | Miami Hurricanes

If anybody’s inventory has skyrocketed following the Senior Bowl, it’s Miami Hurricanes TE Elijah Arroyo.

The Saints want a spark at tight finish. Juwan Johnson simply hasn’t taken the leap many anticipated, you already know what Foster Moreau brings to the desk, and 34-year-old Taysom Hill will almost definitely miss time to start out the season as he recovers from his torn ACL.

Arroyo, standing at 6’4” and 245 kilos, is among the extra fascinating prospects in a draft loaded with expertise at tight finish. He’s one of many higher route runners you’ll discover at his measurement and has been labeled a “matchup nightmare.” It’s clear how a lot the offense thrives when Juwan is concerned, and Arroyo may very well be the vertical risk this offense has been lacking.

In his 2024 season with the Hurricanes, Arroyo tallied 35 receptions on 47 targets for 590 yards (16.9 per catch) and seven touchdowns. He had simply 1 drop and completed his junior marketing campaign with a 71.9 general grade and a 73.8 receiving grade from PFF. Arroyo’s 9.1 yards after the catch per reception, 8 deep catches, and 255 deep yards all rank 4th amongst tight ends with a minimal of 25+ targets.

To say the least, Arroyo was downright unstoppable on the Senior Bowl:

Spherical two is trying more and more extra possible for Arroyo. I wouldn’t be stunned if he sneaks into the primary.